Chad Blocker

Partner

Chad Ellsworth

Chad Blocker
Chad Blocker
  • People

Partner

Chad Ellsworth

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • 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

September 10, 2026 | Conference

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read 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

September 10, 2026 | Conference

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read 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

September 10, 2026 | Conference

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read 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

September 10, 2026 | Conference

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

The Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how expanded UK right to work requirements will affect hospitality businesses using temporary and contingent workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Citeline: The People Behind The Pipeline: How The Global Race For Talent Is Reshaping Pharma

Partners Rajiv Naik and Hyla Kaplan Rosenberg explore how global talent policies are reshaping the biopharma industry.

Learn more

Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinute

Counsel Christopher L. Wendt discusses why J-1 exchange visitors should carefully evaluate health insurance options during open enrollment and how a proposed Department of State rule could increase the consequences of selecting coverage that does not meet applicable requirements.

Learn more

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2026 年9月アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

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Scottish Legal News: Scotland Needs Immigration Rules Built for Scotland’s Economy

Director Kelly Hardman examines proposals for a more tailored immigration framework in Scotland that reflects the country’s economic, workforce and demographic needs.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Practice Leader Olga Nechita outlines common pathways to obtaining a second passport and key considerations for prospective applicants.

Learn more

Blog post

Malta Citizenship by Merit and Vision 2050: Who May Qualify and What Contributions Matter?

Director Isobel Neilson and Manager Sophie Jo Wasson examine how Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework considers exceptional achievement and contribution alongside the country’s long-term priorities under Vision 2050, and what applicants should consider when developing a credible case.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: UK Right to Work Check Changes: What Businesses Need to Know

Partner Naomi Goldshtein discusses how new UK right to work requirements extend beyond direct employees and the steps businesses should take to understand and manage workforce compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

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Partners Aviva Meerschwam and Christine Sullivan, Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and Junior Immigration Consultant Gabriela Gonzalez examine how the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty operates in the Netherlands and the US, and what the differences mean for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses pursuing transatlantic growth.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named a Top 10 Finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup

Fragomen is a Top 10 finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup, Cartus’ highest supplier honor recognizing exceptional service, collaboration, innovation and commitment to clients and relocating employees.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Proposed $103,265 H-1B Is Changing Talent Acquisition Strategy

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the proposed $103,265 H-1B fee, potential legal challenges and its broader implications for employers and high-skilled immigration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Hidden Sacrifices of Chasing an H-1B Career in America

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how proposed changes to the H-1B program could affect workers facing layoffs and families navigating dependent visa status.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how expanded UK right to work requirements will affect hospitality businesses using temporary and contingent workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Citeline: The People Behind The Pipeline: How The Global Race For Talent Is Reshaping Pharma

Partners Rajiv Naik and Hyla Kaplan Rosenberg explore how global talent policies are reshaping the biopharma industry.

Learn more

Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinute

Counsel Christopher L. Wendt discusses why J-1 exchange visitors should carefully evaluate health insurance options during open enrollment and how a proposed Department of State rule could increase the consequences of selecting coverage that does not meet applicable requirements.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026 年9月アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Scottish Legal News: Scotland Needs Immigration Rules Built for Scotland’s Economy

Director Kelly Hardman examines proposals for a more tailored immigration framework in Scotland that reflects the country’s economic, workforce and demographic needs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Veranda: Want to Get a Second Passport? Here Are the 3 Universal Rules You Need to Know

Practice Leader Olga Nechita outlines common pathways to obtaining a second passport and key considerations for prospective applicants.

Learn more

Blog post

Malta Citizenship by Merit and Vision 2050: Who May Qualify and What Contributions Matter?

Director Isobel Neilson and Manager Sophie Jo Wasson examine how Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework considers exceptional achievement and contribution alongside the country’s long-term priorities under Vision 2050, and what applicants should consider when developing a credible case.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: UK Right to Work Check Changes: What Businesses Need to Know

Partner Naomi Goldshtein discusses how new UK right to work requirements extend beyond direct employees and the steps businesses should take to understand and manage workforce compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty at 70: How “Friendly” is it in Practice?

Partners Aviva Meerschwam and Christine Sullivan, Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and Junior Immigration Consultant Gabriela Gonzalez examine how the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty operates in the Netherlands and the US, and what the differences mean for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses pursuing transatlantic growth.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named a Top 10 Finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup

Fragomen is a Top 10 finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup, Cartus’ highest supplier honor recognizing exceptional service, collaboration, innovation and commitment to clients and relocating employees.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Proposed $103,265 H-1B Is Changing Talent Acquisition Strategy

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the proposed $103,265 H-1B fee, potential legal challenges and its broader implications for employers and high-skilled immigration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Hidden Sacrifices of Chasing an H-1B Career in America

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how proposed changes to the H-1B program could affect workers facing layoffs and families navigating dependent visa status.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 8, 2026 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?
October 8, 2026 | GermanyGermany: Residence Permit Exemption for Foreign Nationals Residing in Ukraine Extended
October 8, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: New Residence Permit Category Introduced for Certain Former Kuwaiti Nationals
October 8, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
October 8, 2026Middle East: Situation Updates
October 8, 2026 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?
October 8, 2026 | GermanyGermany: Residence Permit Exemption for Foreign Nationals Residing in Ukraine Extended
October 8, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: New Residence Permit Category Introduced for Certain Former Kuwaiti Nationals
October 8, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
October 8, 2026Middle East: Situation Updates
October 8, 2026 | United KingdomThe Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?
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