Karen Winarksy

Partner

Karen Winarsky

Karen Winarksy
Karen Winarksy
  • People

Partner

Karen Winarsky

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

For more than 25 years, Karen has managed every aspect of her clients’ immigration programs and policies.

Her experience cuts across multiple industries, including several of the most important players in the manufacturing, media and entertainment, information technology and insurance sectors. Her clients rely on her experience to provide thoughtful and effective management of the immigration needs of its foreign national population.

While Karen advises clients on the special needs of their most consequential individual employees, clients also seek her counsel on the seemingly routine aspects of immigration programs and policies, which she transforms into opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-savings. She also helps clients re-orient their human resources, mobility and recruitment practices around the best practices demanded by immigration compliance.

Karen has nurtured uninterrupted relationships with many of the same clients she first served when she began her tenure in immigration law—an accomplishment she credits to making each client feel supremely valued and appreciated and to treating their individual employees with the same respect and consideration enjoyed by the most high-profile member of the client’s workforce. Helping those individuals reach their immigration goals and flourish in their careers and lives in the U.S. provides her with the highest satisfaction.

Karen has been a proud contributor to, and volunteer for, local refugee organizations and aid societies. She is a sought-after speaker on immigration law matters and has addressed numerous local and national conferences of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Society for Human Resource Management conferences and conferences hosted by the American Bar Association, the American Law Institute and other legal organizations.

Karen is an active and enthusiastic participant in Fragomen’s firmwide mentorship programs, as well as mentorship efforts in the Atlanta office that support women attorneys and staff members aspiring to attend law school. 

Karen has nurtured uninterrupted relationships with many of the same clients she first served when she began her tenure in immigration law—an accomplishment she credits to making each client feel supremely valued and appreciated and to treating their individual employees with the same respect and consideration enjoyed by the most high-profile member of the client’s workforce. Helping those individuals reach their immigration goals and flourish in their careers and lives in the U.S. provides her with the highest satisfaction.

Karen has been a proud contributor to, and volunteer for, local refugee organizations and aid societies. She is a sought-after speaker on immigration law matters and has addressed numerous local and national conferences of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Society for Human Resource Management conferences and conferences hosted by the American Bar Association, the American Law Institute and other legal organizations.

Karen is an active and enthusiastic participant in Fragomen’s firmwide mentorship programs, as well as mentorship efforts in the Atlanta office that support women attorneys and staff members aspiring to attend law school. 

Education

  • Washington University in St. Louis, J.D., 1993
  • Washington University in St. Louis, B.A., 1990

More from Karen

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Georgia, District of Columbia, Maryland

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Immigration Law, 2007 to 2026

Listed in Chambers USA, 2015 to 2026

Listed in Who’s Who Legal

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, Journal of Law and Policy, Washington University Law Review

Former member, AILA Liaison Committee, U.S. Department of Labor

Former member, AILA Liaison Committee, USCIS’ Nebraska Service Center

Past chair, Immigration Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of Labor and Employment Law for four years

Past chair, American Bar Association-American Law Institute’s (ALI-ABA) immigration law seminar series

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Business Immigration Updates in the Biden Administration.” SHRM Atlanta, Webinar, June 17, 2021.

Speaker, “Recent Immigration Developments Affecting U.S Employers: How Has the Climate Changed and How Can You Prepare for It?” SHRM-Atlanta Legal Summit, Atlanta, Georgia, May 16, 2019.

Co-author, “Advice for US Employers Navigating the Current Immigration Climate.” The Daily Report, February 5, 2018.

Speaker, “Seminar on Georgia's Entertainment Industry: Opportunities for International Companies/Ventures.” USA India Business Summit, Atlanta, Georgia, July 2016.

Speaker, 7th Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference, The Seminar Group, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2010.

Speaker, AILA Annual Conference, Washington, DC, June 2010.

Speaker, 6th Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference, The Seminar Group, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2009.

Speaker, AILA Annual Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 2009.

Speaker, AILA Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2005.

Author, “Summary of Nonimmigrant Business-Related Visa Categories.” American Bar Association Annual Conference, August 2003.

Karen’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Karen’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Karen’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Karen’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Karen’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Karen’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

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

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 news

Fragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector

Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.

Learn more

Blog post

The J-1 Research Scholar Visa: An Underutilized Pathway for Employers to Retain Global Research Talent

Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Launches Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups Hiring Global Talent

In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Salary Changes: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Markt und Mittelstand: EU-Entsendung: Diese Fehler kosten Unternehmen bis zu 500.000 Euro

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.

Learn more

Podcast

Reality Check Pt. 3: Immigration Law in Pop Culture

Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.

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

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 news

Fragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector

Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.

Learn more

Blog post

The J-1 Research Scholar Visa: An Underutilized Pathway for Employers to Retain Global Research Talent

Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Launches Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups Hiring Global Talent

In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Salary Changes: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Markt und Mittelstand: EU-Entsendung: Diese Fehler kosten Unternehmen bis zu 500.000 Euro

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.

Learn more

Podcast

Reality Check Pt. 3: Immigration Law in Pop Culture

Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.

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 21, 2026 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka
July 22, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas
July 22, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Redesign; Phase 1 Launches Workforce Priority Stream
July 22, 2026 | 🌐Middle East: Latest Situation Update
July 22, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Issues Emergency Order Related to TPS Employment Authorization and Annual Asylum Fee
July 21, 2026 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka
July 22, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas
July 22, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Redesign; Phase 1 Launches Workforce Priority Stream
July 22, 2026 | 🌐Middle East: Latest Situation Update
July 22, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Issues Emergency Order Related to TPS Employment Authorization and Annual Asylum Fee
July 21, 2026 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka
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.