Important Updates
Important Updates
October 23, 2025 | 🌐Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB
October 24, 2025 | United StatesBloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee
October 24, 2025 | PeruPeru: Technical Issues Affecting Online Visa Renewal Applications
October 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: What Employers and Foreign Nationals Need to Know about the New H-1B Fee
October 23, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Processing Delays for Residence Card Issuance
October 23, 2025 | 🌐Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB
October 24, 2025 | United StatesBloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee
October 24, 2025 | PeruPeru: Technical Issues Affecting Online Visa Renewal Applications
October 24, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: What Employers and Foreign Nationals Need to Know about the New H-1B Fee
October 23, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Processing Delays for Residence Card Issuance
October 23, 2025 | 🌐Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB
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Sophia Michelle Goring-Piard

Partner

Sophia Goring-Piard

Sophia Michelle Goring-Piard
Sophia Michelle Goring-Piard
  • People

Partner

Sophia Goring-Piard

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

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  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Sophia has served as a dedicated business immigration advisor to clients of every size and stripe for more than 20 years.

She has built her practice around three core principles:

  • Proactive advice based on government and industry intelligence. Sophia helps clients forecast necessary changes to their immigration programs in response to shifts in government policy, geopolitical conflict and economic pressure. She helps clients adjust internal policy, program management and workforce communications to anticipate and take advantage of developments others might miss.
  • Exceptional employee experience. Regardless of the size of their workforce or the volume of their caseload, clients rely on Sophia to maintain a responsive and respectful approach to individual employees. She partners with key stakeholders to understand employee culture through constant exchange of ideas and feedback. Sophia is especially attuned to the rapidly evolving communications tools used by employees and draws on this familiarity to develop communication strategies that counter misinformation, facilitate participation and reduce dissatisfaction.
  • Flexible, data-driven program design and diagnosis. Sophia dives deep into client and industry data to create new immigration programs for her clients—or to revitalize and streamline their existing efforts. By evaluating pain and pressure points, including lag time and success rates, she helps clients adjust resource allocation and increase transparency. She leverages her capacious industry experience to introduce clients to best practices from outside their sector.

    She also helps companies on the cusp of major growth to transform their current, bespoke immigration framework into full-blown programs handling hundreds or thousands of employees—a key factor in removing impediments to expansion.

Her specific capabilities include, but are not limited to, temporary visas, PERM programs, EB-1 petitions and National Interest Waivers. Her industry experience embraces high technology; telecommunications; banking, finance and asset management; and professional service providers, among others.

A dedicated pro bono attorney, Sophia has represented individuals in asylum and removal proceedings, family-based cases, special immigrant juvenile petitions, U-visa applications, VAWA self-petitions, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) issues and general immigration consultations. She is proudest of her work on behalf of a woman from Burkina Faso who was facing removal proceedings and for whom she helped secure asylum protection and permanent resident status.

Sophia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, through which she engages in leadership development, service and community work.

Her specific capabilities include, but are not limited to, temporary visas, PERM programs, EB-1 petitions and National Interest Waivers. Her industry experience embraces high technology; telecommunications; banking, finance and asset management; and professional service providers, among others.

A dedicated pro bono attorney, Sophia has represented individuals in asylum and removal proceedings, family-based cases, special immigrant juvenile petitions, U-visa applications, VAWA self-petitions, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) issues and general immigration consultations. She is proudest of her work on behalf of a woman from Burkina Faso who was facing removal proceedings and for whom she helped secure asylum protection and permanent resident status.

Sophia is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, through which she engages in leadership development, service and community work.

Education

  • Fordham University School of Law, J.D., 2000
  • Washington University in St. Louis, B.A., 1994

More from Sophia

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York, Massachusetts

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2012 to 2026

Listed in Crain’s New York Business’s Notable Black Leaders, 2022

Stein Scholar in Public Interest Law and Ethics, Fordham University School of Law, 1997 to 2000

Thurgood Marshall Fellowship, City Bar Justice Center’s Immigrant Women and Children Project, Association of the Bar of the City of New York, 1999

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, New York State Bar Association, Commercial and Federal Litigation – Committee on Immigration Litigation

Member, Metropolitan Black Bar Association

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Keynote Panel – State of Mobility.” 2025 Bay Area Mobility Management Annual Mobility Conference, San Francisco, CA, 13 February 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating the Corporate Climb: Lessons from Women at the Top.” Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) 8th Annual Conference, Scottsdale, AZ, 10 November 2024.

Sophia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Sophia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Sophia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sophia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
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Share

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sophia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sophia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

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Share

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Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana MartĂ­nez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: US Chamber Turns Trump Foe in Rare Split Over $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins 2025 FEM EMEA “Best Partnership” EMMA for Collaboration with TBB

Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Flags Immigration Crackdown as Risk to Food Supply

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Intra-African Mobility: Unlocking the Continent’s Promise Through Free Movement

Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana MartĂ­nez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

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Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

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