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

Speaker, “Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap?” Fragomen Mobility Minute, Podcast, 7 October 2026.

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

October 7, 2026 | Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinuteRead more

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
More related insights

Christopher’s insights

October 7, 2026 | Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinuteRead more

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
More related insights

Christopher’s insights

October 7, 2026 | Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinuteRead more

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
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

October 7, 2026 | Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinuteRead more

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
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

October 7, 2026 | Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinuteRead more

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
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

October 7, 2026 | Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinuteRead more

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
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

Case Study: Securing a Positive Outcome in a Complex Adult Dependent Relative Appeal

Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Would the $70,000 Fee on International Students Working in the US Impact Schools and Grads? 2 Lawyers Break It Down.

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how a proposed $70,000 fee for international students seeking US work authorization could affect students, universities and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Qualify for Permanent Residence and Polish Citizenship

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek outline the principal pathways to permanent residence and Polish citizenship, including key residence, language and income considerations and potential future reforms.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on USCIS Mandatory Electronic Filing RuleLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Collaboration Selected as 2026 European Labour Authority Good Practice

Fragomen, together with SICPA and Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund, has been selected by the European Labour Authority as a 2026 Good Practice for an EU-funded WE BUILD use case exploring how digital identity solutions could help transform PD A1 processes and support cross-border labour mobility in Europe.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how expanded UK right to work requirements will affect hospitality businesses using temporary and contingent workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Citeline: The People Behind The Pipeline: How The Global Race For Talent Is Reshaping Pharma

Partners Rajiv Naik and Hyla Kaplan Rosenberg explore how global talent policies are reshaping the biopharma industry.

Learn more

Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinute

Counsel Christopher L. Wendt discusses why J-1 exchange visitors should carefully evaluate health insurance options during open enrollment and how a proposed Department of State rule could increase the consequences of selecting coverage that does not meet applicable requirements.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026 年9月アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

Case Study: Securing a Positive Outcome in a Complex Adult Dependent Relative Appeal

Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Would the $70,000 Fee on International Students Working in the US Impact Schools and Grads? 2 Lawyers Break It Down.

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how a proposed $70,000 fee for international students seeking US work authorization could affect students, universities and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Qualify for Permanent Residence and Polish Citizenship

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek outline the principal pathways to permanent residence and Polish citizenship, including key residence, language and income considerations and potential future reforms.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on USCIS Mandatory Electronic Filing RuleLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Collaboration Selected as 2026 European Labour Authority Good Practice

Fragomen, together with SICPA and Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund, has been selected by the European Labour Authority as a 2026 Good Practice for an EU-funded WE BUILD use case exploring how digital identity solutions could help transform PD A1 processes and support cross-border labour mobility in Europe.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how expanded UK right to work requirements will affect hospitality businesses using temporary and contingent workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Citeline: The People Behind The Pipeline: How The Global Race For Talent Is Reshaping Pharma

Partners Rajiv Naik and Hyla Kaplan Rosenberg explore how global talent policies are reshaping the biopharma industry.

Learn more

Video

Healthcare Horizons: Open Enrollment - a J-1 Trap? | #MobilityMinute

Counsel Christopher L. Wendt discusses why J-1 exchange visitors should carefully evaluate health insurance options during open enrollment and how a proposed Department of State rule could increase the consequences of selecting coverage that does not meet applicable requirements.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026 年9月アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 14, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: New Wage Payment and Protection System Launched
October 15, 2026 | United StatesLaw360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle
October 15, 2026 | MalaysiaMalaysia: Companies Reminded to Update Exit Clearance Records and Complete Pass Cancellations; New iKAD Arrangement
October 15, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
October 14, 2026 | United StatesCDC Extends Entry Ban for Foreign Nationals Recently in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan for Another 30 Days; U.S. Citizen Travel Restrictions Remain in Effect
October 14, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: New Wage Payment and Protection System Launched
October 15, 2026 | United StatesLaw360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle
October 15, 2026 | MalaysiaMalaysia: Companies Reminded to Update Exit Clearance Records and Complete Pass Cancellations; New iKAD Arrangement
October 15, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
October 14, 2026 | United StatesCDC Extends Entry Ban for Foreign Nationals Recently in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan for Another 30 Days; U.S. Citizen Travel Restrictions Remain in Effect
October 14, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: New Wage Payment and Protection System Launched
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