Important Updates
Important Updates
March 11, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List to be Expanded
March 12, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Stricter Application Requirements Introduced for Training Visa
March 12, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Immigration Publishes First-Ever AI Strategy for Immigration Processing
March 12, 2026 | United KingdomConstruction Management: What Tougher English Rules Mean for Construction Employers
March 11, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: New ONE Pass (AI and Tech Track) to be Available in January 2027
March 11, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List to be Expanded
March 12, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Stricter Application Requirements Introduced for Training Visa
March 12, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Immigration Publishes First-Ever AI Strategy for Immigration Processing
March 12, 2026 | United KingdomConstruction Management: What Tougher English Rules Mean for Construction Employers
March 11, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: New ONE Pass (AI and Tech Track) to be Available in January 2027
March 11, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: Non-Traditional Sources Occupation List to be Expanded
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Photo of John Brendel

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John Brendel

Photo of John Brendel
Photo of John Brendel
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John Brendel

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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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

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

Construction Management: What Tougher English Rules Mean for Construction Employers

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.

Learn more

Visas

FIFA Mexico 2026 World Cup Entry Requirements: Visa and Immigration Guide

Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.

Learn more

Blog post

Artificial Wage Inflation in Business Immigration: Policy Misalignment and Employer Impact

Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Give to Gain: Strengthening Safety and Legal Pathways for Migrant Women Experiencing Abuse

Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Conflict Puts Multinationals’ Crisis Plans Under the Microscope

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Sarah K. Peterson Recognized as a 2026 Women in Business Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.

Learn more

Media mentions

The HR Room Podcast: How to Navigate Irish Immigration Law

Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

Housing Today: Right to Work Scheme Expansion: What Housebuilders Need to Know

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List

Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Businesses Prep H-1B Backups as Revamped Visa Lottery Opens

Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.

Learn more

Blog post

Bringing the Indonesian Diaspora Home: Insights on the New Global Citizenship Program

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Chaos’ Expected as New Visa Compliance Rules Now Due in June

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill notes that tighter UK visa compliance rules and new rating measures create additional challenges for universities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: What Tougher English Rules Mean for Construction Employers

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.

Learn more

Visas

FIFA Mexico 2026 World Cup Entry Requirements: Visa and Immigration Guide

Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.

Learn more

Blog post

Artificial Wage Inflation in Business Immigration: Policy Misalignment and Employer Impact

Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Give to Gain: Strengthening Safety and Legal Pathways for Migrant Women Experiencing Abuse

Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Conflict Puts Multinationals’ Crisis Plans Under the Microscope

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Sarah K. Peterson Recognized as a 2026 Women in Business Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.

Learn more

Media mentions

The HR Room Podcast: How to Navigate Irish Immigration Law

Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

Housing Today: Right to Work Scheme Expansion: What Housebuilders Need to Know

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List

Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Businesses Prep H-1B Backups as Revamped Visa Lottery Opens

Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.

Learn more

Blog post

Bringing the Indonesian Diaspora Home: Insights on the New Global Citizenship Program

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Chaos’ Expected as New Visa Compliance Rules Now Due in June

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill notes that tighter UK visa compliance rules and new rating measures create additional challenges for universities.

Learn more

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