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

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

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, “2026 Immigration Regulatory Changes: What Academic Medical Centers Need to Know.” Fragomen, 24 August 2026.

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

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards

Fragomen received three 2026 Cartus awards recognizing the firm’s immigration services, sustainability efforts and commitment to global citizenship.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Net Migration Policy: An Explainer Comparing Australia, Canada and the UK

Partner Jack (Eui Chul) Kim, Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit and Articling Student David Mucz examine how Australia, Canada and the UK measure net migration. They compare efforts to reduce migration with the need to maintain access to international talent, and explain the potential effects on employers, labor markets and economic growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: White House H-1B Order Puts Employer Layoffs Under Microscope

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how US employers should consider displacement and conduct a risk analysis when assessing H-1B filings in light of recent policy changes.

Learn more

Blog post

The Compliance Risks of International Remote Working and Hush Trips

International remote working can offer valuable flexibility, but undisclosed “hush trips” may expose employers to immigration, social security, insurance, employment-law and tax risks that they cannot properly assess or manage.

Learn more

Blog post

The Narrowing Talent Pipeline: From International Student to Corporate America

Counsel Susan Steger examines recent policy changes and litigation affecting the pathway from F-1 study and practical training through H-1B sponsorship and permanent residence, and the considerations for US employers recruiting and retaining early-career international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National Interest: How Boosting Your Privacy Will Make America More Secure

Managing Director, Digital Identity Amit Sharma explores how digital identity can strengthen privacy and security.

Learn more

Media mentions

CEDA: The Drive to Reduce Net Overseas Migration and the Challenges for Business

Managing Partner, Australia and New Zealand Teresa Liu discusses how Australia’s efforts to reduce net overseas migration are affecting businesses amid ongoing skilled workforce shortages.

Learn more

Media mentions

Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Overnights

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Australia’s net migration figures and recent changes to the country’s migration policies.

Learn more

Blog post

Can International Graduates in the Netherlands Qualify for the 30% Ruling? Eligibility Rules Explained

Tiemen Peters, Silvia Norte Mercade and Soraya Driessen outline when international graduates who studied in the Netherlands may qualify for the 30% ruling and the key eligibility, timing and compliance considerations for graduates and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Right to Work Changes: What Do They Mean for Employers in Northern England?

Manager Ko Ito, Senior Immigration Consultant Danielle Barks, Associate Naureen Malik and Trainee Solicitor Amna Ali outline how the expanded UK Right to Work Scheme could affect employers in Northern England and the practical steps businesses can take ahead of the 1 October 2026 changes.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Traveller: Six Months in, the EU’s Entry/Exit System Isn’t Working

Partner Christine Sullivan discusses the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) across member states and at border crossing points.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards

Fragomen received three 2026 Cartus awards recognizing the firm’s immigration services, sustainability efforts and commitment to global citizenship.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Net Migration Policy: An Explainer Comparing Australia, Canada and the UK

Partner Jack (Eui Chul) Kim, Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit and Articling Student David Mucz examine how Australia, Canada and the UK measure net migration. They compare efforts to reduce migration with the need to maintain access to international talent, and explain the potential effects on employers, labor markets and economic growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: White House H-1B Order Puts Employer Layoffs Under Microscope

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how US employers should consider displacement and conduct a risk analysis when assessing H-1B filings in light of recent policy changes.

Learn more

Blog post

The Compliance Risks of International Remote Working and Hush Trips

International remote working can offer valuable flexibility, but undisclosed “hush trips” may expose employers to immigration, social security, insurance, employment-law and tax risks that they cannot properly assess or manage.

Learn more

Blog post

The Narrowing Talent Pipeline: From International Student to Corporate America

Counsel Susan Steger examines recent policy changes and litigation affecting the pathway from F-1 study and practical training through H-1B sponsorship and permanent residence, and the considerations for US employers recruiting and retaining early-career international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National Interest: How Boosting Your Privacy Will Make America More Secure

Managing Director, Digital Identity Amit Sharma explores how digital identity can strengthen privacy and security.

Learn more

Media mentions

CEDA: The Drive to Reduce Net Overseas Migration and the Challenges for Business

Managing Partner, Australia and New Zealand Teresa Liu discusses how Australia’s efforts to reduce net overseas migration are affecting businesses amid ongoing skilled workforce shortages.

Learn more

Media mentions

Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Overnights

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Australia’s net migration figures and recent changes to the country’s migration policies.

Learn more

Blog post

Can International Graduates in the Netherlands Qualify for the 30% Ruling? Eligibility Rules Explained

Tiemen Peters, Silvia Norte Mercade and Soraya Driessen outline when international graduates who studied in the Netherlands may qualify for the 30% ruling and the key eligibility, timing and compliance considerations for graduates and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

Right to Work Changes: What Do They Mean for Employers in Northern England?

Manager Ko Ito, Senior Immigration Consultant Danielle Barks, Associate Naureen Malik and Trainee Solicitor Amna Ali outline how the expanded UK Right to Work Scheme could affect employers in Northern England and the practical steps businesses can take ahead of the 1 October 2026 changes.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Traveller: Six Months in, the EU’s Entry/Exit System Isn’t Working

Partner Christine Sullivan discusses the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) across member states and at border crossing points.

Learn more
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September 23, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: New Law Would Increase Locals in Labor Market
September 24, 2026Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.
September 24, 2026 | CanadaFragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards
September 24, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
September 24, 2026 | QatarQatar: Wage Protection System Rules Amended
September 23, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: New Law Would Increase Locals in Labor Market
September 24, 2026Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.
September 24, 2026 | CanadaFragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards
September 24, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
September 24, 2026 | QatarQatar: Wage Protection System Rules Amended
September 23, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: New Law Would Increase Locals in Labor Market
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