Important Updates
Important Updates
February 19, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: March 2026 Visa Bulletin – EB-2 Dates for Filing For All Countries Except China Jump Ahead; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing
February 19, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Updates to Express Entry Category-Based Selection for 2026
February 19, 2026 | BelgiumGlobal Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy
February 19, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Updates to the Nitaqat Program
February 19, 2026 | United KingdomSpear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole
February 19, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: March 2026 Visa Bulletin – EB-2 Dates for Filing For All Countries Except China Jump Ahead; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing
February 19, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Updates to Express Entry Category-Based Selection for 2026
February 19, 2026 | BelgiumGlobal Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy
February 19, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Updates to the Nitaqat Program
February 19, 2026 | United KingdomSpear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole
February 19, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: March 2026 Visa Bulletin – EB-2 Dates for Filing For All Countries Except China Jump Ahead; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing
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Photo of John Brendel

Counsel

John Brendel

Photo of John Brendel
Photo of John Brendel
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Counsel

John Brendel

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  • United StatesUnited States

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[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

Pittsburgh, PA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

11 Stanwix St. Suite 1150

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

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  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

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

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

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

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  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

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

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

Global Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.

Learn more

Awards

Spear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Saudi Business Visa Rejections Rise as Scrutiny Tightens

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.

Learn more

Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration Lawyers

Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner  Teresa Liu, Partner Charles Johanes, Practice Leaders Hedvika and Leader Ben Lear and Senior Associate Hannah Scanlan are recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as leading immigration practitioners in Australia.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ranked Band 1 in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide

Fragomen is ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide, marking two decades of recognition since 2006. The firm is also the only firm ranked Band 1 in the Global: Multi-Jurisdictional Immigration category and receives additional individual recognitions in the USA: Business Immigration rankings.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalLearn more

Media mentions

Buffalo Toronto Public Media: IRCC faces processing hurdles as FIFA World Cup draws near

Partner Rick Lamanna provides insight to Buffalo Toronto Public Media on potential IRCC processing challenges as Canada prepares for increased visa demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Blog post

Time to Act: Three Key Questions for Employers Ahead of March 1 Remuneration Increases for Employment Permits in Ireland

Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland. 

Learn more

Video

Global Entry | #MobilityMinute

Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.

Learn more

Video

London Fashion Week 2026

Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.

Learn more

Advisory services

The EU Blue Card Recast Through the Employer Lens

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected. 

Learn more

Media mentions

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

Partner James Pack on US H‑1B updates and what employers should know for the upcoming lottery.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.

Learn more

Awards

Spear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Saudi Business Visa Rejections Rise as Scrutiny Tightens

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.

Learn more

Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration Lawyers

Australia and New Zealand Managing Partner  Teresa Liu, Partner Charles Johanes, Practice Leaders Hedvika and Leader Ben Lear and Senior Associate Hannah Scanlan are recognized in the 2026 edition of Doyle’s Guide as leading immigration practitioners in Australia.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ranked Band 1 in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide

Fragomen is ranked Band 1 for Immigration: Business in the Chambers Global 2026 Guide, marking two decades of recognition since 2006. The firm is also the only firm ranked Band 1 in the Global: Multi-Jurisdictional Immigration category and receives additional individual recognitions in the USA: Business Immigration rankings.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Strengthens Canadian Practice with Partner and Counsel Hires in MontréalLearn more

Media mentions

Buffalo Toronto Public Media: IRCC faces processing hurdles as FIFA World Cup draws near

Partner Rick Lamanna provides insight to Buffalo Toronto Public Media on potential IRCC processing challenges as Canada prepares for increased visa demand ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Blog post

Time to Act: Three Key Questions for Employers Ahead of March 1 Remuneration Increases for Employment Permits in Ireland

Immigration Director Deirdre Murray explores the impact of upcoming employment permit changes on employers and workforce planning in Ireland. 

Learn more

Video

Global Entry | #MobilityMinute

Director David Iannella discusses how Global Entry can help frequent business travelers navigate US entry more predictably and access TSA PreCheck.

Learn more

Video

London Fashion Week 2026

Manager Russell Hodges and Associate Gurpreet Phalora explain key UK immigration considerations for London Fashion Week 2026.

Learn more

Advisory services

The EU Blue Card Recast Through the Employer Lens

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm explore the EU Blue Card recast and its impact for employers, highlighting how hiring, retention and mobility decisions are affected. 

Learn more

Media mentions

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

Partner James Pack on US H‑1B updates and what employers should know for the upcoming lottery.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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