Important Updates
Important Updates
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal District Court Stays Termination of Yemen TPS
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Summer 2026 Travel Considerations for Foreign Nationals
April 30, 2026 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Earlier Extension Filing Announced
April 30, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: New Password Rule Could Delay Applications if Email Addresses are Invalid or Inaccessible
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal District Court Stays Termination of Yemen TPS
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Summer 2026 Travel Considerations for Foreign Nationals
April 30, 2026 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Earlier Extension Filing Announced
April 30, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: New Password Rule Could Delay Applications if Email Addresses are Invalid or Inaccessible
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
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Chad Blocker

Partner

Chad Ellsworth

Chad Blocker
Chad Blocker
  • People

Partner

Chad Ellsworth

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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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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[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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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

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, 2021-2025

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

April 29, 2026 — May 1, 2026 | Conference

2026 IIUSA EB-5 Industry ForumRead more

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
More related insights

Chad’s insights

April 29, 2026 — May 1, 2026 | Conference

2026 IIUSA EB-5 Industry ForumRead more

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
More related insights

Chad’s insights

April 29, 2026 — May 1, 2026 | Conference

2026 IIUSA EB-5 Industry ForumRead more

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
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

April 29, 2026 — May 1, 2026 | Conference

2026 IIUSA EB-5 Industry ForumRead more

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
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

April 29, 2026 — May 1, 2026 | Conference

2026 IIUSA EB-5 Industry ForumRead more

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
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

April 29, 2026 — May 1, 2026 | Conference

2026 IIUSA EB-5 Industry ForumRead more

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
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Work authorization

EB-5 I-526E Request For Evidence Trends: Loans and Property Sales

Senior Associate Tracey Kimberly explores the recent increase in RFEs for EB‑5 I‑526E petitions, highlighting heightened USCIS scrutiny of source-of-funds documentation—particularly in cases involving loan-based investments and property sale proceeds.

Learn more

Work authorization

The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

Director Audrey Morew examines how Nordic immigration systems, while increasingly digital and efficient, can embed compliance risk earlier in the process—placing greater responsibility on employers to ensure data accuracy, internal controls and long‑term compliance from the outset.

Learn more

Work authorization

Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa & Entry Requirements

Partner Rick Lamanna outlines Canada’s entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting visa and eTA processes, border expectations and special measures for participants to help travelers prepare for seamless entry during the tournament.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

Work authorization

EB-5 I-526E Request For Evidence Trends: Loans and Property Sales

Senior Associate Tracey Kimberly explores the recent increase in RFEs for EB‑5 I‑526E petitions, highlighting heightened USCIS scrutiny of source-of-funds documentation—particularly in cases involving loan-based investments and property sale proceeds.

Learn more

Work authorization

The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

Director Audrey Morew examines how Nordic immigration systems, while increasingly digital and efficient, can embed compliance risk earlier in the process—placing greater responsibility on employers to ensure data accuracy, internal controls and long‑term compliance from the outset.

Learn more

Work authorization

Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa & Entry Requirements

Partner Rick Lamanna outlines Canada’s entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting visa and eTA processes, border expectations and special measures for participants to help travelers prepare for seamless entry during the tournament.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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