Important Updates
Important Updates
October 9, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 9, 2025 | AzerbaijanAzerbaijan: Stricter Documentary Requirements for Company Director Work Permit Exemption
October 9, 2025 | GermanyGermany: Fast-Track Naturalization Pathway Abolished
October 9, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 9, 2025 | GermanyPartner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht
October 9, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 9, 2025 | AzerbaijanAzerbaijan: Stricter Documentary Requirements for Company Director Work Permit Exemption
October 9, 2025 | GermanyGermany: Fast-Track Naturalization Pathway Abolished
October 9, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 9, 2025 | GermanyPartner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht
October 9, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
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Karin-Lastelle_

Senior Counsel

Karin Lestelle

Karin-Lastelle_
Karin-Lastelle_
  • People

Senior Counsel

Karin Lestelle

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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Languages

  • English
  • French

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4148

F:+1 212 758 7215

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4148

F:+1 212 758 7215

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4148

F:+1 212 758 7215

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Karin provides immigration policy guidance, strategic planning counsel and program development and support to international corporations. She works with companies of all sizes across a variety of industries including, financial and banking services, insurance, information technology, consumer and luxury goods, scientific research, accounting and travel. She provides hands-on, personalized advice on complex issues and assists clients with major employment-based temporary and permanent visa categories. As one of few native French speaking immigration attorneys in the U.S., Karin is able to deftly assist companies based in France.

Clients appreciate Karin’s accessibility and transparency. At the start of each case, she ensures that the client clearly understands the entire process, from start to finish and outlines potential challenges as well as possible solutions. She is a trusted advisor on all global mobility matters and is a great collaborator with other key parties in her clients’ immigration journey. Karin is often lauded for her immigration program and policy development due to her deep understanding of her clients’ business, their business objectives and various jurisdictions. She believes strongly in the importance of a personal connection to create long-term relationships.

Karin’s own immigration story guides her commitment to immigration law—not only to create successful outcomes for clients—but also to use her skills in a pro bono capacity. She enjoys working with various refugee and immigrant organizations in New York City to provide legal advice to these populations.

Additionally, Karin is active in the French business community, serves on the Board of Directors of the French-American Chamber of Commerce and is a frequent speaker on immigration law topics.

Karin is bilingual in English and French.

Additionally, Karin is active in the French business community, serves on the Board of Directors of the French-American Chamber of Commerce and is a frequent speaker on immigration law topics.

Karin is bilingual in English and French.

Education

  • George Washington University, The National Law Center, J.D., 1982
  • New York University, B.A., 1979

More from Karin

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2020 to 2023

Listed in Super Lawyers, 2011 to 2022

Listed as one of “The Top Women” in immigration in New York, Super Lawyers - New York Metro 2016: The Top Women

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Board of Directors, French American Chamber of Commerce in New York

Member, French Founders

Former Chair, Women in Business Committee of French American Chamber of Commerce in New York

Former Member, Alumni Board of the Lycée Français de New York

Experience

Collaborated with major corporate client to develop global immigration program and vendor collaboration with tax and relocation providers.

Assisted prominent athletes, artists, scientists and business leaders with obtaining classification as persons of “extraordinary ability” for nonimmigrant and immigrant visa classification.

Advised multinational companies on the immigration consequences of mergers and acquisitions and other corporate restructurings, including the effects on H-1 and L-1 nonimmigrant visas as well as immigrant visa applications.

Publications and lectures

Panelist, “Hot Topics in post-pandemic Talent Mobility.” French American Chamber of Commerce – New York, 2 February 2023.

Speaker, French American Chamber of Commerce, New York, NY, March 2006, October 2008, April 2014, November 2017, November 2019 and November 2020.

Speaker, “Managing the Impact of COVID-19 on Your Business in the U.S.” Business France, April 23, 2020.

Author, “Immigration Updates.” French American Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter, March 2013.

Author, “Member Article: H-1B & L-1 Updates.” French American Chamber of Commerce Monthly Newsletter, Winter 2011.

Speaker, Agoria, Brussels, Belgium, November 2008.

Speaker, Union Internationale des Avocats, Paris, France, October 2007.

Speaker, KPMG Roundtable, Stamford, CT, July 2007.

Karin’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 26, 2020 | Awards

Partner Noreen Quirk Recognized by the New York Law Journal with a 2020 Lifetime Achievement AwardRead more

September 14, 2020 | Fragomen news

Fragomen U.S. attorneys recognized in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in AmericaRead more
More related insights

Karin’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 26, 2020 | Awards

Partner Noreen Quirk Recognized by the New York Law Journal with a 2020 Lifetime Achievement AwardRead more

September 14, 2020 | Fragomen news

Fragomen U.S. attorneys recognized in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in AmericaRead more
More related insights

Karin’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 26, 2020 | Awards

Partner Noreen Quirk Recognized by the New York Law Journal with a 2020 Lifetime Achievement AwardRead more

September 14, 2020 | Fragomen news

Fragomen U.S. attorneys recognized in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in AmericaRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4148

F:+1 212 758 7215

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Karin’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 26, 2020 | Awards

Partner Noreen Quirk Recognized by the New York Law Journal with a 2020 Lifetime Achievement AwardRead more

September 14, 2020 | Fragomen news

Fragomen U.S. attorneys recognized in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in AmericaRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4148

F:+1 212 758 7215

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Karin’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 26, 2020 | Awards

Partner Noreen Quirk Recognized by the New York Law Journal with a 2020 Lifetime Achievement AwardRead more

September 14, 2020 | Fragomen news

Fragomen U.S. attorneys recognized in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in AmericaRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4148

F:+1 212 758 7215

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Karin’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 26, 2020 | Awards

Partner Noreen Quirk Recognized by the New York Law Journal with a 2020 Lifetime Achievement AwardRead more

September 14, 2020 | Fragomen news

Fragomen U.S. attorneys recognized in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in AmericaRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

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Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond PERM: Leveraging Schedule A, Group II for Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts and Performing Arts

Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Learn more

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Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"

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Sports Lawyers Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz

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Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

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Learn more

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Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

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Learn more

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

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Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond PERM: Leveraging Schedule A, Group II for Exceptional Ability in the Sciences, Arts and Performing Arts

Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Learn more

Awards

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot Recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners"

Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Learn more

Media mentions

Sports Lawyers Association: Sport Shorts Episode 115 With Partner Dan Schwarz

Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Learn more

Video

Italian Citizenship by Descent: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process

Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

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2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

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