Important Updates
Important Updates
April 22, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Nitaqat Calculation Now Requires Online Contract Submission
April 27, 2026 | IrelandFragomen features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026
April 24, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: April 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
April 23, 2026 | United Kingdom, United StatesCitywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals
April 22, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
April 22, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Nitaqat Calculation Now Requires Online Contract Submission
April 27, 2026 | IrelandFragomen features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026
April 24, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: April 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
April 23, 2026 | United Kingdom, United StatesCitywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals
April 22, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
April 22, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Nitaqat Calculation Now Requires Online Contract Submission
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Photo of Richard Lear

Senior Associate

Richard Lear

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Senior Associate

Richard Lear

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Richard is a Senior Associate at Fragomen’s New York office, where he represents multinational companies and manages their U.S. nonimmigrant and immigrant visa matters. His experience includes developing and implementing immigration strategies for large and mid-size companies in the technology, consulting, financial services, fashion and pharmaceutical industries, as well as representing small companies and start-ups with their initial U.S. immigration programs. He has extensive experience advising on H-1B, L-1, E-3, TN and O-1 visas, as well as employment-based green card processes.

Richard previously served as in-house counsel for a global technology company, where he led the internal immigration program and assisted with employment and HR matters, including advising on hiring, termination and related HR policies. Earlier in his career, Richard served as an Associate at Fragomen from 2011 through 2017.

Richard’s pro bono experience includes representing victims of trafficking and domestic violence to secure T and U visas, as well as representing individuals applying for affirmative asylum. While in law school, Richard served as a Managing Editor of Tulane Law Review.

Education

  • Tulane University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude , 2011
  • Lafayette College, B.A., summa cum laude , 2006

More from Richard

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Experience

Collaborated with large technology client on overhauling green card sponsorship program, establishing revamped batch PERM program with significant cost savings to the client.

Established and led in-house immigration practice for multinational technology company, including the development and streamlining of immigration processes, creating the internal green card sponsorship and Blanket L visa programs, and drafting and implementing related immigration policies.

Assisted startup software companies with acquiring initial visas and establishing their immigration programs to match company growth.

Secured extraordinary ability visas for numerous fashion designers at startup and established fashion companies.

Richard’s insights

September 1, 2021 | Fragomen news

Afghanistan and Reuniting FamiliesRead more

Richard’s insights

September 1, 2021 | Fragomen news

Afghanistan and Reuniting FamiliesRead more

Richard’s insights

September 1, 2021 | Fragomen news

Afghanistan and Reuniting FamiliesRead more

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4109

F:+1 212 480 9930

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Richard’s insights

September 1, 2021 | Fragomen news

Afghanistan and Reuniting FamiliesRead more

Share

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Share

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  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4109

F:+1 212 480 9930

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Richard’s insights

September 1, 2021 | Fragomen news

Afghanistan and Reuniting FamiliesRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4109

F:+1 212 480 9930

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Richard’s insights

September 1, 2021 | Fragomen news

Afghanistan and Reuniting FamiliesRead more

Share

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  • LinkedIn

Share

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Explore more at Fragomen

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

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the NetherlandsLearn more

Brexit

UK–EU Youth Mobility: Progress, Trade-offs and the Reality of Agreement

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

Learn more

Awards

12 Fragomen Lawyers Named to 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List

Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Share Agent ‘Bad Actor’ Data With Universities, Home Office Told

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.

Learn more

Video

Understanding Thai Visa Categories: Travel, Work, Study, Retirement and More

In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.

Learn more

Work authorization

The H-1B Cap Lottery FY 2027 is Complete: What Employers Should Do Next

Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.

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

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the NetherlandsLearn more

Brexit

UK–EU Youth Mobility: Progress, Trade-offs and the Reality of Agreement

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

Learn more

Awards

12 Fragomen Lawyers Named to 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List

Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Share Agent ‘Bad Actor’ Data With Universities, Home Office Told

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.

Learn more

Video

Understanding Thai Visa Categories: Travel, Work, Study, Retirement and More

In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.

Learn more

Work authorization

The H-1B Cap Lottery FY 2027 is Complete: What Employers Should Do Next

Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.

Learn more

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