Important Updates
Important Updates
September 22, 2025 | United StatesThe Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear
September 22, 2025 | Japan, United States2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報
September 22, 2025 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę
September 22, 2025 | GermanyHuman Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft
September 22, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Work Permit Processing Delays due to System Outage
September 22, 2025 | United StatesThe Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear
September 22, 2025 | Japan, United States2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報
September 22, 2025 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę
September 22, 2025 | GermanyHuman Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft
September 22, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Work Permit Processing Delays due to System Outage
September 22, 2025 | United StatesThe Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear
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Michael F. Smith

Counsel

Michael Smith

Michael F. Smith
Michael F. Smith
  • People

Counsel

Michael Smith

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  • United StatesUnited States

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T:+1 202 349 2170

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Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

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T:+1 202 349 2170

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2170

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

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Mike has represented corporate and nonprofit clients in U.S. business immigration matters for more than a decade, and is experienced in representing higher education institutions and hospitals. Mike provides representation on all aspects of business immigration law, including complying with the laws and regulations governing Form I-9, and obtaining employment-authorized nonimmigrant status and permanent residence for managerial, professional and other critical personnel.

Prior to entering private practice, Mike was an attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, serving at the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer and then at the Board of Immigration Appeals. Mike entered the Justice Department out of law school through the Attorney General’s Honors Program.

Mike’s pro bono work includes assisting Central American women and children seeking refuge from persecution, preparing citizenship applications and representing children seeking Dream Act/DACA relief.

Education

  • University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, J.D., 2001
  • St. Mary's College of Maryland, B.A., 1998

More from Michael

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Maryland; District of Columbia

Court Admissions: U.S. District Court, District of Maryland; U.S. District Court, District of Columbia

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Named to Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, 2023 to 2024

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, American Bar Association

Experience

Obtained Conrad 30 and other interested government agency waivers of the J visa’s two-year home residence requirement for foreign physicians.

Successfully represented physicians, scientists and business leaders in obtaining “Extraordinary Ability” classification for an O-1 visa or permanent residence.

Obtained “Outstanding Researcher” based permanent residence for physicians and scientists.

Established H-1B, L-1, STEM OPT and PERM Labor Certification programs for employers.

Successfully represented a law firm with offices in Europe and Africa in opening a Washington, DC office and obtaining a “new office” L-1A visa (and subsequent visa extension) for its majority owner.

Publications and lectures

Guest speaker on business immigration, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and American University Washington College of Law.

Author, “Clear Guidelines on ‘No-Match’ Letters Remain Elusive for Employers.” Maryland Bar Bulletin, February 2011.

Author, “Maryland Recognizes My Same-Sex Marriage: Will the Immigration Service Do So?” Maryland Bar Bulletin, August 2010.

Author, “Obama Administration Targets Employers in Immigration Worksite Enforcement Investigations.” Maryland Bar Bulletin, August 2009.

Co-Author, “The Future is Now: The Genetic Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.” Lodging HR (Human Resources for Hoteliers), July, Vol. 7, Issue 12, 2008.

Author, “Who is a United States National?” Maryland Bar Bulletin, August 2003.

Co-Author, “The MBCA and State Corporation Law - A Tabular Comparison of Selected Financial Provisions.” 56 BUS. LAW. 69 (2000).

Michael’s insights

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 22, 2022 | Awards

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

Michael’s insights

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 22, 2022 | Awards

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

Michael’s insights

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 22, 2022 | Awards

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

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

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  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2170

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Michael’s insights

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 22, 2022 | Awards

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

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2170

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Michael’s insights

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 22, 2022 | Awards

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

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Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2170

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Michael’s insights

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 22, 2022 | Awards

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

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2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

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Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

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Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Impact on UK Aviation Roles

Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.

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2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft

Partner Marius Tollenaere examines Germany’s immigration administration and strategies to support skilled labor.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of UK Residency and Citizenship: Longer Waits, Tougher Rules?

Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.

Learn more

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Partner Julia Onslow-Cole Featured in Financial Times Spotlight on 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

Learn more

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Fragomen Receives Ally in Action Award from Oasis Legal Services

Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.

Learn more

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Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.

Learn more

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Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines the challenges of hiring foreign talent in Brazil’s evolving energy sector and the role of compliance in supporting innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Impact on UK Aviation Roles

Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Crackdown on Illegal Working in Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore highlights the need for UK construction employers to maintain compliance and manage risks.

Learn more

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