Important Updates
Important Updates
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: New Work Permit Submission Options for Companies Eligible for the Rapid Process
April 29, 2026 | IndiaIndia: New OCI Rules Bring Broader Eligibility but Stricter Compliance Measures
April 29, 2026 | United StatesThe PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”
04/28/2026 | BelgiumEuropean Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: New Work Permit Submission Options for Companies Eligible for the Rapid Process
April 29, 2026 | IndiaIndia: New OCI Rules Bring Broader Eligibility but Stricter Compliance Measures
April 29, 2026 | United StatesThe PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”
04/28/2026 | BelgiumEuropean Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
April 28, 2026 | ThailandThailand: New Work Permit Submission Options for Companies Eligible for the Rapid Process
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James Pack

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Partner

James Pack

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T:+1 949 862 9443

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Fragomen in Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

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Fragomen in 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

[email protected]

T:+1 949 862 9443

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Fragomen in Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

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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

Quoted, “The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for Aspirants.” Times of India, 12 February 2026.

Speaker, “Fragomen Semiconductor Industry Webcast: Workforce Strategies for a Changing Global Landscape.” Fragomen, Webinar, 10 December 2025.

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

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

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
More related insights

James’s insights

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

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
More related insights

James’s insights

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

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
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

Fragomen in Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

James’s insights

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

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
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

Fragomen in Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

James’s insights

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

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
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

Fragomen in Irvine, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

18401 Von Karman Ave #255

Irvine CA 92612

United States

Connect via Linkedin

James’s insights

February 13, 2026 | Media mentions

Times of India: The 2027 H-1B Season: Revised Strategies for Sponsoring Employers and Implications for AspirantsRead more

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
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

Work authorization

Family Reunification in Switzerland: Key Scenarios, Requirements and Risks

Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals. 

Learn more

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the NetherlandsLearn more

Brexit

UK–EU Youth Mobility: Progress, Trade-offs and the Reality of Agreement

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

Work authorization

Family Reunification in Switzerland: Key Scenarios, Requirements and Risks

Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals. 

Learn more

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the NetherlandsLearn more

Brexit

UK–EU Youth Mobility: Progress, Trade-offs and the Reality of Agreement

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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