Important Updates
Important Updates
December 8, 2025 | CanadaCanada: New Express Entry Category and Immigration Measures for Foreign Doctors Announced
December 9, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Naura Moved to Visa National List
December 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: CBP Plans Changes to the ESTA Application Process, Including Social Media Review
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December 8, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: New Mobile App for Biometrics Collection for Certain Eligible Visa Applicants
December 8, 2025 | CanadaCanada: New Express Entry Category and Immigration Measures for Foreign Doctors Announced
December 9, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Naura Moved to Visa National List
December 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: CBP Plans Changes to the ESTA Application Process, Including Social Media Review
December 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: December 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
December 8, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: New Mobile App for Biometrics Collection for Certain Eligible Visa Applicants
December 8, 2025 | CanadaCanada: New Express Entry Category and Immigration Measures for Foreign Doctors Announced
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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

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  • 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

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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

Blog post

UK Expands HPI Visa: What’s New in 2025

The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps

Learn more

Video

UK Widens Access to the High Potential Individual Visa to Attract the World’s Top Graduate Talent | #MobilityMinute

The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.

Learn more

Media mentions

International Organisation of Employers: The Gulf Experience: Building a Skilled Workforce in the UAE

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US to Scan Social Media of All H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants from December 15

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: Unprepared Companies At Risk In H-1B Visa Immigration Crackdown

Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.

Learn more

Video

United States: 2025 Holiday Travel Guidelines for Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Labor Department Expands H-1B Oversight, Tests Enforcement Power

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains that the Department of Labor’s Project Firewall expands H-1B oversight beyond individual complaints and increases the scope of employer compliance reviews.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: Is Settlement Reform Rewarding Contribution or Rewriting the Rules of Fairness and Trust?

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how proposed settlement reforms could reshape the path to UK residency by extending qualifying periods and linking eligibility to individual contribution.

Learn more

Podcast

Canada's Healthcare Staffing Solution

Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi discuss critical immigration strategies underpinning healthcare-sector staffing in Canada, unpacking how recent policy, mobility and compliance developments are affecting employers and global talent pipelines.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025

Fragomen named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025, recognising the strength of our UK Private Client practice.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Rising Immigration Fraud Creates New Compliance Challenges for US Firms

Partner Daniel Brown highlights rising deceptive practices in immigration and emphasizes stronger verification and compliance measures for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Casual Staff to Come Under New Right to Work Check Legislation

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how proposed UK reforms could expand right to work checks across hospitality and reshape compliance for businesses.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Expands HPI Visa: What’s New in 2025

The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps

Learn more

Video

UK Widens Access to the High Potential Individual Visa to Attract the World’s Top Graduate Talent | #MobilityMinute

The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.

Learn more

Media mentions

International Organisation of Employers: The Gulf Experience: Building a Skilled Workforce in the UAE

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US to Scan Social Media of All H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants from December 15

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: Unprepared Companies At Risk In H-1B Visa Immigration Crackdown

Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.

Learn more

Video

United States: 2025 Holiday Travel Guidelines for Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Labor Department Expands H-1B Oversight, Tests Enforcement Power

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains that the Department of Labor’s Project Firewall expands H-1B oversight beyond individual complaints and increases the scope of employer compliance reviews.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: Is Settlement Reform Rewarding Contribution or Rewriting the Rules of Fairness and Trust?

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how proposed settlement reforms could reshape the path to UK residency by extending qualifying periods and linking eligibility to individual contribution.

Learn more

Podcast

Canada's Healthcare Staffing Solution

Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi discuss critical immigration strategies underpinning healthcare-sector staffing in Canada, unpacking how recent policy, mobility and compliance developments are affecting employers and global talent pipelines.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025

Fragomen named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025, recognising the strength of our UK Private Client practice.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Rising Immigration Fraud Creates New Compliance Challenges for US Firms

Partner Daniel Brown highlights rising deceptive practices in immigration and emphasizes stronger verification and compliance measures for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Casual Staff to Come Under New Right to Work Check Legislation

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how proposed UK reforms could expand right to work checks across hospitality and reshape compliance for businesses.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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