Important Updates
Important Updates
April 30, 2026 | SwitzerlandSwitzerland: Zurich Now Requires Appointments for a Broader Range of Services
April 30, 2026 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Earlier Extension Filing Announced
April 30, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: New Password Rule Could Delay Applications if Email Addresses are Invalid or Inaccessible
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
April 30, 2026 | SwedenSweden: Citizenship Eligibility Restrictions Forthcoming
April 30, 2026 | SwitzerlandSwitzerland: Zurich Now Requires Appointments for a Broader Range of Services
April 30, 2026 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Earlier Extension Filing Announced
April 30, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: New Password Rule Could Delay Applications if Email Addresses are Invalid or Inaccessible
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
April 30, 2026 | SwedenSweden: Citizenship Eligibility Restrictions Forthcoming
April 30, 2026 | SwitzerlandSwitzerland: Zurich Now Requires Appointments for a Broader Range of Services
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Kristi-Nevarez

Partner

Kristi Nevarez

Kristi-Nevarez
Kristi-Nevarez
  • People

Partner

Kristi Nevarez

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English
  • Spanish

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[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

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Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

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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
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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, 2024-2025

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

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

September 10, 2025 — September 12, 2025 | Conference

CMCP 2025 Annual Business ConferenceRead more
More related insights

Kristi’s insights

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

September 10, 2025 — September 12, 2025 | Conference

CMCP 2025 Annual Business ConferenceRead more
More related insights

Kristi’s insights

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

September 10, 2025 — September 12, 2025 | Conference

CMCP 2025 Annual Business ConferenceRead 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

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

September 10, 2025 — September 12, 2025 | Conference

CMCP 2025 Annual Business ConferenceRead 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

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

September 10, 2025 — September 12, 2025 | Conference

CMCP 2025 Annual Business ConferenceRead 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

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

September 10, 2025 — September 12, 2025 | Conference

CMCP 2025 Annual Business ConferenceRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Work authorization

The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

Director Audrey Morew examines how Nordic immigration systems, while increasingly digital and efficient, can embed compliance risk earlier in the process—placing greater responsibility on employers to ensure data accuracy, internal controls and long‑term compliance from the outset.

Learn more

Work authorization

Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa & Entry Requirements

Partner Rick Lamanna outlines Canada’s entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting visa and eTA processes, border expectations and special measures for participants to help travelers prepare for seamless entry during the tournament.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

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From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

Work authorization

Family Reunification in Switzerland: Key Scenarios, Requirements and Risks

Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals. 

Learn more

Work authorization

The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

Director Audrey Morew examines how Nordic immigration systems, while increasingly digital and efficient, can embed compliance risk earlier in the process—placing greater responsibility on employers to ensure data accuracy, internal controls and long‑term compliance from the outset.

Learn more

Work authorization

Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa & Entry Requirements

Partner Rick Lamanna outlines Canada’s entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting visa and eTA processes, border expectations and special measures for participants to help travelers prepare for seamless entry during the tournament.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

Work authorization

Family Reunification in Switzerland: Key Scenarios, Requirements and Risks

Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals. 

Learn more

Stay in touch

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