Important Updates
Important Updates
October 31, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 31, 2025 | BermudaBermuda: New Work Permit Policy to Prolong Processing Times
October 31, 2025 | ColombiaColombia: Delays in Issuance of Identification Cards
October 31, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 31, 2025 | United StatesSenior Associate Agata Richardson Honored with Casa Cornelia Law Center Pro Bono Publico Award
October 31, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 31, 2025 | BermudaBermuda: New Work Permit Policy to Prolong Processing Times
October 31, 2025 | ColombiaColombia: Delays in Issuance of Identification Cards
October 31, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 31, 2025 | United StatesSenior Associate Agata Richardson Honored with Casa Cornelia Law Center Pro Bono Publico Award
October 31, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
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Counsel

Sylvia M. Montan

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  • People

Counsel

Sylvia M. Montan

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4147

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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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

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

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

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

Explore more at Fragomen

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Senior Associate Agata Richardson Honored with Casa Cornelia Law Center Pro Bono Publico Award

Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.

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European Security & Technology Magazine: Die kritische Wachstumsbremse der europäischen Verteidigungsindustrie

Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.

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Learn more

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Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

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

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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

Awards

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Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.

Learn more

Media mentions

European Security & Technology Magazine: Die kritische Wachstumsbremse der europäischen Verteidigungsindustrie

Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.

Learn more

Media mentions

Games Industry: US H-1B Visas: Alternatives to a $100,000 Fee

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How Will EU Travel Rule Changes Impact Employers?

Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: How Easy Is It for Overseas Creatives to Work in the UK?

Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.

Learn more

Blog post

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Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.

Learn more

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Learn more

Media mentions

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Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.

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

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