adriana varela

Attorney

Adriana Varela

Adriana Varela
adriana varela
  • People

Attorney

Adriana Varela

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5490

F:+1 404 856 5555

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5490

F:+1 404 856 5555

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5490

F:+1 404 856 5555

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

Adriana is a Foreign Attorney and Director of Global Client Services in Fragomen's Atlanta office. Her practice includes working with clients to develop effective strategies for international business immigration while ensuring compliance with applicable international rules and regulations.

She also advises employers with global operations on immigration requirements for employees assigned to work in North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Prior to relocating to the United States, Adriana practiced law in Mexico as an associate for a renowned multi-practice firm. Subsequently, she served as in-house counsel for a Financial Group.

Adriana’s corporate and litigation background provide a singular and holistic perspective when advising companies on how to structure their immigration programs.

Education

  • Emory University, School of Law, Master of Law, 2009
  • Universidad La Salle, J.D., 1996

More from Adriana

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Mexico

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Professional accomplishments

Member of the Board of Directors, Refugee Family Services

Member, Hispanic National Bar Association

Member, International Bar Association

Member, Leadership Atlanta, Class of 2018

Board Chair, New American Pathways (helping Refugees and Georgia thrive)

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Bridging the Cultural Divide: Working Effectively and Compliantly with Diverse Clients and Local Counsel.” Center for International Legal Studies and AILA's Global Migration Section: Compliance in Global Immigration Practice, Budapest, Hungary, January 20, 2019.

Speaker, “Practice Advisory on Global Immigration.” 2017 AILA Georgia Alabama Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, January 2017.

Speaker, “Global Immigration.” Georgia Bar, Atlanta, Georgia, November 2016.

Speaker, “Refugee Resettlement.” John Lewis Fellowship, Humanity in Action, Atlanta, Georgia, July 2016.

Speaker, “Doing Business in Mexico: Legal Considerations.” Lecture, Doing Business with Mexico presented by ProMexico and LACC of Georgia, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2013.

Speaker, “Sending Employees to India - Brief Overview.” Lecture, USA India Business Summit’s Seminar on Immigration Challenges and new Proposals Affecting Employment of Indian Nationals in the U.S., Atlanta, Georgia, June 2013.

Speaker, “The Americas: An Overview.” Lecture, Global Personnel Alliance Annual Business Immigration Conference, Washington, D.C., May 2011.

Speaker, “Desafios de Imigração na América Latina.” Lecture, Mano de Obra Extranjera en Brasil e Brasileña em el Exterior presented by the German Chamber of Commerce in Brazil, Brasília, Brazil, October 2011.

Speaker, “Immigration Considerations for an International Transfer.” Lecture, Around the World Part II – The Americas, presented by Berry, Appleman & Leiden, Houston, Texas, September 2011.

Speaker, “Global Immigration Highlights.” Lecture, Global Personnel Alliance Annual Business Immigration Conference, Washington, D.C., May 2010.

Adriana’s insights

January 8, 2024 | Blog post

2024 Trending Topic: Business Visitor ComplianceRead more

Adriana’s insights

January 8, 2024 | Blog post

2024 Trending Topic: Business Visitor ComplianceRead more

Adriana’s insights

January 8, 2024 | Blog post

2024 Trending Topic: Business Visitor ComplianceRead more

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5490

F:+1 404 856 5555

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Adriana’s insights

January 8, 2024 | Blog post

2024 Trending Topic: Business Visitor ComplianceRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5490

F:+1 404 856 5555

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Adriana’s insights

January 8, 2024 | Blog post

2024 Trending Topic: Business Visitor ComplianceRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5490

F:+1 404 856 5555

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Adriana’s insights

January 8, 2024 | Blog post

2024 Trending Topic: Business Visitor ComplianceRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news

Fragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector

Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.

Learn more

Blog post

The J-1 Research Scholar Visa: An Underutilized Pathway for Employers to Retain Global Research Talent

Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Launches Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups Hiring Global Talent

In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Salary Changes: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Markt und Mittelstand: EU-Entsendung: Diese Fehler kosten Unternehmen bis zu 500.000 Euro

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.

Learn more

Podcast

Reality Check Pt. 3: Immigration Law in Pop Culture

Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.

Learn more

Blog post

Separating Fact and Fiction: Debunking Myths in German Citizenship Law

Manager Dr. Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German citizenship law, including birthright citizenship, dual citizenship, citizenship by descent and naturalization processing, and explains why eligibility often depends on specific legal requirements, timelines and documentation.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals Named 2026 TLC Lions Human Awards Americas Finalists

Partner Audrea Golding, Senior Associate Kyle Sommer and Senior Talent Development Director Wendy Milici have been named finalists in the 2026 TLC Lions Human Awards Americas, recognizing their contributions to human-centered leadership, workplace culture and inclusion.

Learn more

Media mentions

Biometric Update: Fragomen and SICPA Form JV to Join Digital Identity Market With End-to-End Platform

Fragomen and SICPA have launched a global joint venture to develop an end-to-end digital identity platform that enables secure identity verification, document authentication and verifiable credential management.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Trump Administration Eyes Tighter H-1B, Green Card and Student Visa Rules; Indians Could Be Among Most Affected

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how potential changes to H-1B visas, employment-based green cards and OPT could impact employers’ workforce planning and compliance obligations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector

Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.

Learn more

Blog post

The J-1 Research Scholar Visa: An Underutilized Pathway for Employers to Retain Global Research Talent

Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Launches Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups Hiring Global Talent

In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Salary Changes: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Markt und Mittelstand: EU-Entsendung: Diese Fehler kosten Unternehmen bis zu 500.000 Euro

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.

Learn more

Podcast

Reality Check Pt. 3: Immigration Law in Pop Culture

Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.

Learn more

Blog post

Separating Fact and Fiction: Debunking Myths in German Citizenship Law

Manager Dr. Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German citizenship law, including birthright citizenship, dual citizenship, citizenship by descent and naturalization processing, and explains why eligibility often depends on specific legal requirements, timelines and documentation.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals Named 2026 TLC Lions Human Awards Americas Finalists

Partner Audrea Golding, Senior Associate Kyle Sommer and Senior Talent Development Director Wendy Milici have been named finalists in the 2026 TLC Lions Human Awards Americas, recognizing their contributions to human-centered leadership, workplace culture and inclusion.

Learn more

Media mentions

Biometric Update: Fragomen and SICPA Form JV to Join Digital Identity Market With End-to-End Platform

Fragomen and SICPA have launched a global joint venture to develop an end-to-end digital identity platform that enables secure identity verification, document authentication and verifiable credential management.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Trump Administration Eyes Tighter H-1B, Green Card and Student Visa Rules; Indians Could Be Among Most Affected

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how potential changes to H-1B visas, employment-based green cards and OPT could impact employers’ workforce planning and compliance obligations.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
July 20, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: August 2026 Visa Bulletin – Modest Advancement for Several Employment-Based Categories; EB-1 India May Become Unavailable in Coming Weeks; USCIS to Accept Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories
July 20, 2026 | United KingdomFragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector
July 20, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
July 20, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Medical Report Requirement Waived for Certain Visa Types
July 20, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II Launched; Expressions of Interest Open
July 20, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: August 2026 Visa Bulletin – Modest Advancement for Several Employment-Based Categories; EB-1 India May Become Unavailable in Coming Weeks; USCIS to Accept Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories
July 20, 2026 | United KingdomFragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector
July 20, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
July 20, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Medical Report Requirement Waived for Certain Visa Types
July 20, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Trusted Employer Scheme Phase II Launched; Expressions of Interest Open
July 20, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: August 2026 Visa Bulletin – Modest Advancement for Several Employment-Based Categories; EB-1 India May Become Unavailable in Coming Weeks; USCIS to Accept Final Action Dates for Employment-Based Categories
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.