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Important Updates
March 11, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: New ONE Pass (AI and Tech Track) to be Available in January 2027
March 12, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Stricter Application Requirements Introduced for Training Visa
March 12, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Immigration Publishes First-Ever AI Strategy for Immigration Processing
March 12, 2026 | United KingdomConstruction Management: What Tougher English Rules Mean for Construction Employers
March 12, 2026 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Immigration Filing Options Expanded Through Postal Service Pilot Program
March 11, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: New ONE Pass (AI and Tech Track) to be Available in January 2027
March 12, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Stricter Application Requirements Introduced for Training Visa
March 12, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Immigration Publishes First-Ever AI Strategy for Immigration Processing
March 12, 2026 | United KingdomConstruction Management: What Tougher English Rules Mean for Construction Employers
March 12, 2026 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Immigration Filing Options Expanded Through Postal Service Pilot Program
March 11, 2026 | SingaporeSingapore: New ONE Pass (AI and Tech Track) to be Available in January 2027
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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

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

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

Media mentions

Construction Management: What Tougher English Rules Mean for Construction Employers

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.

Learn more

Visas

FIFA Mexico 2026 World Cup Entry Requirements: Visa and Immigration Guide

Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

Artificial Wage Inflation in Business Immigration: Policy Misalignment and Employer Impact

Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Give to Gain: Strengthening Safety and Legal Pathways for Migrant Women Experiencing Abuse

Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Conflict Puts Multinationals’ Crisis Plans Under the Microscope

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Sarah K. Peterson Recognized as a 2026 Women in Business Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.

Learn more

Media mentions

The HR Room Podcast: How to Navigate Irish Immigration Law

Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

Housing Today: Right to Work Scheme Expansion: What Housebuilders Need to Know

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List

Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Businesses Prep H-1B Backups as Revamped Visa Lottery Opens

Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.

Learn more

Blog post

Bringing the Indonesian Diaspora Home: Insights on the New Global Citizenship Program

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: What Tougher English Rules Mean for Construction Employers

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Sean Pearce explain how the UK’s higher English language requirement for work visas affects construction employers.

Learn more

Visas

FIFA Mexico 2026 World Cup Entry Requirements: Visa and Immigration Guide

Senior Business Immigration Manager Vicente Duque outlines key immigration considerations for international visitors traveling to Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa eligibility, entry documentation and travel between host countries.

Learn more

Video

A Guide to EU Visa Categories for Non-EU Nationals

Explore EU visa options for non-EU nationals, including Schengen, long-stay and work visas like the EU Blue Card. Find the right visa for your needs.

Learn more

Blog post

Artificial Wage Inflation in Business Immigration: Policy Misalignment and Employer Impact

Counsel Susan Steger examines how wage-driven selection mechanisms in programs such as the H-1B lottery and PERM can create incentives for artificial wage inflation and introduce new compliance and workforce planning challenges for employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Give to Gain: Strengthening Safety and Legal Pathways for Migrant Women Experiencing Abuse

Director Gemma Hyslop examines how collaboration across the global mobility sector can help strengthen legal pathways and support for migrant women experiencing abuse.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Conflict Puts Multinationals’ Crisis Plans Under the Microscope

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discussed immigration and duty-of-care challenges for employers amid Middle East travel disruptions.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Sarah K. Peterson Recognized as a 2026 Women in Business Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal

Partner Sarah K. Peterson is recognized by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2026 Women in Business honoree for her professional achievements and contributions to the Twin Cities business community.

Learn more

Media mentions

The HR Room Podcast: How to Navigate Irish Immigration Law

Immigration Manager Alice Heron explains how HR teams can navigate Irish immigration law and manage international talent effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

Housing Today: Right to Work Scheme Expansion: What Housebuilders Need to Know

Associate Ilaria Iovieno and Immigration Consultant Devina Sanghera outline what the proposed expansion of the UK Right to Work Scheme means for housebuilders.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List

Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Businesses Prep H-1B Backups as Revamped Visa Lottery Opens

Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.

Learn more

Blog post

Bringing the Indonesian Diaspora Home: Insights on the New Global Citizenship Program

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.

Learn more

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