Important Updates
Important Updates
November 20, 2025 | Switzerland Switzerland: Unchanged Quotas in 2026
November 21, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Resolution Published Adjusting Certain Visa and Entry Rules
November 21, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Travel Visa Categories Expanded to Transit, Mountaineering, Film and Entry
November 21, 2025 | OmanOman: New Cultural Visa and Cultural Residence Permit Introduced
November 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS and DOS Take Further Steps Toward Implementation of Gold Card Permanent Residence Program
November 20, 2025 | Switzerland Switzerland: Unchanged Quotas in 2026
November 21, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Resolution Published Adjusting Certain Visa and Entry Rules
November 21, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Travel Visa Categories Expanded to Transit, Mountaineering, Film and Entry
November 21, 2025 | OmanOman: New Cultural Visa and Cultural Residence Permit Introduced
November 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS and DOS Take Further Steps Toward Implementation of Gold Card Permanent Residence Program
November 20, 2025 | Switzerland Switzerland: Unchanged Quotas in 2026
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Ryan M. Freel

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Partner

Ryan M. Freel

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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[email protected]

T: +1 281 605 3111

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

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[email protected]

T: +1 281 605 3111

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T: +1 281 605 3111

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

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Ryan helps multinational Fortune 500 companies build custom immigration programs across multiple global jurisdictions. He is skilled in helping clients move worldwide workforces quickly and efficiently, while ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. Additionally, he works closely with clients to help set up their electronic systems for greater efficiency, using APIs to manage risks and compliance.

Counseling companies across several industries, Ryan focuses on the energy, tech, defense and relocation sectors. He is also experienced in M&A/divestiture projects with an immigration component, helping leadership execute on immediate compliance and minimize loss of productivity.

Specific to the energy industry, clients rely on Ryan’s keen insight on the challenges related to a rotational workforce in remote locations and international waters, and determining the necessary offshore compliance. In 2014, Ryan was seconded to a well-known oil field services company as the Immigration Program Lead. In this capacity, Ryan successfully implemented and co-managed a comprehensive global immigration program.

Serving as the head of the firm’s Houston office, Ryan uses his 20-plus years of experience in various roles within the firm, including posts overseas in the Asia Pacific region, to help clients solve their most complex immigration and global mobility challenges.

Additionally, Ryan looks to his own passion for travel and learning about new cultures, and experience of living abroad—both personally and professionally—to help him inform his work and how he relates to his clients’ needs. Having worked in-house for a period of years, Ryan also has a deep understanding of the priorities from that side of a case. He uses this experience to help clients navigate each part of the immigration process, providing the answers to the questions that matter to everyone involved, and ultimately working together to achieve a successful result.

Clients appreciate Ryan’s transparent and proactive approach and his dedication to making an impact on their immigration programs. His client philosophy has resulted in many long-term relationships and continued collaboration with companies in the U.S. and abroad.                                                      

Ryan’s commitment to building relationships also extends to the firm where he is known for his mentorship. He strongly believes in helping young lawyers in their career progression but also learning from them and applying what he has learned to his own practice. Active in the community, Ryan often looks for ways to partner with Houston-area organizations where he and the entire office can donate their time and help, further fostering a culture of togetherness and mentorship.

Serving as the head of the firm’s Houston office, Ryan uses his 20-plus years of experience in various roles within the firm, including posts overseas in the Asia Pacific region, to help clients solve their most complex immigration and global mobility challenges.

Additionally, Ryan looks to his own passion for travel and learning about new cultures, and experience of living abroad—both personally and professionally—to help him inform his work and how he relates to his clients’ needs. Having worked in-house for a period of years, Ryan also has a deep understanding of the priorities from that side of a case. He uses this experience to help clients navigate each part of the immigration process, providing the answers to the questions that matter to everyone involved, and ultimately working together to achieve a successful result.

Clients appreciate Ryan’s transparent and proactive approach and his dedication to making an impact on their immigration programs. His client philosophy has resulted in many long-term relationships and continued collaboration with companies in the U.S. and abroad.                                                      

Ryan’s commitment to building relationships also extends to the firm where he is known for his mentorship. He strongly believes in helping young lawyers in their career progression but also learning from them and applying what he has learned to his own practice. Active in the community, Ryan often looks for ways to partner with Houston-area organizations where he and the entire office can donate their time and help, further fostering a culture of togetherness and mentorship.

Education

  • University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 1999
  • Salve Regina University, B.A., cum laude , 1996

More from Ryan

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Texas, New York

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Outstanding Mentor Award (Houston Young Lawyers Association), 2022-2023

Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), 2024-2026

Listed in Chambers USA (Chambers and Partners), 2021-2025

Professional accomplishments

Member, Australian-American Chamber of Commence

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, Brazil-Texas Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors, Houston Relocation Professionals, 2025-2028

Member, Houston Relocation Professionals

Member, New York State Bar Association

Member, Society for Human Resource Management

Member, Texas Bar Association 

 

Former Member, Employee Relocation Council (GMS Certified)

Former Member, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce

Former Member, American Bar Association

Experience

Following a sale of a technology company, managed all the immigration compliance aspects across seven countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating abrupt changes in regulations, border closures, entry restrictions and quarantine requirements for a large number of affected employees.

Managed immigration compliance aspects of a joint venture transaction for an offshore drilling company and provided strategic guidance to help assess the immigration consequences of this transaction on the workforce and ensure minimal disruption to the organization.

Played a critical role in the development of a Fortune 100 company’s Remote Work Policy, which enabled the client to keep its business operating and its employees safe and happy, while complying with evolving processes and regulations.

Provided senior account management leadership for a large multinational IT company and a global oil field services company by establishing global best practices, refining the companies’ global immigration programs and improving operational efficiencies and process improvements to minimize client expenditures.

Led the commercial management of the firm’s Global Co-Counsel Network and established policies for the qualification, selection and ongoing management of the firm’s immigration service providers.

Managed the inception and ongoing operational development of Fragomen’s Singapore and South Africa offices.

Served as Fragomen’s primary point of contact in the establishment and execution of a joint venture between Fragomen and Abacus Consulting in the United Arab Emirates.

Researched and drafted a comprehensive best practices report analyzing five Fortune 500 companies with regard to compliance management of business travelers, immigration program management, use of technology, tracking and monitoring of expiration dates, and internal immigration policies.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Staying the Course: Navigating Today’s Immigration Landscape with Confidence and Compliance.” Texas SHRM Global Business Conference, Austin, TX, 18 September 2025.

Speaker, “Corporate Roundtable: Be Aware and Prepared: Immigration Compliance and Audit Readiness.” 2025 Forum for Expatriate Management Americas Summit, Dallas, TX, 15 May 2025.

Speaker, “Accelerate Immigration Assessment for the Offshore energy and Maritime Industries.” 2023 Texas SHRM Global HR Conference, Houston, Texas, 14 September 2023.

Panelist, “Global Mobility and Immigration.” 2023 St. Louis Employee Relocation Council Conference, St. Louis, Missouri, 16 August 2023.

Panelist, “Making the Case: Advocating for International Visa and Immigration Compliance in Your Travel Program.” Global Business Travel Association National Conference, Dallas, Texas, 15 August 2023.

Speaker, “Untapped Talent Pools: Leveraging Digital Nomad Visas in Your Program.”  2023 Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues, Houston, Texas, 13 July 2023.

Panelist, “A Focus on Latin America.” Southeastern Regional Relocation Council Spring Event, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 11 May 2023.

Speaker, “Crisis Management for the Unexpected in Global Mobility.” On The Move with US Bank, Podcast, 11 April 2023.

Speaker, “Global Mobility Executive Houston Roundtable.” Global Mobility Executive Leaders Exchange, Houston, Texas, 30 March 2023.

Panelist, “Crisis Management: Lessons Learned in Immigration and Mobility.“ Cartus, Webinar, 21 March 2023.

Co-author, “White Paper: Immigration in the Offshore Energy and Maritime Industry.” Fragomen, 15 March 2023.

Speaker, “Global Mobility and Relocation Round-Up.” Houston Relocation Professional Conference, Houston, Texas, 8 March 2023.

Speaker, “Has The Mobility Industry Opened Pandora's Suitcase? Part II - Business Travel Immigration Compliance.” Minnesota Employee Relocation Council, St. Paul, Minnesota, 13 July 2021.

Co-author, “Cost Savings in the Modern Talent and Mobility World.” Fragomen Whitepaper.

Co-author, “Developing Business Relationships in the Global Immigration Sector.” American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Ryan has served as the firm’s primary speaker on all matters pertaining to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also lectures on global immigration compliance and best practices to Fortune 500 companies on a regular basis.

In addition, Ryan is a speaker and presenter on global immigration law for the following organizations:

  • American Council on International Personnel
  • Association of Corporate Counsel
  • California Bar Association
  • Corporate Relocation Council
  • Council for Global Immigration
  • NAFSA (Association of International Educators)
  • Society for Human Resource Management

Ryan’s insights

September 18, 2025 | Conference

Texas SHRM Global Business ConferenceRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Ryan’s insights

September 18, 2025 | Conference

Texas SHRM Global Business ConferenceRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Ryan’s insights

September 18, 2025 | Conference

Texas SHRM Global Business ConferenceRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T: +1 281 605 3111

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ryan’s insights

September 18, 2025 | Conference

Texas SHRM Global Business ConferenceRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T: +1 281 605 3111

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ryan’s insights

September 18, 2025 | Conference

Texas SHRM Global Business ConferenceRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T: +1 281 605 3111

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ryan’s insights

September 18, 2025 | Conference

Texas SHRM Global Business ConferenceRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

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Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Cyfrowy odwrót. Wojewodowie chcą odzyskać kontrolę nad kolejkami

Partner Karolina Schiffter explains why Poland has paused online residence permit bookings and returned to paper-based submissions.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas for 2026: What Employers and Workers Need to Know

Senior Manager Ana Bessa Santos outlines Switzerland’s 2026 immigration quotas and what employers should expect across non-EU/EFTA, EU/EFTA and UK permit categories.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Updates Residency Rules to Support Residents Following Marital Status Changes

Manager Ruaida Hussein outlines the UAE’s updated residency rules introducing a one-year residence permit for eligible individuals following divorce or the death of a spouse

Learn more

Blog post

USCIS Lowers EB-5 Filing Fees After Court Ruling

Partner Rahul Soni outlines USCIS’ decision to reduce EB-5 filing fees following a federal court ruling that invalidates the agency’s 2024 fee increases.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Illegal Working in Construction: Expanding Right to Work Checks

Manager Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce highlight how the UK government’s consultation on expanding right to work checks could affect construction employers.

Learn more

Awards

China Managing Partner Becky Xia Named Among the "Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025" by Forbes China

China Managing Partner Becky Xia is named among the “Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025” by Forbes China for her leadership in immigration law and contributions to global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognised on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms List

Fragomen is featured on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms list in the category of immigration.

Learn more

Blog post

Foreign Birth Registration: How to Claim Irish Citizenship Through Ancestry in 2025

Senior Immigration Consultant Patricia Rezmives explains the 2025 process for claiming Irish citizenship through ancestry and key considerations for foreign birth registration.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Named Among Top Firms on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders List

Fragomen is recognized on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders list.

Learn more

Awards

Partner F. Joseph Paldino Honored with the 2025 Utah State Bar Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award

Partner F. Joseph Paldino is recognized with the Utah State Bar’s Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award for his dedication to mentorship in immigration law and fostering professional growth in the legal community.

Learn more

Blog post

The Compliance Paradox: Why Immigration Compliance Must Become Strategic Governance

In this blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how modern immigration compliance must evolve from paperwork and formality into a strategic governance discipline that aligns outdated laws with today’s business realities and measures true compliance through systems, behavior and integrity.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Immigration Reforms: A Moment to Shape the System

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines the UK’s evolving immigration framework, outlining recent reforms, upcoming consultations and the key areas where business can help shape the system’s future direction.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Cyfrowy odwrót. Wojewodowie chcą odzyskać kontrolę nad kolejkami

Partner Karolina Schiffter explains why Poland has paused online residence permit bookings and returned to paper-based submissions.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas for 2026: What Employers and Workers Need to Know

Senior Manager Ana Bessa Santos outlines Switzerland’s 2026 immigration quotas and what employers should expect across non-EU/EFTA, EU/EFTA and UK permit categories.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Updates Residency Rules to Support Residents Following Marital Status Changes

Manager Ruaida Hussein outlines the UAE’s updated residency rules introducing a one-year residence permit for eligible individuals following divorce or the death of a spouse

Learn more

Blog post

USCIS Lowers EB-5 Filing Fees After Court Ruling

Partner Rahul Soni outlines USCIS’ decision to reduce EB-5 filing fees following a federal court ruling that invalidates the agency’s 2024 fee increases.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Illegal Working in Construction: Expanding Right to Work Checks

Manager Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce highlight how the UK government’s consultation on expanding right to work checks could affect construction employers.

Learn more

Awards

China Managing Partner Becky Xia Named Among the "Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025" by Forbes China

China Managing Partner Becky Xia is named among the “Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025” by Forbes China for her leadership in immigration law and contributions to global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognised on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms List

Fragomen is featured on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms list in the category of immigration.

Learn more

Blog post

Foreign Birth Registration: How to Claim Irish Citizenship Through Ancestry in 2025

Senior Immigration Consultant Patricia Rezmives explains the 2025 process for claiming Irish citizenship through ancestry and key considerations for foreign birth registration.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Named Among Top Firms on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders List

Fragomen is recognized on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders list.

Learn more

Awards

Partner F. Joseph Paldino Honored with the 2025 Utah State Bar Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award

Partner F. Joseph Paldino is recognized with the Utah State Bar’s Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award for his dedication to mentorship in immigration law and fostering professional growth in the legal community.

Learn more

Blog post

The Compliance Paradox: Why Immigration Compliance Must Become Strategic Governance

In this blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how modern immigration compliance must evolve from paperwork and formality into a strategic governance discipline that aligns outdated laws with today’s business realities and measures true compliance through systems, behavior and integrity.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Immigration Reforms: A Moment to Shape the System

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines the UK’s evolving immigration framework, outlining recent reforms, upcoming consultations and the key areas where business can help shape the system’s future direction.

Learn more

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