Important Updates
Important Updates
January 20, 2026 | CanadaCTV Your Morning: Canada's Immigration System
January 21, 2026Fragomen Report Highlights Global Worker Shortfall of 85 Million by 2030
January 21, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
January 20, 2026Asia Pacific: Processing Delays and Closures Around Lunar New Year
January 20, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Family Reunification Permanent Residence Pathway for Ukrainian Citizens Announced
January 20, 2026 | CanadaCTV Your Morning: Canada's Immigration System
January 21, 2026Fragomen Report Highlights Global Worker Shortfall of 85 Million by 2030
January 21, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
January 20, 2026Asia Pacific: Processing Delays and Closures Around Lunar New Year
January 20, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Family Reunification Permanent Residence Pathway for Ukrainian Citizens Announced
January 20, 2026 | CanadaCTV Your Morning: Canada's Immigration System
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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, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York, NY

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, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York, NY

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, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York, NY

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

Listed in Chambers USA, 2021-2025

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, “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

January 22, 2026 — January 23, 2026 | Conference

2026 EB-5 & Global Immigration Expo Newport BeachRead more

December 15, 2025 | Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B VisasRead more

October 21, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more
More related insights

Chad’s insights

January 22, 2026 — January 23, 2026 | Conference

2026 EB-5 & Global Immigration Expo Newport BeachRead more

December 15, 2025 | Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B VisasRead more

October 21, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more
More related insights

Chad’s insights

January 22, 2026 — January 23, 2026 | Conference

2026 EB-5 & Global Immigration Expo Newport BeachRead more

December 15, 2025 | Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B VisasRead more

October 21, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead 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, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Chad’s insights

January 22, 2026 — January 23, 2026 | Conference

2026 EB-5 & Global Immigration Expo Newport BeachRead more

December 15, 2025 | Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B VisasRead more

October 21, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead 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, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Chad’s insights

January 22, 2026 — January 23, 2026 | Conference

2026 EB-5 & Global Immigration Expo Newport BeachRead more

December 15, 2025 | Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B VisasRead more

October 21, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead 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, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Chad’s insights

January 22, 2026 — January 23, 2026 | Conference

2026 EB-5 & Global Immigration Expo Newport BeachRead more

December 15, 2025 | Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B VisasRead more

October 21, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news

Fragomen Report Highlights Global Worker Shortfall of 85 Million by 2030Learn more

Media mentions

CTV Your Morning: Canada's Immigration System

Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s immigration system, noting backlogs, impacts on students and labour gaps tied to current immigration levels.

Learn more

Media mentions

Westlaw Today: US Green Card by Investment: EB-5 and Gold Card Options for Middle Eastern Investors

Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni discuss US investment-based immigration options for Middle Eastern investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Why Degree Equivalency Matters in the UAE 

Partner Ali Haider, Director Shoaib Khaleeli, Manager Ruaida Hussein and Senior Immigration Consultant Katerina Hornickova examine why degree equivalency has become mandatory in the United Arab Emirates and how the process affects employment, professional licensing and visa eligibility.

Learn more

Video

Applying for German Citizenship: A Guide to Naturalization

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler explains key eligibility requirements for naturalization in Germany, including residence, language proficiency and financial self-sufficiency, as well as family eligibility considerations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Wage-Weighted H-1Bs Will End “Level Playing Field”

Partner Bo Cooper explains the impact of wage‑weighted selection on H‑1B registration and compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: What Maduro’s Seizure Means for Venezuelan Students Abroad

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how heightened government scrutiny affecting students from countries such as Venezuela is shaping travel guidance for those studying in the US.

Learn more

Media mentions

Lexology Pro: H-1B Programme Braces for New Rules and Uncertainty in 2026

Partner K. Edward Raleigh highlights how recent H-1B changes are shaping employer compliance strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: Number of Work Permits Issued Last Year Drops by Almost a Quarter

Practice Leader Colm Collins explains that processing delays, shifting demand in information and communication technology (ICT) and renewal cycles contributed to last year’s drop in work permit approvals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Canada's Immigration System Is Reaching a Breaking Point: Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association

Partner Rick Lamanna examines current pressures on Canada’s immigration system, including processing delays, reduced admissions and policy uncertainty and the implications for applicants and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Employer of Record and Body Leasing in Switzerland: Compliance Risks and Key Updates

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines how Swiss authorities assess Employer of Record and body-leasing models, highlighting key compliance risks, licensing requirements and a regulatory update affecting EU and EFTA nationals effective 1 January 2026.

Learn more
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Media mentions

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Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how courts in Poland are reinforcing timely processing and constitutional protections for foreigners.

Learn more

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Fragomen Report Highlights Global Worker Shortfall of 85 Million by 2030Learn more

Media mentions

CTV Your Morning: Canada's Immigration System

Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s immigration system, noting backlogs, impacts on students and labour gaps tied to current immigration levels.

Learn more

Media mentions

Westlaw Today: US Green Card by Investment: EB-5 and Gold Card Options for Middle Eastern Investors

Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni discuss US investment-based immigration options for Middle Eastern investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Why Degree Equivalency Matters in the UAE 

Partner Ali Haider, Director Shoaib Khaleeli, Manager Ruaida Hussein and Senior Immigration Consultant Katerina Hornickova examine why degree equivalency has become mandatory in the United Arab Emirates and how the process affects employment, professional licensing and visa eligibility.

Learn more

Video

Applying for German Citizenship: A Guide to Naturalization

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler explains key eligibility requirements for naturalization in Germany, including residence, language proficiency and financial self-sufficiency, as well as family eligibility considerations.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Wage-Weighted H-1Bs Will End “Level Playing Field”

Partner Bo Cooper explains the impact of wage‑weighted selection on H‑1B registration and compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: What Maduro’s Seizure Means for Venezuelan Students Abroad

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how heightened government scrutiny affecting students from countries such as Venezuela is shaping travel guidance for those studying in the US.

Learn more

Media mentions

Lexology Pro: H-1B Programme Braces for New Rules and Uncertainty in 2026

Partner K. Edward Raleigh highlights how recent H-1B changes are shaping employer compliance strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Irish Times: Number of Work Permits Issued Last Year Drops by Almost a Quarter

Practice Leader Colm Collins explains that processing delays, shifting demand in information and communication technology (ICT) and renewal cycles contributed to last year’s drop in work permit approvals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Canada's Immigration System Is Reaching a Breaking Point: Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association

Partner Rick Lamanna examines current pressures on Canada’s immigration system, including processing delays, reduced admissions and policy uncertainty and the implications for applicants and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Employer of Record and Body Leasing in Switzerland: Compliance Risks and Key Updates

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines how Swiss authorities assess Employer of Record and body-leasing models, highlighting key compliance risks, licensing requirements and a regulatory update affecting EU and EFTA nationals effective 1 January 2026.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Cudzoziemców też chroni konstytucja

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how courts in Poland are reinforcing timely processing and constitutional protections for foreigners.

Learn more

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