Important Updates
Important Updates
August 6, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: August 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
August 7, 2025 | IrelandHR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration
August 7, 2025 | MexicoMexico: Major Delays Affecting Immigration Application Processing
August 6, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Stricter Enforcement of Tax and Social Security Compliance in Immigration Applications
August 6, 2025 | PanamaPanama: Government Reporting Requirement Enforced; Strict Penalties May Apply
August 6, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: August 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
August 7, 2025 | IrelandHR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration
August 7, 2025 | MexicoMexico: Major Delays Affecting Immigration Application Processing
August 6, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Stricter Enforcement of Tax and Social Security Compliance in Immigration Applications
August 6, 2025 | PanamaPanama: Government Reporting Requirement Enforced; Strict Penalties May Apply
August 6, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: August 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
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
Karin-Lastelle_

Senior Counsel

Karin Lestelle

Karin-Lastelle_
Karin-Lastelle_
  • People

Senior Counsel

Karin Lestelle

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

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
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

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

Coming in Fast: An On-the-Ground Perspective of Vietnam’s Dynamic Immigration Landscape

This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Learn more

Blog post

Chile: Preparing for Possible Revocation of US ESTA Eligibility

Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Learn more

Blog post

Hiring in Kuwait: What Employers Need to Know About Work Visas, Talent Mobility and Business Potential in 2025

Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Learn more

Podcast

Michali Henig on Transforming Global Mobility at HelloFresh

Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know

Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen Named 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards Finalists

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Learn more

Video

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Fast-Track Your Path to Canada PR

Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the Oil: Understanding Iraq’s Evolving Compliance Landscape

Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Nigerian Students Among Those Hit With 3-Month US Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: More Universities Put on ‘Action Plans’ as Home Office Gets Tough

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年7月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Blog post

Coming in Fast: An On-the-Ground Perspective of Vietnam’s Dynamic Immigration Landscape

This blog explores Vietnam’s evolving work permit regulations amid growing foreign investment.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Skills Shortages And The Case For Rethinking Business Immigration

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés highlights the need for a strategic approach to immigration in Ireland amid growing skills shortages and compliance challenges.

Learn more

Blog post

Chile: Preparing for Possible Revocation of US ESTA Eligibility

Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.

Learn more

Blog post

Hiring in Kuwait: What Employers Need to Know About Work Visas, Talent Mobility and Business Potential in 2025

Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.

Learn more

Podcast

Michali Henig on Transforming Global Mobility at HelloFresh

Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: New Immigration Rules: What Construction Employers Need to Know

Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen Named 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards Finalists

Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.

Learn more

Video

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Fast-Track Your Path to Canada PR

Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the Oil: Understanding Iraq’s Evolving Compliance Landscape

Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Nigerian Students Among Those Hit With 3-Month US Visas

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: More Universities Put on ‘Action Plans’ as Home Office Gets Tough

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年7月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト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.