Photo of Christopher Wendt

Counsel

Christopher L. Wendt

Photo of Christopher Wendt
Photo of Christopher Wendt
  • People

Counsel

Christopher L. Wendt

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 612 355 6550

Minneapolis

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Ste 300

Minneapolis MN 55416

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 612 355 6550

Minneapolis

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Ste 300

Minneapolis MN 55416

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 612 355 6550

Minneapolis

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Ste 300

Minneapolis MN 55416

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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With nearly three decades of experience at the intersection of immigration law and healthcare, Christopher advises health care institutions, research organizations and academic medical centers on the full range of U.S. immigration matters affecting physicians, allied health professionals and international scholars. His practice spans every stage of the immigration process, from nonimmigrant status through permanent residence, including clinical care and research waivers.

Christopher’s experience includes 23 years at Mayo Clinic, where he served as in-house immigration counsel supporting one of the world's leading academic medical centers. This gives him a practical, institution-level perspective on the workforce, compliance and operational challenges facing healthcare organizations. He understands firsthand how immigration decisions affect patient care, research continuity, regulatory obligations and long-term talent strategy.

Clients describe Christopher as a strategic advisor who anticipates issues before they arise and structures guidance around what organizations are building, not only what they need today. They value his judgment under pressure and his ability to advocate clearly and directly when outcomes are uncertain, while remaining focused on the human impact of immigration decisions.

Christopher advises on program design, process improvement and risk management and has led the restructuring of internal and external immigration functions at large health systems. He holds a silver certification in business process analysis and has helped organizations build immigration programs that are efficient, scalable and aligned with long-term workforce planning.

His approach is also informed by personal experience navigating immigration systems, including international work and the challenges of maintaining lawful status, as well as later sponsoring a family member through the U.S. immigration process. Christopher maintains a longstanding commitment to access to justice and has provided pro bono representation to asylum seekers, permanent residence and naturalization applicants, advised nonprofit organizations and delivered training for churches through the Minnesota-Dakota AILA Chapter's faith-based taskforce.

For more than 15 years, Christopher also chaired the pro bono committee within Mayo Clinic's legal department, coordinating service opportunities across multiple legal disciplines. In 2025, he was appointed the inaugural chair of the Minnesota Board of Civil Legal Aid, an independent judicial branch agency responsible for ensuring access to high-quality civil legal services across all Minnesota counties.

Christopher speaks English and Russian.

Christopher advises on program design, process improvement and risk management and has led the restructuring of internal and external immigration functions at large health systems. He holds a silver certification in business process analysis and has helped organizations build immigration programs that are efficient, scalable and aligned with long-term workforce planning.

His approach is also informed by personal experience navigating immigration systems, including international work and the challenges of maintaining lawful status, as well as later sponsoring a family member through the U.S. immigration process. Christopher maintains a longstanding commitment to access to justice and has provided pro bono representation to asylum seekers, permanent residence and naturalization applicants, advised nonprofit organizations and delivered training for churches through the Minnesota-Dakota AILA Chapter's faith-based taskforce.

For more than 15 years, Christopher also chaired the pro bono committee within Mayo Clinic's legal department, coordinating service opportunities across multiple legal disciplines. In 2025, he was appointed the inaugural chair of the Minnesota Board of Civil Legal Aid, an independent judicial branch agency responsible for ensuring access to high-quality civil legal services across all Minnesota counties.

Christopher speaks English and Russian.

Education

  • University of Michigan Law School, J.D., cum laude, 1998
  • Beloit College, B.A., cum laude, 1993

More from Christopher

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Minnesota

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Named an Emerging Leader, Minnesota Supreme Court Legal Services Planning Committee, 2010-2011

Named an “Up and Coming Attorney”, Minnesota Lawyer, 2008

Hessel E. Yntema Award, 1997-1998

Professional accomplishments

Special Certifications:

Policy Fellow Certificate, Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 2015

Publications and lectures

Author, “Healthcare Horizons: What Healthcare Employers Should Watch in the 2026 Immigration Regulatory Agenda.” Fragomen, 17 August 2026.

Christopher’s insights

August 24, 2026 | Blog post

2026 Immigration Regulatory Changes: What Academic Medical Centers Need to KnowRead more

August 17, 2026 | Blog post

Healthcare Horizons: What Healthcare Employers Should Watch in the 2026 Immigration Regulatory AgendaRead more

June 17, 2026 | Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care WorkersRead more
More related insights

Christopher’s insights

August 24, 2026 | Blog post

2026 Immigration Regulatory Changes: What Academic Medical Centers Need to KnowRead more

August 17, 2026 | Blog post

Healthcare Horizons: What Healthcare Employers Should Watch in the 2026 Immigration Regulatory AgendaRead more

June 17, 2026 | Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care WorkersRead more
More related insights

Christopher’s insights

August 24, 2026 | Blog post

2026 Immigration Regulatory Changes: What Academic Medical Centers Need to KnowRead more

August 17, 2026 | Blog post

Healthcare Horizons: What Healthcare Employers Should Watch in the 2026 Immigration Regulatory AgendaRead more

June 17, 2026 | Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care WorkersRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 612 355 6550

Minneapolis

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Ste 300

Minneapolis MN 55416

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Christopher’s insights

August 24, 2026 | Blog post

2026 Immigration Regulatory Changes: What Academic Medical Centers Need to KnowRead more

August 17, 2026 | Blog post

Healthcare Horizons: What Healthcare Employers Should Watch in the 2026 Immigration Regulatory AgendaRead more

June 17, 2026 | Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care WorkersRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 612 355 6550

Minneapolis

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Ste 300

Minneapolis MN 55416

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Christopher’s insights

August 24, 2026 | Blog post

2026 Immigration Regulatory Changes: What Academic Medical Centers Need to KnowRead more

August 17, 2026 | Blog post

Healthcare Horizons: What Healthcare Employers Should Watch in the 2026 Immigration Regulatory AgendaRead more

June 17, 2026 | Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care WorkersRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 612 355 6550

Minneapolis

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

3033 Excelsior Boulevard, Ste 300

Minneapolis MN 55416

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Christopher’s insights

August 24, 2026 | Blog post

2026 Immigration Regulatory Changes: What Academic Medical Centers Need to KnowRead more

August 17, 2026 | Blog post

Healthcare Horizons: What Healthcare Employers Should Watch in the 2026 Immigration Regulatory AgendaRead more

June 17, 2026 | Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care WorkersRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform

Fragomen and SICPA expand their digital identity platform through a strategic collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security.

Learn more
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Blog post

Document Legalization Is Becoming a Global Mobility Compliance Issue: Five Trends Employers Should Watch

In this blog, UAE Consular and Document Services Manager Minu Joseph examines five global legalization trends through a Middle East lens—and outlines how employers can prepare earlier to keep assignments on track.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Doing Business in Qatar: Growth and Workforce Mobility

In this blog, Corporate Services Manager Julia Ignatenko explores why businesses should coordinate company formation, regulatory compliance, leadership presence and workforce mobility from the outset.

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Awards

Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs

Fragomen won Immigration Provider of the Year at the 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs, and our Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 received a Highly Commended recognition in the Thought Leadership category.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: DHS Adds Immigration Rule Stopping H-1B Spouses From Working To Agenda

Partner Kevin Miner discusses DHS’ proposed rule to end employment authorization for certain H-4 spouses of H-1B professionals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Newsweek: Green Card Update: Major Change Announced for Sponsors

Counsel Brian Hunt discussed USCIS’ new ability to obtain credit information from green card sponsors and the potential implications for future regulatory actions.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™

Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho are recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Immigration Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye 103.8: Partner Ali Haider Joins The Agenda to Discuss Immigration Trends

Partner Ali Haider discusses immigration trends, visa appointments and the UAE’s continued efforts to attract global talent and investment.

Learn more

Blog post

Expanded Right-To-Work Scheme 2026: What UK Airlines and Aviation Contractors Need to Know

In their latest blog, Manager Adam Hickling and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale examine the proposed changes, airline-specific risk scenarios and the practical steps organisations should consider before October.

Learn more

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2026 年8月米国移民法ダイジェスト Learn more
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Blog post

APAC Immigration Landscape: Governments Are Using Immigration Policy to Advance National Priorities

In a new blog accompanying our Regional Immigration Overviews, Partner Kenneth Lau explores the key trends shaping the APAC immigration landscape and what they could mean for employers planning their global workforce strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform

Fragomen and SICPA expand their digital identity platform through a strategic collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Document Legalization Is Becoming a Global Mobility Compliance Issue: Five Trends Employers Should Watch

In this blog, UAE Consular and Document Services Manager Minu Joseph examines five global legalization trends through a Middle East lens—and outlines how employers can prepare earlier to keep assignments on track.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Doing Business in Qatar: Growth and Workforce Mobility

In this blog, Corporate Services Manager Julia Ignatenko explores why businesses should coordinate company formation, regulatory compliance, leadership presence and workforce mobility from the outset.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs

Fragomen won Immigration Provider of the Year at the 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs, and our Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 received a Highly Commended recognition in the Thought Leadership category.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: DHS Adds Immigration Rule Stopping H-1B Spouses From Working To Agenda

Partner Kevin Miner discusses DHS’ proposed rule to end employment authorization for certain H-4 spouses of H-1B professionals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Newsweek: Green Card Update: Major Change Announced for Sponsors

Counsel Brian Hunt discussed USCIS’ new ability to obtain credit information from green card sponsors and the potential implications for future regulatory actions.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™

Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho are recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Immigration Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye 103.8: Partner Ali Haider Joins The Agenda to Discuss Immigration Trends

Partner Ali Haider discusses immigration trends, visa appointments and the UAE’s continued efforts to attract global talent and investment.

Learn more

Blog post

Expanded Right-To-Work Scheme 2026: What UK Airlines and Aviation Contractors Need to Know

In their latest blog, Manager Adam Hickling and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale examine the proposed changes, airline-specific risk scenarios and the practical steps organisations should consider before October.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and SICPA’s Digital Identity Joint Venture Expands Ecosystem Through Strategic Collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security

Fragomen and SICPA’s digital identity joint venture expands its capabilities through a strategic collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026 年8月米国移民法ダイジェスト Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

APAC Immigration Landscape: Governments Are Using Immigration Policy to Advance National Priorities

In a new blog accompanying our Regional Immigration Overviews, Partner Kenneth Lau explores the key trends shaping the APAC immigration landscape and what they could mean for employers planning their global workforce strategies.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
September 4, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: August 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform
September 4, 2026 | DenmarkDenmark: New Immigration Pathway for Certified Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals from Select Countries
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
September 4, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: August 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform
September 4, 2026 | DenmarkDenmark: New Immigration Pathway for Certified Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals from Select Countries
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
September 4, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: August 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
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