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December 19, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Permanent Residence Eligibility Restrictions Forthcoming
December 19, 2025 | BulgariaBulgaria: Digital Nomad Residence Permit Introduced
December 19, 2025 | United StatesBusiness Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others
December 19, 2025 | ChinaChina Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration
December 19, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: Work Permit Exemption for Business Events, Conferences, Trade Fairs
December 19, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Permanent Residence Eligibility Restrictions Forthcoming
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James Pack

  • People

Partner

James Pack

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

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  • English

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[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Leading the firm's Irvine office, James has built a well-rounded, robust immigration practice that delivers Fragomen’s large-firm resources with a small-firm service touch.

The common denominator of his practice is its variety. He represents clients of many sizes from every stage in the corporate lifecycle, from Fortune 500 companies through individual entrepreneurs (and their families).

They are drawn from a diversity of industries and sectors, including technology (semiconductor, biomedical and wireless companies) entertainment (movie studios, animation studios and video game producers), manufacturing (appliances and electric vehicle manufacturers) and pharmaceutical companies.

This wide-ranging experience allows James to deploy the full range of immigration options on behalf of his clients. He develops effective strategies that are tailored to the specific challenges of each client; he particularly enjoys helping companies with a handful of employees transition into programs managing hundreds of immigration cases.

Relentless improvement and re-evaluation of processes are key to his success. He subjects new client programs and policies to an exhaustive analysis to define the client’s objectives and capabilities; longtime clients benefit from periodic and regular reimagination of their programs from the ground up.

James serves his profession and the wider community through the Orange County Bar Association, which he has served in several capacities. He is currently a board member of the Association’s charitable fund. He has also served as Chair of the Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and as President of the Orange County Asian American Bar Association.

This wide-ranging experience allows James to deploy the full range of immigration options on behalf of his clients. He develops effective strategies that are tailored to the specific challenges of each client; he particularly enjoys helping companies with a handful of employees transition into programs managing hundreds of immigration cases.

Relentless improvement and re-evaluation of processes are key to his success. He subjects new client programs and policies to an exhaustive analysis to define the client’s objectives and capabilities; longtime clients benefit from periodic and regular reimagination of their programs from the ground up.

James serves his profession and the wider community through the Orange County Bar Association, which he has served in several capacities. He is currently a board member of the Association’s charitable fund. He has also served as Chair of the Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and as President of the Orange County Asian American Bar Association.

Education

  • Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, J.D., 1997
  • Arizona State University, B.Sc., 1994

More from James

Admissions

Bar Admissions: California, Arizona

Certified Specialist, Immigration & Nationality Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2019 to 2026

Named as a 2021 Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers, 2021

Professional accomplishments

Former Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association, USCIS Ombudsman Liaison Committee

Former Chair, American Immigration Lawyers Association, California Service Center Liaison Committee

Former Chair, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Southern California Chapter

Former Chair, Orange County Bar Association Immigration Section

Member, Orange County Bar Association Board of Directors

Former President, Orange County Asian American Bar Association

Chair, Orange County Bar Association Charitable Fund, Annual Golf Tournament Committee

Member, Arizona State University Alumni Group

Experience

Provided immigration counsel to companies that employ highly educated scientists working on cutting-edge wireless communication technologies

Worked with entertainment studios, video game developers, and other companies in the computer graphics design field

Secured an intracompany transfer visa for the Chief Technical Officer of a company that designs and develops custom applications for major online social networking websites and brand name high technology products

Obtained green cards for scientists and engineers working in biotechnology, alternative energy sources, and wildlife conservation through National Interest Waivers and other immigrant visa classifications

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Immigration Law for Agribusiness Employers.” California Lawyers Association, Webinar, 21 March 2023.

Quoted, “Trump Orders Freeze on Many Work Visas Through End of Year (3).” Bloomberg Law Daily Labor Report, 23 June 2020.

Presenter, “Immigration Impact of COVID-19.” Octane, 13 May 2020.

Quoted, “Fragomen guides US visa holders through fog of pandemic.” Daily Journal, 20 April 2020.

Quoted, “Caution Student-Employees Against Travel Abroad During ‘Cap-Gap’ Period.” Society for Human Resource Management, 18 April 2019.

Moderator, “Managing Client Expectations.” 2018 American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference on Immigration Law, June 2018.

Moderator, “Building a Practice of Extraordinary Clients.” 2017 American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference on Immigration Law, June 2017.

Discussion leader, “Show Me the Money! Corporate Law for the Immigration Practitioner.” Web conference, American Immigration Lawyers Association, March 15, 2016.

Discussion leader, “My ‘Professional’ Employee Doesn’t Have a Degree! NIV Options for Non-Degreed Professionals.” Presentation, American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, Washington, D.C., June 17, 2015.

Author, “What happens to work visas when employees are laid off?” Daily Journal, June 3, 2015: n. pag. Web.

Panel presenter, “CBP, You Have to Let Me Know—Should I Stay or Should I Go? Issues in Maintaining LPR Status.” American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, June 2015.

Panel presenter, “The Dangers of Material Misrepresentation and Fraud in Immigration.” American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, June 2014.

Panel presenter, “Keeping a Proper Scorecard – I-9 Compliance and E-Verify.” Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, February 2015.

Panel presenter, “Hot Topics in PERM.” Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, January 20, 2010.

Panel presenter, Nexus Journal, Immigration Law Symposium, Chapman University of Law, February 20, 2008.

Panel Presenter, “Immigration Update.” 80th Annual Meeting of the State Bar of California, September 28, 2007.

Panel presenter, “O’s and P’s: Getting Results.” Southern California Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, February 24, 2004.

James’s insights

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

James’s insights

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

James’s insights

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

James’s insights

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

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Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

James’s insights

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

F:+1 949 261 2821

Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

James’s insights

December 10, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global LandscapeRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Business Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others

Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Countdown to the Italy Winter Games 2026: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: The UK’s Earned Settlement Proposal: What HR Leaders Need to Know

Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Procedura legalizacji zatrudnienia cudzoziemców w Polsce po zmianach w 2025 r.

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala contributes to Konfederacja Lewiatan’s analysis on 2025 changes to work permits and foreign employment in Poland.

Learn more

Blog post

F and J Visa Updates: Social Media Checks Begin as DHS Proposes New Limits

Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ireland Awarded the KeepWell Mark by IBEC

Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Specustawa ukraińska wygasa: Pułapka dla pracodawców po 4 marca 2026

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Scotsman: UK Offshore Immigration Crackdown Risks Stifling Growth Unless Policy Meets Reality

Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Irish Immigration Changes: What Employers Need To Know Now And Into 2026

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B Visas

Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others

Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Countdown to the Italy Winter Games 2026: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: The UK’s Earned Settlement Proposal: What HR Leaders Need to Know

Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Procedura legalizacji zatrudnienia cudzoziemców w Polsce po zmianach w 2025 r.

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala contributes to Konfederacja Lewiatan’s analysis on 2025 changes to work permits and foreign employment in Poland.

Learn more

Blog post

F and J Visa Updates: Social Media Checks Begin as DHS Proposes New Limits

Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ireland Awarded the KeepWell Mark by IBEC

Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Specustawa ukraińska wygasa: Pułapka dla pracodawców po 4 marca 2026

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Scotsman: UK Offshore Immigration Crackdown Risks Stifling Growth Unless Policy Meets Reality

Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Irish Immigration Changes: What Employers Need To Know Now And Into 2026

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B Visas

Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.

Learn more

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