Important Updates
Important Updates
April 9, 2026 | JapanJapan: Tightened Documentation Requirement and Introduction of Language Requirement for Certain Work Visas
April 10, 2026 | CanadaCanada: New Immigration Oversight Framework Proposed in Alberta
April 10, 2026 | ColombiaColombia: System Updates to SITAC Platform Cause Temporary Immigration Processing Delays
April 10, 2026 | EcuadorEcuador: Online Visa System Rollout Causes Processing Delays
April 10, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
April 9, 2026 | JapanJapan: Tightened Documentation Requirement and Introduction of Language Requirement for Certain Work Visas
April 10, 2026 | CanadaCanada: New Immigration Oversight Framework Proposed in Alberta
April 10, 2026 | ColombiaColombia: System Updates to SITAC Platform Cause Temporary Immigration Processing Delays
April 10, 2026 | EcuadorEcuador: Online Visa System Rollout Causes Processing Delays
April 10, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
April 9, 2026 | JapanJapan: Tightened Documentation Requirement and Introduction of Language Requirement for Certain Work Visas
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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

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San Francisco CA 94111

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New York NY 10018

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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 in San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

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Fragomen in New York, NY

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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

Media mentions

Aviation Business News: A Tough Runway to UK Settlement - UK Aviation and the Impact of the Settlement Changes

Manager Adam Hickling outlines how proposed UK settlement reforms may affect the aviation sector’s ability to attract and retain skilled engineers and technicians.

Learn more

Video

Business Travelers into Switzerland | #MobilityMinute

Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.

Learn more

Video

Mexico: Bienvenidos! Immigration Rules for the World Cup in Mexico | #FragomenFC - Ep.17

Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.

Learn more

Video

Brazil Offshore Visa: Key Requirements Explained

Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.

Learn more

Media mentions

EB-5 Investors: Silicon Valley emerges as EB-5 hotspot for H-1B and F-1 visas

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

EB-5 Essentials: EB-5 for Africa and MENA: Processing Timelines, Travel Bans, and the 2026 Deadline

Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.

Learn more

Work authorization

German Offshore Wind Expansion: Compliance Essentials for Third-Country Nationals

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how Germany’s strictly territorial migration and employment laws impact the deployment of third‑country nationals in offshore wind projects, highlighting compliance risks arising from maritime zone boundaries, work authorization limits and Schengen documentation challenges.

Learn more

Work authorization

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and Schengen Overstays: New Risks and Legal Solutions

Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.

Learn more

Video

Welcome to the Great White North—Immigration Behind the Beautiful Game | #FragomenFC - Ep. 16

Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: DOL Wage Overhaul Adds to H-1B Sticker Shock for Employers

Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Care Talk Business: What the Casey Commission Means for Social Care’s Workforce

Manager Asif Hanif, Senior Immigration Consultant Georgia Marshall and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine how the Casey Commission could reshape workforce models, immigration policy and international recruitment in UK adult social care.

Learn more

Video

Staatsangehörigkeit Allgemein | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.

Learn more

Media mentions

Aviation Business News: A Tough Runway to UK Settlement - UK Aviation and the Impact of the Settlement Changes

Manager Adam Hickling outlines how proposed UK settlement reforms may affect the aviation sector’s ability to attract and retain skilled engineers and technicians.

Learn more

Video

Business Travelers into Switzerland | #MobilityMinute

Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.

Learn more

Video

Mexico: Bienvenidos! Immigration Rules for the World Cup in Mexico | #FragomenFC - Ep.17

Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.

Learn more

Video

Brazil Offshore Visa: Key Requirements Explained

Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.

Learn more

Media mentions

EB-5 Investors: Silicon Valley emerges as EB-5 hotspot for H-1B and F-1 visas

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

EB-5 Essentials: EB-5 for Africa and MENA: Processing Timelines, Travel Bans, and the 2026 Deadline

Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.

Learn more

Work authorization

German Offshore Wind Expansion: Compliance Essentials for Third-Country Nationals

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how Germany’s strictly territorial migration and employment laws impact the deployment of third‑country nationals in offshore wind projects, highlighting compliance risks arising from maritime zone boundaries, work authorization limits and Schengen documentation challenges.

Learn more

Work authorization

EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and Schengen Overstays: New Risks and Legal Solutions

Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.

Learn more

Video

Welcome to the Great White North—Immigration Behind the Beautiful Game | #FragomenFC - Ep. 16

Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: DOL Wage Overhaul Adds to H-1B Sticker Shock for Employers

Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Care Talk Business: What the Casey Commission Means for Social Care’s Workforce

Manager Asif Hanif, Senior Immigration Consultant Georgia Marshall and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine how the Casey Commission could reshape workforce models, immigration policy and international recruitment in UK adult social care.

Learn more

Video

Staatsangehörigkeit Allgemein | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key pathways to German citizenship, including descent-based eligibility and standard naturalization requirements and outlines important considerations for individuals exploring their options.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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