Photo of John Brendel

Counsel

John Brendel

Photo of John Brendel
Photo of John Brendel
  • People

Counsel

John Brendel

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 412 230 3110

Pittsburgh

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

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

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

11 Stanwix St. Suite 1150

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

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

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

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

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

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Temporary Shortage List Review: What the Migration Advisory Committee's Recommendations Mean for Employers

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

Learn more

Blog post

Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Rechtliche Risiken bei Mitarbeitereinsätzen aus dem Ausland

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Temporary Shortage List Review: What the Migration Advisory Committee's Recommendations Mean for Employers

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

Learn more

Blog post

Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Rechtliche Risiken bei Mitarbeitereinsätzen aus dem Ausland

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

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
July 30, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Reciprocal Employment Category Eligibility Narrowed by New Existing Employment Abroad Requirement
July 31, 2026 | MozambiqueMozambique: Pre-Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers Temporarily Suspended
July 31, 2026 | PolandPartner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: State Department Makes Permanent B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program for Certain Countries and Increases Bond Amounts
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: TPS Employment Authorization for Ethiopia and South Sudan Extended Through August 6
July 30, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Reciprocal Employment Category Eligibility Narrowed by New Existing Employment Abroad Requirement
July 31, 2026 | MozambiqueMozambique: Pre-Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers Temporarily Suspended
July 31, 2026 | PolandPartner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: State Department Makes Permanent B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program for Certain Countries and Increases Bond Amounts
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: TPS Employment Authorization for Ethiopia and South Sudan Extended Through August 6
July 30, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Reciprocal Employment Category Eligibility Narrowed by New Existing Employment Abroad Requirement
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.