Sophia Michelle Goring-Piard

Partner

Sophia Goring-Piard

Sophia Michelle Goring-Piard
Sophia Michelle Goring-Piard
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Partner

Sophia Goring-Piard

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4120

F:+1 212 480 9930

San Francisco

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

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

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 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
More related insights

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
More related insights

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
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

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
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

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
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

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

555 Montgomery St, 4th Floor

San Francisco CA 94111

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sophia’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform

Fragomen and SICPA expand their digital identity platform through a strategic collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Doing Business in Qatar: Growth and Workforce Mobility

In this blog, Corporate Services Manager Julia Ignatenko explores why businesses should coordinate company formation, regulatory compliance, leadership presence and workforce mobility from the outset.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs

Fragomen won Immigration Provider of the Year at the 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs, and our Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 received a Highly Commended recognition in the Thought Leadership category.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: DHS Adds Immigration Rule Stopping H-1B Spouses From Working To Agenda

Partner Kevin Miner discusses DHS’ proposed rule to end employment authorization for certain H-4 spouses of H-1B professionals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Newsweek: Green Card Update: Major Change Announced for Sponsors

Counsel Brian Hunt discussed USCIS’ new ability to obtain credit information from green card sponsors and the potential implications for future regulatory actions.

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Awards

Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™

Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho are recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Immigration Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye 103.8: Partner Ali Haider Joins The Agenda to Discuss Immigration Trends

Partner Ali Haider discusses immigration trends, visa appointments and the UAE’s continued efforts to attract global talent and investment.

Learn more

Blog post

Expanded Right-To-Work Scheme 2026: What UK Airlines and Aviation Contractors Need to Know

In their latest blog, Manager Adam Hickling and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale examine the proposed changes, airline-specific risk scenarios and the practical steps organisations should consider before October.

Learn more

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2026 年8月米国移民法ダイジェスト Learn more
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Blog post

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Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform

Fragomen and SICPA expand their digital identity platform through a strategic collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Doing Business in Qatar: Growth and Workforce Mobility

In this blog, Corporate Services Manager Julia Ignatenko explores why businesses should coordinate company formation, regulatory compliance, leadership presence and workforce mobility from the outset.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs

Fragomen won Immigration Provider of the Year at the 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs, and our Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 received a Highly Commended recognition in the Thought Leadership category.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: DHS Adds Immigration Rule Stopping H-1B Spouses From Working To Agenda

Partner Kevin Miner discusses DHS’ proposed rule to end employment authorization for certain H-4 spouses of H-1B professionals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Newsweek: Green Card Update: Major Change Announced for Sponsors

Counsel Brian Hunt discussed USCIS’ new ability to obtain credit information from green card sponsors and the potential implications for future regulatory actions.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™

Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho are recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Immigration Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dubai Eye 103.8: Partner Ali Haider Joins The Agenda to Discuss Immigration Trends

Partner Ali Haider discusses immigration trends, visa appointments and the UAE’s continued efforts to attract global talent and investment.

Learn more

Blog post

Expanded Right-To-Work Scheme 2026: What UK Airlines and Aviation Contractors Need to Know

In their latest blog, Manager Adam Hickling and Immigration Consultant Daisy Dale examine the proposed changes, airline-specific risk scenarios and the practical steps organisations should consider before October.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and SICPA’s Digital Identity Joint Venture Expands Ecosystem Through Strategic Collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security

Fragomen and SICPA’s digital identity joint venture expands its capabilities through a strategic collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026 年8月米国移民法ダイジェスト Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

APAC Immigration Landscape: Governments Are Using Immigration Policy to Advance National Priorities

In a new blog accompanying our Regional Immigration Overviews, Partner Kenneth Lau explores the key trends shaping the APAC immigration landscape and what they could mean for employers planning their global workforce strategies.

Learn more

Video

Brazil’s Private Investor Visa: What You Need to Know

Partner Diana Quintas outlines key requirements and considerations for Brazil’s Private Investor Visa, including investment thresholds, documentation and the application process.

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Important Updates
Important Updates
September 4, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: August 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform
September 4, 2026 | DenmarkDenmark: New Immigration Pathway for Certified Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals from Select Countries
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
September 4, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: August 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform
September 4, 2026 | DenmarkDenmark: New Immigration Pathway for Certified Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals from Select Countries
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
September 4, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: August 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
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