Counsel
Sylvia M. Montan
Country / Territory
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Languages
- English
Contact information
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
1400 Broadway
New York NY 10018
United States
A distinguished attorney with extensive experience in immigration law, naturalization and consular practice, Sylvia manages complex immigration matters for corporate clients, not-for-profit organizations and individuals across various industries, including financial services, legal, information technology, pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, aerospace, health, education, architecture, athletes, performance artists and musicians.
Whether working with individuals, startups or Fortune 500 companies, Sylvia serves as a trusted advisor, partnering and strategizing with clients to find practical, timely and efficient solutions for their hiring and retention needs.
Her experience spans visa strategy for international events and competitions, facilitating foreign teams and staff entry into the United States, as well as securing E-2 visa registrations for startups and businesses in diverse industries. She has also assisted educational institutions in obtaining F-1/M-1 certification and recertification for enrolling international students. Additionally, she represents clients in-person before USCIS in complex immigration matters and supports client green card programs, improving efficiency through centralized batch recruitment and client training. Sylvia frequently represents individuals on preservation on permanent residence and naturalization. She has also successfully secured J-1 exceptional hardship waivers for individuals subject to a 2-year foreign residence requirement, including foreign medical graduates.
Outside of Fragomen, Sylvia serves as Co-Chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) New York USCIS Liaison Committee, where she advocates for immigration attorneys and resolves USCIS-related challenges. She also co-chairs the Hispanic/Latinx Affinity Group of the Sports Lawyers Association (SLA). Additionally, Sylvia is a Founding and Board Member of Impact 100 NYC, a women-led philanthropic organization funding transformative initiatives for New York City communities, where she serves as Grant Review Committee Co-Chair and Co-Chair of the Membership Ambassador Program.
Sylvia is a recognized thought leader in immigration law, frequently speaking at the New York State Bar Association Annual Conference, AILA New York Chapter events and Syracuse University’s “Emerging Issues in Immigration Law” program. She has also appeared on NBC4 New York, sharing insights on immigration matters.
Dedicated to pro bono work, Sylvia participates in DACA, naturalization and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) clinics, mentoring legal professionals and advocating for equitable immigration policies.
Education
- Syracuse University College of Law, J.D.
- Fordham University, B.A.
More from Sylvia
Admissions
Bar Admissions: New York; New Jersey (inactive)
Court Admissions: U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; U.S. District Court, New Jersey
Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law
Awards
Super Lawyers, 2014 to present
Best Lawyers, 2016 to present
Professional accomplishments
Founder and Board Member, Impact 100 NYC
Co-Chair, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) NY USCIS Liaison Committee
Co-Chair, Sports Lawyers Association (SLA) Hispanic/Latinx Affinity Group
Member, AILA
Member, Appellate Division First Judicial Department Committee on Character and Fitness
Member, New York State Bar Association (NYSBA)
Member, NYSBA Committee on Immigration Representation
Member, NYSBA International Section
Publications and lectures
Speaker, “Current Topics & Trends: How to keep yourself relevant in changing times.” Lecture, New York State Bar Annual Meeting Career Development Program, New York, NY, 2015.
Speaker, “How to Rise to the Bench: State and Federal.” Lecture, Syracuse University Coming Back Together Reunion, Syracuse, NY, 2014.
Speaker, “Emerging Issues in Immigration Law.” Lecture, Syracuse University Latino Heritage Month, Syracuse, NY, 2012.
Speaker, “Consular Processing of Immigrant Visas.” Lecture, Consular/Border Processing 101, AILA New York Chapter, New York, NY, 2012.
Speaker, “Issues with NIV and IV Consular Processing.” Lecture, AILA New York Chapter, New York, NY, 2012.
Speaker, “Family Track II – Coordinator.” Lecture, AILA Annual Conference, National Harbor, MD, 2010.
Speaker, “Business Visas 101.” Lecture, AILA New York Chapter, New York, NY, 2008.
Speaker, “Business Visas 101.” Lecture, AILA New York Chapter, New York, NY, 2007.
Sylvia’s insights
August 21, 2025 | Awards
July 1, 2025 | Video
