Kristi-Nevarez

Partner

Kristi Nevarez

Kristi-Nevarez
Kristi-Nevarez
  • People

Partner

Kristi Nevarez

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 408 919 0600

F:+1 408 919 0615

Fragomen in Silicon Valley, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

2755 Orchard Pkwy

San Jose CA 95134

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 408 919 0600

F:+1 408 919 0615

Fragomen in Silicon Valley, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

2755 Orchard Pkwy

San Jose CA 95134

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 408 919 0600

F:+1 408 919 0615

Fragomen in Silicon Valley, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

2755 Orchard Pkwy

San Jose CA 95134

United States

Connect via Linkedin
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

Kristi understands what Silicon Valley companies need from their local immigration counsel; she has spent the better part of two decades ensuring that Fragomen’s Silicon Valley office is there to meet those needs. She knows the challenges companies face in striking the delicate and effective balance between creating an excellent employee experience with necessary business considerations.

With nearly 25 years of experience in corporate business immigration, Kristi is a trusted advisor to clients across a wide range of industries, including technology, semi-conductor, food and beverage, entertainment, consumer products and legal service providers. Companies look to Kristi for guidance as they support their own employees’ immigration needs and career trajectories while simultaneously making strategic choices for their businesses. Kristi draws on this longstanding experience as immigration counsel to corporate clients to create nuanced approaches to companies’ unique immigration programs. Providing specialized compliance and business risk advice, she helps companies with decades-strong and brand-new programs alike, always working to refresh and/or develop their immigration practices.

In her role as Managing Partner of Fragomen’s Silicon Valley office, Kristi proudly leads an all-female partnership. She provides support for employees as she manages hundreds of attorneys, paralegals and business professionals—all of whom are tirelessly dedicated to providing exceptional legal and strategic business advice to Silicon Valley's top players. A regular presenter on local, national and international panels, industry leaders look to her for her cutting-edge policy and legal analysis to help forecast important trends in immigration. 

A Silicon Valley native, Kristi’s local perspective and Latina background have long informed her commitment to immigration services. Clients appreciate her intimate understanding of the life-altering decisions with which their employees grapple, along with the dedicated service she provides to help ensure their success.

Further, Kristi’s upbringing has made her particularly passionate about mentoring and helping to develop other women of diverse backgrounds. She serves on the Latina Advisory Council of How Women Lead, a national organization of top executive women focused on activating their individual and collective power to achieve equity for women by driving representation and opportunities across all aspects of life and career. Kristi sponsors the Silicon Valley office’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee and is personally and passionately active in internal and external DEI initiatives.

Prior to rejoining Fragomen as a Partner, Kristi served as the Congressional Assistant and Immigration Policy Advisor to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, working with constituents in her local district office and working with the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Border Safety in Washington, DC.

Kristi speaks English and Spanish.

A Silicon Valley native, Kristi’s local perspective and Latina background have long informed her commitment to immigration services. Clients appreciate her intimate understanding of the life-altering decisions with which their employees grapple, along with the dedicated service she provides to help ensure their success.

Further, Kristi’s upbringing has made her particularly passionate about mentoring and helping to develop other women of diverse backgrounds. She serves on the Latina Advisory Council of How Women Lead, a national organization of top executive women focused on activating their individual and collective power to achieve equity for women by driving representation and opportunities across all aspects of life and career. Kristi sponsors the Silicon Valley office’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee and is personally and passionately active in internal and external DEI initiatives.

Prior to rejoining Fragomen as a Partner, Kristi served as the Congressional Assistant and Immigration Policy Advisor to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, working with constituents in her local district office and working with the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Border Safety in Washington, DC.

Kristi speaks English and Spanish.

Education

  • Santa Clara University School of Law, J.D., 1996
  • Santa Clara University, B.A., 1991

More from Kristi

Admissions

Bar Admissions: California

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Chambers USA, 2024-2026

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2026

Listed among Silicon Valley Business Journal’s “Women in Influence”, 2024

Honored in Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Latinx Business Leadership Awards, 2024

Listed among “Mentorship Award” finalists, The Recorder’s California Legal Awards, 2023

Latina Executive Leadership Program, Hispanic National Bar Association, Class of 2021

Outstanding Young Californian Honoree, California Junior Chamber Foundation, 2009

Santa Clara County Bar Association, Barristers' Leadership Program, 2005

Leadership Santa Clara, Class of 2003

 

HOPE (Hispanics Organized for Political Equality) Leadership Institute (HLI), Class of 2000

Professional accomplishments

Board Member, Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley

Member, Santa Clara County La Raza Lawyers Association

Unsung Heroes Award Selection Committee Member, Santa Clara County Bar Association (2009)

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, Hispanic National Bar Association

Board Member, Alexander Community Law Center (Past Chair, 2001-2005)

Past Advisory Board Member, West Valley College Paralegal Program

Past Member and Member of the Board of Trustees, Santa Clara County Bar Association (2005-2007, 2008-2010)

Past Member of the Board of Directors and Chair, Child Advocates, Diversity Committee (2004-2007)

Past Board Member, Services Immigrant Rights and Education Network (2000-2003)

Publications and lectures

Guest Lecturer, West Valley College Paralegal Program

Speaker, American Council on International Personnel

Speaker, Western Immigration Networking Group

Speaker, California State Bar Annual Conference, International Law Section

Speaker, Corporate Counsel Conference, Hispanic National Bar Association

Speaker, Society for Human Resource Management Employment Law & Compliance Conference

Speaker, “Deference and Duration of Status – The DHS Proposed Rule, Student and Talent Pipeline Impacts and Advocacy Options.” Fragomen, Webinar, 17 September 2025.

Speaker, “Session C3: Reimagining the Future – Strengthening the Pipeline for a More Inclusive Legal Profession.” CMCP 2025 Annual Business Conference, San Francisco, CA, 11 September 2025.

Speaker, “New U.S. Administration: Next Chapter of Global Semiconductor Policy.” Fragomen, Webinar, 20 February 2025.

Speaker, “Immigration Policy Shift: What the Trump Administration Means for Global Companies and Talent (Part III).” Fragomen, Webinar, 23 January 2025.

Speaker, “The Impact of the Incoming Trump Administration on You and Your Employees (Part II).” Fragomen, Webinar, 13 November 2024.

Speaker, “Fragomen Webcast Series - Harris vs. Trump: Key Differences in Immigration Policy (Part I).” Fragomen, Webinar, 17 October 2024.

Kristi’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

November 5, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Silicon Valley: Immigration Breakfast Briefing and Roundtable DiscussionRead more

September 17, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast: Deference and Duration of Status – The DHS Proposed Rule, Student and Talent Pipeline Impacts and Advocacy OptionsRead more
More related insights

Kristi’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

November 5, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Silicon Valley: Immigration Breakfast Briefing and Roundtable DiscussionRead more

September 17, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast: Deference and Duration of Status – The DHS Proposed Rule, Student and Talent Pipeline Impacts and Advocacy OptionsRead more
More related insights

Kristi’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

November 5, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Silicon Valley: Immigration Breakfast Briefing and Roundtable DiscussionRead more

September 17, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast: Deference and Duration of Status – The DHS Proposed Rule, Student and Talent Pipeline Impacts and Advocacy OptionsRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 408 919 0600

F:+1 408 919 0615

Fragomen in Silicon Valley, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

2755 Orchard Pkwy

San Jose CA 95134

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Kristi’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

November 5, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Silicon Valley: Immigration Breakfast Briefing and Roundtable DiscussionRead more

September 17, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast: Deference and Duration of Status – The DHS Proposed Rule, Student and Talent Pipeline Impacts and Advocacy OptionsRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 408 919 0600

F:+1 408 919 0615

Fragomen in Silicon Valley, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

2755 Orchard Pkwy

San Jose CA 95134

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Kristi’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

November 5, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Silicon Valley: Immigration Breakfast Briefing and Roundtable DiscussionRead more

September 17, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast: Deference and Duration of Status – The DHS Proposed Rule, Student and Talent Pipeline Impacts and Advocacy OptionsRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 408 919 0600

F:+1 408 919 0615

Fragomen in Silicon Valley, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

2755 Orchard Pkwy

San Jose CA 95134

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Kristi’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

November 5, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Silicon Valley: Immigration Breakfast Briefing and Roundtable DiscussionRead more

September 17, 2025 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast: Deference and Duration of Status – The DHS Proposed Rule, Student and Talent Pipeline Impacts and Advocacy OptionsRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries announce that they will jointly serve as co-chairs of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility for a two-year term beginning in June 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

From Barnsley to the North: AI Growth and the UK's Immigration Challenge

In this blog, Manager Gillian Gibbons and Immigration Consultants Gemma Oliver and Larna Kate Hadfield examine how Barnsley’s designation as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town reflects wider AI and digital growth across the North of England, and why immigration strategy will be critical for employers seeking to access the global talent needed to support regional innovation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

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
June 22, 2026 | CanadaFragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility
June 23, 2026 | GhanaGhana: New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and eVisa Requirements; Visa-on-Arrival Discontinued
June 23, 2026 | JapanJapan: Visa Issuance Fees to Increase Effective July 2026
June 23, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwan Youth Mobility Scheme Second Ballot to Open July 14, 2026
June 23, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: Local Authorities to Now Handle Hanoi-related Immigration Processes
June 22, 2026 | CanadaFragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility
June 23, 2026 | GhanaGhana: New Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and eVisa Requirements; Visa-on-Arrival Discontinued
June 23, 2026 | JapanJapan: Visa Issuance Fees to Increase Effective July 2026
June 23, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwan Youth Mobility Scheme Second Ballot to Open July 14, 2026
June 23, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: Local Authorities to Now Handle Hanoi-related Immigration Processes
June 22, 2026 | CanadaFragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Named Co-Chairs of Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility
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.