Chad Blocker

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Chad Ellsworth

Chad Blocker
Chad Blocker
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Chad Ellsworth

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T:+1 212 230 2826

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Fragomen in San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

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Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

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[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2826

F:+1 212 758 7215

Fragomen in San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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  • English

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[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2826

F:+1 212 758 7215

Fragomen in San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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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, 2021-2026

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

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

June 23, 2026 | Webinar

Trump Gold and Platinum Card Considerations for Startups, Tech Talent and High-Net-Worth IndividualsRead more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 4, 2026 | Media mentions

Silicon Valley Business Journal: Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Favors Deep-Pocketed Bay Area Firms Over Indian Staffing AgenciesRead more
More related insights

Chad’s insights

June 23, 2026 | Webinar

Trump Gold and Platinum Card Considerations for Startups, Tech Talent and High-Net-Worth IndividualsRead more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 4, 2026 | Media mentions

Silicon Valley Business Journal: Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Favors Deep-Pocketed Bay Area Firms Over Indian Staffing AgenciesRead more
More related insights

Chad’s insights

June 23, 2026 | Webinar

Trump Gold and Platinum Card Considerations for Startups, Tech Talent and High-Net-Worth IndividualsRead more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 4, 2026 | Media mentions

Silicon Valley Business Journal: Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Favors Deep-Pocketed Bay Area Firms Over Indian Staffing AgenciesRead 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

Fragomen in San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Chad’s insights

June 23, 2026 | Webinar

Trump Gold and Platinum Card Considerations for Startups, Tech Talent and High-Net-Worth IndividualsRead more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 4, 2026 | Media mentions

Silicon Valley Business Journal: Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Favors Deep-Pocketed Bay Area Firms Over Indian Staffing AgenciesRead 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

Fragomen in San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Chad’s insights

June 23, 2026 | Webinar

Trump Gold and Platinum Card Considerations for Startups, Tech Talent and High-Net-Worth IndividualsRead more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 4, 2026 | Media mentions

Silicon Valley Business Journal: Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Favors Deep-Pocketed Bay Area Firms Over Indian Staffing AgenciesRead 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

Fragomen in San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Chad’s insights

June 23, 2026 | Webinar

Trump Gold and Platinum Card Considerations for Startups, Tech Talent and High-Net-Worth IndividualsRead more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 4, 2026 | Media mentions

Silicon Valley Business Journal: Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Favors Deep-Pocketed Bay Area Firms Over Indian Staffing AgenciesRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Die Blaue Karte EU 2026

Partner Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Corporate Relocations to the Gulf Retain Appeal

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses evolving corporate relocation strategies and sustained demand for moves to the Gulf.

Learn more

Blog post

Business Immigration After the Midterms (Part 3): Four Scenarios and What Employers Should Do Now

Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes post‑midterm business immigration risks in Part 3 of this blog series, outlining four possible election outcomes and the practical steps employers should take to prepare for increased enforcement and scrutiny.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Partner Natasha Catterson explains how the UK ETA scheme is changing business travel by requiring pre-travel digital approval for many visa-exempt visitors.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses the recent H-1B fee ruling and the potential for further appeals.

Learn more

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Partner Bo Cooper discussed a federal court decision vacating the $100,000 H-1B fee and noted that further legal proceedings are likely to shape the policy’s future.

Learn more

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Manager Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German immigration law, including EU Blue Card mobility, short-term work permissions, residence permit extensions and communication with immigration authorities.

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Media mentions

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Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen examines Germany's new Section 45c requirements and highlights key compliance considerations for employers recruiting talent from abroad.

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Video

Mexico Entry Requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

PitchBook: Trump’s $100K H-1B Fee Was Meant to Slow Foreign Tech Hiring. It May Not Be Working.

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.

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Video

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Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.

Learn more

Video

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In this Mobility Minute, Manager Minu Joseph discusses how academic qualification recognition is shaping hiring and workforce mobility in the United Arab Emirates and what employers should consider when planning international talent transfers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Die Blaue Karte EU 2026

Partner Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Corporate Relocations to the Gulf Retain Appeal

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses evolving corporate relocation strategies and sustained demand for moves to the Gulf.

Learn more

Blog post

Business Immigration After the Midterms (Part 3): Four Scenarios and What Employers Should Do Now

Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes post‑midterm business immigration risks in Part 3 of this blog series, outlining four possible election outcomes and the practical steps employers should take to prepare for increased enforcement and scrutiny.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: Can the Government Stop Overseas Employees Visiting the UK?

Partner Natasha Catterson explains how the UK ETA scheme is changing business travel by requiring pre-travel digital approval for many visa-exempt visitors.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee ruled unlawful

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses the recent H-1B fee ruling and the potential for further appeals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Congress’ Taxing Power Key to Trump Loss on $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Bo Cooper discussed a federal court decision vacating the $100,000 H-1B fee and noted that further legal proceedings are likely to shape the policy’s future.

Learn more

Blog post

Separating Fact and Fiction: Debunking Myths in German Immigration Law

Manager Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German immigration law, including EU Blue Card mobility, short-term work permissions, residence permit extensions and communication with immigration authorities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht: § 45c AufenthG – Gut gemeint, aber lückenhaft?

Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen examines Germany's new Section 45c requirements and highlights key compliance considerations for employers recruiting talent from abroad.

Learn more

Video

Mexico Entry Requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

PitchBook: Trump’s $100K H-1B Fee Was Meant to Slow Foreign Tech Hiring. It May Not Be Working.

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.

Learn more

Video

Swiss Naturalization: Understanding the Framework | #MobilityMinute

Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.

Learn more

Video

UAE Hiring Update: Degree Equivalency | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Minu Joseph discusses how academic qualification recognition is shaping hiring and workforce mobility in the United Arab Emirates and what employers should consider when planning international talent transfers.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
June 11, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
June 11, 2026 | GermanyDeutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Die Blaue Karte EU 2026
June 11, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
June 11, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Centralized Processing of Alien Employment Permits
June 11, 2026 | QatarQatar: Qatarisation Developments - Aligning Talent with Market Needs via Kawader
June 11, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
June 11, 2026 | GermanyDeutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Die Blaue Karte EU 2026
June 11, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
June 11, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Centralized Processing of Alien Employment Permits
June 11, 2026 | QatarQatar: Qatarisation Developments - Aligning Talent with Market Needs via Kawader
June 11, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
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