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December 19, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Permanent Residence Eligibility Restrictions Forthcoming
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December 19, 2025 | United StatesBusiness Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others
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December 19, 2025 | DenmarkDenmark: Work Permit Exemption for Business Events, Conferences, Trade Fairs
December 19, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Permanent Residence Eligibility Restrictions Forthcoming
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Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Matawan][Associate][SonyaCole]

Senior Associate

Sonya Berenfeld Cole

Landscape hero image of Fragomen [Matawan][Associate][SonyaCole]
Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Matawan][Associate][SonyaCole]
  • People

Senior Associate

Sonya Berenfeld Cole

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English
  • Russian

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[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Sonya is a Senior Associate in the firm’s Knowledge group, which provides internal and client guidance on new, changing and complex global immigration issues and maintains the firm’s extensive global immigration knowledge library. As the team's head writer, Sonya spearheads the Fragomen Client Alert writing process and the award-winning Worldwide Immigration Trends Report, and drafts client materials related to global immigration policy. Sonya also played an integral role in the firm’s communication standardization project, which helped to simplify client communications using visuals and succinct, direct language.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Sonya was a civil litigator in New Jersey and New York.

Sonya has provided pro bono immigration services for Immigration Equality. She also assisted with asylum cases in an immigration clinic at Seton Hall Law School.

Sonya speaks English and Russian

Education

  • Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D., 2010
  • New York University, B.A., cum laude , 2006

More from Sonya

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New Jersey, New York​

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Excellence in Pro Bono Representation Award, Immigration Equality, 2016

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, South Carolina Women Lawyers Association

Publications and lectures

Co-author, “Digital Nomads and Hybrid Work: A Deep Dive into the Benefits, Drawbacks and Possible Ways to Improve Uptake of Digital Nomad Visa Programmes.” Global Forum for Migration Development Business Advisory Group for Migration, December 2023.

Author, “How is Immigration Policy Adapting in the Face of Growing Skills Gaps and the War for Talent?” Global Mobility Executive, 10 May 2023.

Co-author, “Data Privacy in the Post-Pandemic World – Trends and Projections in the Global Immigration Environment.” Worldwide ERC, 7 November 2022.

Author, “Digital Nomads and Remote Workers.” Worldwide ERC, 25 July 2022.

Contributor, “The Future of Remote Work: Digital Nomads and the Implications for Immigration Systems.” Migration Policy Institute, 23 June 2022.

Author, “Ukraine Situation and Its Impacts on Immigration Policy.” Global Mobility Executive, 26 May 2022.

Author, “COVID-19: Though it Exacerbated Anti-Immigrant Sentiments, it Could Accelerate Immigration’s Digital Transformation.” Worldwide ERC, 19 October 2020.

Author, “It’s A Tough Gig – Do work authorization systems meet the needs of nontraditional, or ‘gig,’ workers?.” Mobility, January 2020.

Author, “2019: Looking Back on a Year of Increased Government Rule Enforcement.” Fragomen Blog, 19 December 2019.

Author, “The Digital Transformation - Immigration Systems in 2019 and Beyond.” Worldwide ERC, 21 October 2019.

Speaker, “Peering into the Crystal Ball: Immigration Trends and Implications.” Worldwide ERC's Global Workforce Symposium, Boston, MA, October 18, 2019.

Author, “Global Immigration Trends in 2019 and Projections for 2020.” International HR Adviser, Summer 2019.

Author, “Immigration Policies for Dependent Spouses and Same-Sex Partners: What is the Road Ahead?” Worldwide ERC, 13 May 2019.

Co-author, “Chapter 22: Immigration Considerations for International Assignments” and “Appendix 22A.” International Corporate Practice: A Practitioner's Guide to Global Success, 2015, 2016, 2017.

Author, “Pro Bono Opportunities to Represent Unaccompanied Minors.” New Jersey Law Journal, 14 August 2014.

Author, “E-Verify: A Tool for Employers in the Age of ICE Audits.” New Jersey Law Journal, November 2012.

Sonya’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more

July 1, 2025 | Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts Read more

June 26, 2025 | Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Sonya’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more

July 1, 2025 | Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts Read more

June 26, 2025 | Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Sonya’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more

July 1, 2025 | Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts Read more

June 26, 2025 | Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sonya’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more

July 1, 2025 | Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts Read more

June 26, 2025 | Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sonya’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more

July 1, 2025 | Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts Read more

June 26, 2025 | Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sonya’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more

July 1, 2025 | Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts Read more

June 26, 2025 | Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Business Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others

Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Countdown to the Italy Winter Games 2026: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: The UK’s Earned Settlement Proposal: What HR Leaders Need to Know

Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Procedura legalizacji zatrudnienia cudzoziemców w Polsce po zmianach w 2025 r.

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala contributes to Konfederacja Lewiatan’s analysis on 2025 changes to work permits and foreign employment in Poland.

Learn more

Blog post

F and J Visa Updates: Social Media Checks Begin as DHS Proposes New Limits

Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ireland Awarded the KeepWell Mark by IBEC

Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Specustawa ukraińska wygasa: Pułapka dla pracodawców po 4 marca 2026

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Scotsman: UK Offshore Immigration Crackdown Risks Stifling Growth Unless Policy Meets Reality

Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Irish Immigration Changes: What Employers Need To Know Now And Into 2026

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B Visas

Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others

Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Countdown to the Italy Winter Games 2026: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: The UK’s Earned Settlement Proposal: What HR Leaders Need to Know

Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Procedura legalizacji zatrudnienia cudzoziemców w Polsce po zmianach w 2025 r.

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala contributes to Konfederacja Lewiatan’s analysis on 2025 changes to work permits and foreign employment in Poland.

Learn more

Blog post

F and J Visa Updates: Social Media Checks Begin as DHS Proposes New Limits

Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Ireland Awarded the KeepWell Mark by IBEC

Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Specustawa ukraińska wygasa: Pułapka dla pracodawców po 4 marca 2026

Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights a key development as Poland prepares to extend protection for Ukrainians, pointing to the growing role of the courts.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Scotsman: UK Offshore Immigration Crackdown Risks Stifling Growth Unless Policy Meets Reality

Director Kelly Hardman discusses how UK offshore immigration rules are creating challenges for energy and maritime operations.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR Headquarters: Irish Immigration Changes: What Employers Need To Know Now And Into 2026

Partner Ángel Bello Cortés outlines upcoming changes to Ireland’s immigration rules and their implications for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

ABC7: CA, Other States Sue Trump Admin Over New $100K Fee for H-1B Visas

Partner Chad Ellsworth discussed the new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and ongoing demand for specialized talent across the US tech industry.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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