Chad Blocker

Partner

Chad Ellsworth

Chad Blocker
Chad Blocker
  • People

Partner

Chad Ellsworth

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2826

F:+1 212 758 7215

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2826

F:+1 212 758 7215

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2826

F:+1 212 758 7215

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Chad has nearly 20 years of immigration experience and represents some of the firm’s largest information technology and financial services clients out of the Northeast and Northern California regions of the United States. He leads many of the firm’s New York-based financial and other professional services engagements. Separately, he also serves as the Managing Partner of Fragomen’s San Francisco office.

Chad’s practice focuses on representing large clients across multiple industry sectors, including global financial institutions, professional services firms, information technology organizations, private clients and entrepreneurs. He also has extensive experience representing students, graduates, executives, high net worth individuals and entrepreneurs in a wide variety of business travel, mobility and business immigration employment matters.

Chad’s U.S. and international immigration experience include assistance with immigration audit, compliance and enforcement matters. In addition, he helps advise on government relations strategies in key jurisdictions. Chad also advises key corporate stakeholders, including human resources personnel, global mobility specialists, legal departments and executives on a variety of global immigration issues. Chad has extensive experience with the establishment, enhancement and outsourcing of compliant global mobility programs, including but not limited to jurisdictions with less formalized immigration processes and procedures.

Chad also has deep experience providing legal support for the economic citizenship/residency programs utilized by most private clients. He advises many top executives and high net worth individuals on their immigration related travel, investments and/or other global business immigration needs.

Chad is a member of the firm’s People, Private Client and Pro Bono Committees and is a regular speaker at national and international immigration conferences, including for the American Immigration Lawyers Association, SelectUSA, Conference Board of Canada, Council for Global Immigration (formerly ACIP), Investment Migration Council, US-China Business Alliance, EB-5 Investors, Invest in America Shanghai Summit and Exhibition and Immigration Lawyers on the Web (ILW). He is also the author of numerous immigration related articles.

Education

  • Tulane University School of Law, J.D., 2002
  • University of Southern California, B.A., 1998

More from Chad

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York, New Jersey

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2026 to 2027

Listed in Chambers USA, 2021-2026

Named to Crain’s New York Business’ Notable LGBTQ Leaders, 2022

Listed among "Top 25 Immigration Attorneys," EB5 Investors Magazine, 2017, 2021, 2022

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, AILA National EB-5 Committee

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Trump Gold and Platinum Card Considerations for Startups, Tech Talent and High-Net-Worth Individuals.” Fragomen, Webinar, 23 June 2026.

Quoted, “Trump's H-1B overhaul favors deep-pocketed Bay Area firms over Indian staffing agencies.” Silicon Valley Business Journal, 4 May 2026.

Speaker, “CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B Visas.” ABC7, 12 December 2025.

Speaker, Global Mobility Executive Leaders Exchange | San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 21 October 2025.

Speaker, “Saudi Entrepreneurs, Students and Families Leading Business in a Diversified Global Marketplace.” Cross-Border Planning: Critical Issues Impacting Middle Eastern Business Families, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 8 October 2025.

Speaker, “USA Immigration Panel.” Investment Migration Forum, Dubai, UAE, 7 May 2025.

Speaker, “The Future of Mobility: Remote Work and Business Travel.” Global Mobility Executive (GME) Live Americas ’22, San Francisco, California, 24 May 2022.

Quoted, “2022 Forecast: What’s Next for Tech Workers?” The New Stack, 28 December 2021.

Quoted, “Golden Visas: The Investment Migration Industry Evolves Globally.” Mansion Global, 23 August 2020.

Quoted, “Shielded From Green Card Ban, EB-5 Investors Still At Risk.” Law360, 1 May 2020.

Quoted, “EB-5 Modernization Rule No Substitute for Legislative Fix.” Law360, 27 February 2019.

Speaker, “How Can Canada Become the Global Leader in Entrepreneur and Investor Immigration?” Entrepreneur & Investor Immigration Summit 2018, Ottawa, Canada, November 27-28, 2018.

Quoted, “Selling citizenship is big business—and controversial.” The Economist, 29 September 2018.

Author, “Emphasis on Compliance and SEC Interagency Cooperation a Year after the Appointment of Chief Nicholas Colucci to the USCIS Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5).” The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, Volume 22, No. 12 (December 2014): 18. Print.

Author, “Looking Elsewhere: Options for Investors in the Wake of Canada’s Termination of Two Key Visa Programs.” World of Expats, 2014. Web.

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

IIUSA Adjustment of Status (AOS) Roadshow – Bay AreaRead more
More related insights

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

IIUSA Adjustment of Status (AOS) Roadshow – Bay AreaRead more
More related insights

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

IIUSA Adjustment of Status (AOS) Roadshow – Bay AreaRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2826

F:+1 212 758 7215

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

IIUSA Adjustment of Status (AOS) Roadshow – Bay AreaRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2826

F:+1 212 758 7215

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

IIUSA Adjustment of Status (AOS) Roadshow – Bay AreaRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2826

F:+1 212 758 7215

San Francisco

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

IIUSA Adjustment of Status (AOS) Roadshow – Bay AreaRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Generic Insights

Fragomen news

2026年10月 米国移民法ダイジェストLearn more

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Fragomen Recognized in 2027 Best Law Firms® Rankings in the United States

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Law Firms®, earning a National Tier 1 ranking in Immigration Law and 16 regional rankings across the United States.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Underwater Hub: The Specialist Skills Needed to Deliver Future Offshore Projects

Director Kelly Hardman explores how early UK immigration planning and investment in domestic skills can help offshore businesses access the specialist expertise needed to deliver future projects.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Why ‘Hush Trips’ Can Pose Big Risks for Employers and Workers

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons explains the immigration, social security, insurance, employment law and tax risks that undisclosed international remote work can create for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Immigration After the Midterms: A New Congress, but Who Holds the Power?

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses the potential impact of the US midterm elections on immigration policy and the areas where bipartisan support could shape future developments.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Earned Settlement: When Immigration Status Becomes an Incentive for Growth and Compliance

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what the framework could mean for employers, including potential impacts on sponsorship costs, retention planning, employee communications and support for internationally mobile workers and their families.

Learn more

Blog post

What the 2026 Midterm Election Results Mean for U.S. Business Immigration and Employers

In a new blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh examines what the election results could mean for employers and where businesses should focus now, from immigration compliance and workforce planning to state response procedures and preparation for increased scrutiny.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: UK to Increase HPI Visa Cap and Expand Eligibility to 150 Universities

Manager Russell Hodges discusses how the HPI visa expansion could help UK employers attract global talent.

Learn more

Fragomen news

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Fragomen has opened new offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, expanding its presence and immigration capabilities across Asia Pacific.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Director: Global Mobility Risk Can No Longer Be an HR Afterthought

Partner Jack Kim discusses how organizations can take a more strategic approach to global mobility through actionable intelligence, proactive workforce planning and preparation for geopolitical disruptions.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

2026年10月 米国移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized in 2027 Best Law Firms® Rankings in the United States

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Law Firms®, earning a National Tier 1 ranking in Immigration Law and 16 regional rankings across the United States.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Underwater Hub: The Specialist Skills Needed to Deliver Future Offshore Projects

Director Kelly Hardman explores how early UK immigration planning and investment in domestic skills can help offshore businesses access the specialist expertise needed to deliver future projects.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Why ‘Hush Trips’ Can Pose Big Risks for Employers and Workers

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons explains the immigration, social security, insurance, employment law and tax risks that undisclosed international remote work can create for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Immigration After the Midterms: A New Congress, but Who Holds the Power?

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses the potential impact of the US midterm elections on immigration policy and the areas where bipartisan support could shape future developments.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Earned Settlement: When Immigration Status Becomes an Incentive for Growth and Compliance

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what the framework could mean for employers, including potential impacts on sponsorship costs, retention planning, employee communications and support for internationally mobile workers and their families.

Learn more

Blog post

What the 2026 Midterm Election Results Mean for U.S. Business Immigration and Employers

In a new blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh examines what the election results could mean for employers and where businesses should focus now, from immigration compliance and workforce planning to state response procedures and preparation for increased scrutiny.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: UK to Increase HPI Visa Cap and Expand Eligibility to 150 Universities

Manager Russell Hodges discusses how the HPI visa expansion could help UK employers attract global talent.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Expands Asia Pacific Presence with New Vietnam Offices

Fragomen has opened new offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, expanding its presence and immigration capabilities across Asia Pacific.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Director: Global Mobility Risk Can No Longer Be an HR Afterthought

Partner Jack Kim discusses how organizations can take a more strategic approach to global mobility through actionable intelligence, proactive workforce planning and preparation for geopolitical disruptions.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
November 5, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Minimum Salary Thresholds for Nitaqat Saudization Calculations to Increase
November 5, 2026 | Japan, United States2026年10月 米国移民法ダイジェスト
November 5, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Stricter Application Requirements Introduced for Training Visa
November 5, 2026 | United StatesFragomen Recognized in 2027 Best Law Firms® Rankings in the United States
November 5, 2026 | United KingdomGlobal Underwater Hub: The Specialist Skills Needed to Deliver Future Offshore Projects
November 5, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Minimum Salary Thresholds for Nitaqat Saudization Calculations to Increase
November 5, 2026 | Japan, United States2026年10月 米国移民法ダイジェスト
November 5, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Stricter Application Requirements Introduced for Training Visa
November 5, 2026 | United StatesFragomen Recognized in 2027 Best Law Firms® Rankings in the United States
November 5, 2026 | United KingdomGlobal Underwater Hub: The Specialist Skills Needed to Deliver Future Offshore Projects
November 5, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Minimum Salary Thresholds for Nitaqat Saudization Calculations to Increase
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