cynthia-l.-shearn

Partner

Cynthia Shearn

cynthia-l.-shearn
cynthia-l.-shearn
  • People

Partner

Cynthia Shearn

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

With nearly 30 years of dedicated immigration law experience, Cindy understands the positive impact listening can have on both clients and colleagues alike. Using this skill, she strikes the delicate balance of helping clients achieve their business goals while successfully creating and organizing their effective immigration programs, representing multinational corporate clients in a range of industries, including management and technology consulting, logistics and supply chain, transportation, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Since being appointed Managing Partner of Fragomen’s Midwest practice at the beginning of 2023, Cindy has also taken on a managerial role in overseeing both the region’s practice and client relationships—successfully listening to and advocating for her colleagues and employees. In each of these capacities—both as an immigration lawyer and as a people manager—Cindy serves as a trusted advisor and true partner by recognizing that it is her responsibility to understand their needs and provide the space to communicate them.

Cindy has always been innately focused on helping others—in fact, this focus is what propelled her into a career in immigration law. As an international relations major in college, she knew she was interested in human rights and global issues. During her first year of law school, she was granted an opportunity to blend these passions by helping an individual and her family with an asylum application. She filed the application, attended their interviews and eventually celebrated when they were granted asylum—realizing she found her calling to pursue a career an immigration law.

Passionate about inclusivity, Cindy previously served as Chair and currently serves as Co-Chair of Fragomen’s U.S./Canada DEI Group, helping to lead its expansion across the entire region. She is an active Fragomen and community volunteer, including through her pro bono work conducting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and naturalization clinics and providing services to immigrant families at the detention center in Dilley, Texas. She also is a founding member of Nexus49, a Canada-U.S. business council in Chicago, and serves as a board member of the British-American Business Council’s Chicago Chapter.

Passionate about inclusivity, Cindy previously served as Chair and currently serves as Co-Chair of Fragomen’s U.S./Canada DEI Group, helping to lead its expansion across the entire region. She is an active Fragomen and community volunteer, including through her pro bono work conducting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and naturalization clinics and providing services to immigrant families at the detention center in Dilley, Texas. She also is a founding member of Nexus49, a Canada-U.S. business council in Chicago, and serves as a board member of the British-American Business Council’s Chicago Chapter.

Education

  • American University, Washington College of Law, J.D., 1996
  • Boston University, B.A., 1991

More from Cynthia

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Illinois

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Chambers USA, 2024 to 2026

Listed in The American Lawyers’ Midwest Trailblazers, 2022

Listed among Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law

Listed among Crain’s 2020 Notable Women Executives Over 50

Phi Beta Kappa, 1991

Harold C. Case Scholar, 1991

Professional accomplishments

Founding Member, Nexus49

Member, Board of Directors for the British-American Business Council, Chicago

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Chicago Chapter

Member, Chicago Bar Association

Experience

Manages high volume U.S. immigration practice for global consulting, technology and outsourcing company to facilitate the transfer of professional employees from around the world to the United States.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration Policy.” Fragomen, Webinar, 5 August 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to Know.” Fragomen, Webinar, 16 July 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating Automotive Industry Headwinds: Impacts on Global Immigration Strategies.” Fragomen, Webinar, 4 February 2025.

Speaker, immigration related topics during conferences presented by the Council for Global Immigration and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Speaker, “Has The Mobility Industry Opened Pandora's Suitcase? Part II - Business Travel Immigration Compliance.” Minnesota Employee Relocation Council, St. Paul, Minnesota, 13 July 2021.

Featured, “People on the Move.” Crain's Chicago Business, 5 August 2019.

Featured, “Shearn takes reigns of Fragomen office in Chicago.” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 1 August 2019.

“Off the “Fast” Track? The Effect of Corporate Downsizing on Labor Certification Strategy and Procedure,” 4th Annual AILA New York Chapter Immigration Law Symposium Conference Handbook, 2001.

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Generic Insights

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Internationale Rekrutierung ist eine Compliancefrage

Partner Marius Tollenaere and Associate Jamela Sharrock examine how employers in Germany can strengthen immigration compliance by embedding it into every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Internationale Rekrutierung ist eine Compliancefrage

Partner Marius Tollenaere and Associate Jamela Sharrock examine how employers in Germany can strengthen immigration compliance by embedding it into every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
June 25, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
June 25, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Quebec to Reopen Family Sponsorship Applications Under New Intake Caps
June 25, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: CDC Extends Entry Ban to July 21 For Foreign Nationals Recently in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan
June 25, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Allows Termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria to Proceed
June 25, 2026 | VenezuelaVenezuela: Government Operations and Travel Disruptions Following Earthquakes
June 25, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
June 25, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Quebec to Reopen Family Sponsorship Applications Under New Intake Caps
June 25, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: CDC Extends Entry Ban to July 21 For Foreign Nationals Recently in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan
June 25, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Allows Termination of TPS for Haiti and Syria to Proceed
June 25, 2026 | VenezuelaVenezuela: Government Operations and Travel Disruptions Following Earthquakes
June 25, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.