Chad Blocker

Partner

Chad Ellsworth

Chad Blocker
Chad Blocker
  • People

Partner

Chad Ellsworth

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  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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[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

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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

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

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

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

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

Chad’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

IIUSA Adjustment of Status (AOS) Roadshow – Bay AreaRead 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

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

IIUSA Adjustment of Status (AOS) Roadshow – Bay AreaRead 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

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

IIUSA Adjustment of Status (AOS) Roadshow – Bay AreaRead 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

October 22, 2026 | Conference

2026 GME Leaders Exchange | San FranciscoRead more

September 10, 2026 | Conference

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

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how proposed changes to the H-1B salary exemption threshold could affect US employers’ hiring practices and why enactment this year remains unlikely.

Learn more

Video

Family Reunification in Germany: Who Qualifies and How Does It Work?

In this video, Fragomen Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains who may qualify for family reunification in Germany, the requirements that may apply, employment and education rights for accompanying family members and important considerations when preparing an application.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how digitalization is transforming immigration procedures in Poland and how law firms can adapt to evolving client expectations.

Learn more

Blog post

Who Qualifies for Costa Rica Permanent Residence?

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains who may qualify for permanent residence in Costa Rica, the key benefits of permanent status and important considerations for foreign nationals planning to live and work in the country long term.

Learn more

Media mentions

BioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how H-1B visa changes, including the $100,000 fee and weighted selection process, are affecting biopharma hiring and access to global talent.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

EU Visa Code Reform: Priorities for Better Schengen Business Travel

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm outline Fragomen Consulting Europe’s recommendations for EU Visa Code reform, including more consistent business travel rules, improved visa appointment access, greater transparency and a potential Schengen-wide trusted-employer framework.

Learn more

Blog post

Argentina Announces New Citizenship by Investment Programme: What Investors Need to Know

In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how proposed changes to the H-1B salary exemption threshold could affect US employers’ hiring practices and why enactment this year remains unlikely.

Learn more

Video

Family Reunification in Germany: Who Qualifies and How Does It Work?

In this video, Fragomen Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains who may qualify for family reunification in Germany, the requirements that may apply, employment and education rights for accompanying family members and important considerations when preparing an application.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how digitalization is transforming immigration procedures in Poland and how law firms can adapt to evolving client expectations.

Learn more

Blog post

Who Qualifies for Costa Rica Permanent Residence?

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains who may qualify for permanent residence in Costa Rica, the key benefits of permanent status and important considerations for foreign nationals planning to live and work in the country long term.

Learn more

Media mentions

BioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how H-1B visa changes, including the $100,000 fee and weighted selection process, are affecting biopharma hiring and access to global talent.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

EU Visa Code Reform: Priorities for Better Schengen Business Travel

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm outline Fragomen Consulting Europe’s recommendations for EU Visa Code reform, including more consistent business travel rules, improved visa appointment access, greater transparency and a potential Schengen-wide trusted-employer framework.

Learn more

Blog post

Argentina Announces New Citizenship by Investment Programme: What Investors Need to Know

In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 30, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Amendments to Simplify and Streamline Labor Market Test, Other Alien Employment Permit Processes
October 30, 2026 | ChinaChina: APEC Business Travel Card Validity Extended
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Employment Permits Portal Offline Following Unauthorized Activity
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme Extended
October 30, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 30, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Amendments to Simplify and Streamline Labor Market Test, Other Alien Employment Permit Processes
October 30, 2026 | ChinaChina: APEC Business Travel Card Validity Extended
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Employment Permits Portal Offline Following Unauthorized Activity
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme Extended
October 30, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 30, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Amendments to Simplify and Streamline Labor Market Test, Other Alien Employment Permit Processes
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