Important Updates
Important Updates
July 8, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Automatic Residence Permit Extension
July 8, 2025 | CanadaCanada: IRCC Clarifies New Language and Study Requirements and Other Eligibility Criteria for Post-Graduation Work Permits
July 8, 2025 | United KingdomFragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards
July 8, 2025 | United KingdomLeading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy
July 8, 2025 | United StatesPartners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law
July 8, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Automatic Residence Permit Extension
July 8, 2025 | CanadaCanada: IRCC Clarifies New Language and Study Requirements and Other Eligibility Criteria for Post-Graduation Work Permits
July 8, 2025 | United KingdomFragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards
July 8, 2025 | United KingdomLeading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy
July 8, 2025 | United StatesPartners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law
July 8, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Automatic Residence Permit Extension
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
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
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • 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

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

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
ContactCareersMedia
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, PA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1 PPG Place, Suite 3100

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

1 PPG Place, Suite 3100

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

1 PPG Place, Suite 3100

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

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

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

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

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

1 PPG Place, Suite 3100

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

John’s insights

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

1 PPG Place, Suite 3100

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

John’s insights

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

1 PPG Place, Suite 3100

Pittsburgh PA 15222

United States

John’s insights

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

Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools

This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Learn more

Video

Canada Express Entry Explained: Who’s Eligible and How to Apply

In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy

Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger are named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law list.

Learn more

Blog post

Private Client Options in APAC: Bespoke Services and Residency Planning

Business Immigration Manager Yvonne Lee and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock discuss bespoke services and residency planning options for private clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Media mentions

Público: Os cuidados que pessoas LGBTQIA+ devem ter quando decidirem emigrar

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights the importance of understanding local laws and protections when LGBTQIA+ individuals consider emigrating.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Trump Eyes Time Limits on US Student Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.

Learn more

Podcast

David Kipp über Migration von Indien nach Deutschland

David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Learn more

Blog post

EB-5: What You Should Know—And Why It Might Be Worth It

Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Startup Valley Magazin: Workation: Wettbewerbsvorteil oder rechtliches Minenfeld?

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools

This blog highlights the most significant immigration trends across both Europe and Asia Pacific (APAC) in 2025.

Learn more

Video

Canada Express Entry Explained: Who’s Eligible and How to Apply

In this video, Partner Jack Kim explains how Canada’s Express Entry system works.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen, Julia Onslow-Cole Shortlisted for FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Partner Julia Onslow-Cole are shortlisted for the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 Awards.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: UK Businesses Urged to Act Fast as Immigration Reforms Clash With Industrial Strategy

Associate Aisha Shahid highlights how upcoming UK immigration reforms may impact key sectors and urges businesses to prepare.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger are named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in Law list.

Learn more

Blog post

Private Client Options in APAC: Bespoke Services and Residency Planning

Business Immigration Manager Yvonne Lee and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Shirley Kock discuss bespoke services and residency planning options for private clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Media mentions

Público: Os cuidados que pessoas LGBTQIA+ devem ter quando decidirem emigrar

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights the importance of understanding local laws and protections when LGBTQIA+ individuals consider emigrating.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Trump Eyes Time Limits on US Student Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.

Learn more

Podcast

David Kipp über Migration von Indien nach Deutschland

David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Learn more

Blog post

EB-5: What You Should Know—And Why It Might Be Worth It

Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Startup Valley Magazin: Workation: Wettbewerbsvorteil oder rechtliches Minenfeld?

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

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
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 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.