Important Updates
Important Updates
April 20, 2026 | United KingdomTimes Higher Education: Share Agent ‘Bad Actor’ Data With Universities, Home Office Told
April 21, 2026 | Russia, Saudi ArabiaRussia/Saudi Arabia: Mutual Visa-Free Entry Forthcoming
April 21, 2026 | NetherlandsThe Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the Netherlands
April 21, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: Pre-Arrival Declaration Now Required in Ho Chi Minh City
April 20, 2026 | United Kingdom12 Fragomen Lawyers Named to 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List
April 20, 2026 | United KingdomTimes Higher Education: Share Agent ‘Bad Actor’ Data With Universities, Home Office Told
April 21, 2026 | Russia, Saudi ArabiaRussia/Saudi Arabia: Mutual Visa-Free Entry Forthcoming
April 21, 2026 | NetherlandsThe Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the Netherlands
April 21, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: Pre-Arrival Declaration Now Required in Ho Chi Minh City
April 20, 2026 | United Kingdom12 Fragomen Lawyers Named to 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List
April 20, 2026 | United KingdomTimes Higher Education: Share Agent ‘Bad Actor’ Data With Universities, Home Office Told
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Counsel

Sylvia M. Montan

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Counsel

Sylvia M. Montan

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  • United StatesUnited States

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[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

F:+1 212 480 9930

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

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[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

F:+1 212 480 9930

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

F:+1 212 480 9930

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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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

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

July 1, 2025 | Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to KnowRead more

Sylvia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

July 1, 2025 | Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to KnowRead more

Sylvia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

July 1, 2025 | Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to KnowRead more

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

F:+1 212 480 9930

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Sylvia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

July 1, 2025 | Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to KnowRead more

Share

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  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

F:+1 212 480 9930

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Sylvia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

July 1, 2025 | Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to KnowRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

F:+1 212 480 9930

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Sylvia’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

July 1, 2025 | Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to KnowRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

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Explore more at Fragomen

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UK–EU Youth Mobility: Progress, Trade-offs and the Reality of Agreement

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

Learn more

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In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.

Learn more

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The H-1B Cap Lottery FY 2027 is Complete: What Employers Should Do Next

Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.

Learn more

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Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how immigration rules for offshore wind projects in Germany hinge on nautical boundaries and why careful personnel planning is essential to avoid compliance risks.

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Learn more

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Learn more

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Learn more

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