Photo of John Brendel

Counsel

John Brendel

Photo of John Brendel
Photo of John Brendel
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Counsel

John Brendel

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

Fragomen in Pittsburgh, PA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

11 Stanwix St. Suite 1150

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

Fragomen in Pittsburgh, PA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

11 Stanwix St. Suite 1150

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

Fragomen in Pittsburgh, PA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

11 Stanwix St. Suite 1150

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

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John’s practice focuses on employment and investment immigration law, helping companies navigate the complexities of operating in a global marketplace.

He advises clients on a broad range of employment and investment immigration matters, assisting international individuals seeking to work or invest in the United States. John has extensive experience in handling cases involving alien investors and “H-1B Dependent” employers, as well as scientists, engineers and physicians pursuing both immigrant (permanent) and nonimmigrant (temporary) visas.

John’s clients include IT companies, manufacturing firms, financial institutions, hospitals, universities, technology startups and individual investors and entrepreneurs. He has represented clients before U.S. consular offices in India and Europe, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

He also conducts immigration-related due diligence for buyers and represents employers in Department of Labor H-1B visa investigations. He frequently lectures on immigration topics at conferences presented by the International Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the American Council on International Personnel and the Information Technology Association of America.

In addition to his practice, John is a founding member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and a former chair of the Immigration Policy Committee for the Information Technology Association of America. His community involvement includes serving as a board member for the Jefferson Memorial Park and Funeral Home, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. John was also an Adjunct Professor at University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Duquesne University School of Law.

John honed his international business experience as vice president and general counsel of Mastech/IGATE Corp., a global IT services provider, earlier in his career.

He also conducts immigration-related due diligence for buyers and represents employers in Department of Labor H-1B visa investigations. He frequently lectures on immigration topics at conferences presented by the International Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the American Council on International Personnel and the Information Technology Association of America.

In addition to his practice, John is a founding member of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and a former chair of the Immigration Policy Committee for the Information Technology Association of America. His community involvement includes serving as a board member for the Jefferson Memorial Park and Funeral Home, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. John was also an Adjunct Professor at University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Duquesne University School of Law.

John honed his international business experience as vice president and general counsel of Mastech/IGATE Corp., a global IT services provider, earlier in his career.

Education

  • Harvard University, J.D., 1976
  • Cornell University, B.A., 1973

More from John

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Pennsylvania

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Recognized as 'Lawyer of the Year' for Immigration Law in Pittsburgh by The Best Lawyers in America, 2015, 2020 and 2025-2026

Recognized by international Who's Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers

Recognized by and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition

Professional accomplishments

Founding Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Pittsburgh Chapter

Board Member, Jefferson Memorial Park and Funeral Home

Board Member, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western Pennsylvania

Former Chair, Immigration Policy Committee for the Information Technology Association of America

John’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

February 11, 2025 | Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Fragomen opens downtown office, hires 6 attorneys from Pittsburgh's 4th-biggest law firmRead more

February 10, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Opens New Pittsburgh Office, Welcomes Four New Partners and Two CounselRead more

John’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

February 11, 2025 | Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Fragomen opens downtown office, hires 6 attorneys from Pittsburgh's 4th-biggest law firmRead more

February 10, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Opens New Pittsburgh Office, Welcomes Four New Partners and Two CounselRead more

John’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

February 11, 2025 | Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Fragomen opens downtown office, hires 6 attorneys from Pittsburgh's 4th-biggest law firmRead more

February 10, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Opens New Pittsburgh Office, Welcomes Four New Partners and Two CounselRead more

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

Fragomen in Pittsburgh, PA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

11 Stanwix St. Suite 1150

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

John’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

February 11, 2025 | Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Fragomen opens downtown office, hires 6 attorneys from Pittsburgh's 4th-biggest law firmRead more

February 10, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Opens New Pittsburgh Office, Welcomes Four New Partners and Two CounselRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

Fragomen in Pittsburgh, PA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

11 Stanwix St. Suite 1150

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

John’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

February 11, 2025 | Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Fragomen opens downtown office, hires 6 attorneys from Pittsburgh's 4th-biggest law firmRead more

February 10, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Opens New Pittsburgh Office, Welcomes Four New Partners and Two CounselRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

Fragomen in Pittsburgh, PA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

11 Stanwix St. Suite 1150

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

John’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

February 11, 2025 | Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Fragomen opens downtown office, hires 6 attorneys from Pittsburgh's 4th-biggest law firmRead more

February 10, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Opens New Pittsburgh Office, Welcomes Four New Partners and Two CounselRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

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

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

Learn more

Media mentions

WealthBriefing: The End of the Golden Visa?

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how investment migration programs are evolving amid political scrutiny, regulatory reform and shifting priorities, with governments moving toward pathways that emphasise economic contribution, talent and stronger ties to host countries.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Christopher Wendt as Counsel

Fragomen welcomes Counsel Christopher Wendt in Minnesota, bringing nearly three decades of immigration law experience, including more than 20 years supporting workforce immigration programs for Mayo Clinic.

Learn more

Media mentions

The ABC: Switzerland is Set to Vote on a Population Cap. Here's Why it's Divided the Nation

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Switzerland’s rejected population cap referendum and the role of immigration in supporting workforce and economic stability.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Featured in Global Mobility Lawyer’s 2026 GML Elite

Fragomen has been featured in the 2026 GML Elite, Global Mobility Lawyer’s inaugural guide to leading global mobility teams, highlighting the firm’s global immigration capabilities, international footprint and work supporting multinational clients.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Die Blaue Karte EU 2026

Partner Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.

Learn more

Media mentions

STV News: What Can Scots Fans Do if Their US Travel Permits Have Been Revoked?

Partner Charlotte Slocombe explained options available to Scotland fans whose US ESTAs have been denied or revoked ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

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

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

Learn more

Media mentions

WealthBriefing: The End of the Golden Visa?

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how investment migration programs are evolving amid political scrutiny, regulatory reform and shifting priorities, with governments moving toward pathways that emphasise economic contribution, talent and stronger ties to host countries.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Christopher Wendt as Counsel

Fragomen welcomes Counsel Christopher Wendt in Minnesota, bringing nearly three decades of immigration law experience, including more than 20 years supporting workforce immigration programs for Mayo Clinic.

Learn more

Media mentions

The ABC: Switzerland is Set to Vote on a Population Cap. Here's Why it's Divided the Nation

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Switzerland’s rejected population cap referendum and the role of immigration in supporting workforce and economic stability.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Featured in Global Mobility Lawyer’s 2026 GML Elite

Fragomen has been featured in the 2026 GML Elite, Global Mobility Lawyer’s inaugural guide to leading global mobility teams, highlighting the firm’s global immigration capabilities, international footprint and work supporting multinational clients.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Die Blaue Karte EU 2026

Partner Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.

Learn more

Media mentions

STV News: What Can Scots Fans Do if Their US Travel Permits Have Been Revoked?

Partner Charlotte Slocombe explained options available to Scotland fans whose US ESTAs have been denied or revoked ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
June 18, 2026 | United KingdomProfessional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System
June 19, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: Commercial Visit Visa Issuance Temporarily Suspended
June 19, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 18, 2026 | ChinaHong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms
June 18, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Processing Delays Following Ongoing Anti-Corruption Investigations
June 18, 2026 | United KingdomProfessional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System
June 19, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: Commercial Visit Visa Issuance Temporarily Suspended
June 19, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 18, 2026 | ChinaHong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms
June 18, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Processing Delays Following Ongoing Anti-Corruption Investigations
June 18, 2026 | United KingdomProfessional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System
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