Important Updates
Important Updates
July 18, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Proposed Reforms to Single Permit Regime
July 21, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch Status
July 21, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Rules on Investor Visa Relaxed
July 18, 2025 | RussiaRussia: Reduced Stay Periods Implemented for Visa-Free Entry 
July 18, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Civics Services Expansion for Citizens Abroad Facilitates Processes
July 18, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Proposed Reforms to Single Permit Regime
July 21, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) and Entry/Exit System (EES) Launch Status
July 21, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: Rules on Investor Visa Relaxed
July 18, 2025 | RussiaRussia: Reduced Stay Periods Implemented for Visa-Free Entry 
July 18, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Civics Services Expansion for Citizens Abroad Facilitates Processes
July 18, 2025 | SwedenSweden: Proposed Reforms to Single Permit Regime
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
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
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • 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

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

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
ContactCareersMedia

Partner

Ryan M. Freel

  • People

Partner

Ryan M. Freel

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

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

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
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

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.), 2024-2025

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, “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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

May 16, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Wins Multiple 2025 FEM Americas EMMAs AwardsRead more

May 14, 2025 | Conference

FEM Americas Summit & AwardsRead more
More related insights

Ryan’s insights

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

May 16, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Wins Multiple 2025 FEM Americas EMMAs AwardsRead more

May 14, 2025 | Conference

FEM Americas Summit & AwardsRead more
More related insights

Ryan’s insights

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

May 16, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Wins Multiple 2025 FEM Americas EMMAs AwardsRead more

May 14, 2025 | Conference

FEM Americas Summit & AwardsRead 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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

May 16, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Wins Multiple 2025 FEM Americas EMMAs AwardsRead more

May 14, 2025 | Conference

FEM Americas Summit & AwardsRead 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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

May 16, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Wins Multiple 2025 FEM Americas EMMAs AwardsRead more

May 14, 2025 | Conference

FEM Americas Summit & AwardsRead 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

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

May 16, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Wins Multiple 2025 FEM Americas EMMAs AwardsRead more

May 14, 2025 | Conference

FEM Americas Summit & AwardsRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Windpower Monthly: Wind Industry’s Chronic Skills Shortage Exacerbated by Tough Immigration Rules

Associate Yinny Tan outlines how proposed UK immigration changes may affect workforce planning and talent access in the wind industry.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Creative Industries & Immigration: What the 2025 Policy Changes Mean

Senior Manager Sean Rhodes, Associate Jennifer Gray and Paralegal Mariel Arquero outlines how the United Kingdom's 2025 immigration policy changes will impact the creative industries.

Learn more

Media mentions

AAML: Navigating U.S. Passport Applications for Minors Under 16: A Guide for Family Law Attorneys

Senior Associate Carolyn Alvarez outlines US passport rules for minors to guide family law attorneys on immigration requirements.

Learn more

Blog post

Fast-track Visa Options for Technical Workers: Türkiye’s AMS Visa and Greece’s Installation Visa

Senior Manager Ben Morgan and Manager Mariana Da Encarnacao outline Türkiye’s AMS visa and Greece’s Installation visa as streamlined immigration options aimed at attracting technical talent to support national innovation and economic growth.

Learn more

Video

Regional Immigration Overviews 2025 | #MobilityMinute

Director Raj Mann shares an overview of Fragomen's newly released 2025  Regional Immigration Overviews, a supplement to the firm's Worldwide Immigration Trends Report.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Partner Visa 2025: Is Cohabitation Still Required for Unmarried Couples?

Private Client Associate Amelia Haynes and Intern Zuha Malik explore whether living together remains a requirement for unmarried couples applying for a UK partner visa under the 2025 rules.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Standard: 11 Million US Visa Backlog Crushes Indian H-1B, Green Card Dreams: Decoded

Partner Blake Miller discussed how US immigration processing delays may create challenges for work authorization, travel and workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

EES and ETIAS: Automation Meets Immigration Complexity

Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis discusses how the EES and ETIAS systems aim to streamline immigration processes while addressing the complexities of automation.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group

Partner Marius Tollenaere is elected to the Executive Committee of the German Bar Association's Migration Law Working Group.

Learn more

Blog post

Policy Reform Proposal: Granting Automatic Employment Authorization to Spouses of Work Visa Holders in South Africa

Director Johannes Tiba explores the proposal to grant automatic employment authorization to spouses of work visa holders in South Africa.

Learn more

Media mentions

The National: UAE Golden Visa Explained: From Nomination to Investment and Who is Eligible

UK: Partner Haider Hussain clarifies that UAE Golden Visa applications must go through official government channels, warning against unauthorised fees and misinformation.

Learn more

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
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 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.