Important Updates
Important Updates
November 20, 2025 | Switzerland Switzerland: Unchanged Quotas in 2026
November 21, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Resolution Published Adjusting Certain Visa and Entry Rules
November 21, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Travel Visa Categories Expanded to Transit, Mountaineering, Film and Entry
November 21, 2025 | OmanOman: New Cultural Visa and Cultural Residence Permit Introduced
November 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS and DOS Take Further Steps Toward Implementation of Gold Card Permanent Residence Program
November 20, 2025 | Switzerland Switzerland: Unchanged Quotas in 2026
November 21, 2025 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Resolution Published Adjusting Certain Visa and Entry Rules
November 21, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Travel Visa Categories Expanded to Transit, Mountaineering, Film and Entry
November 21, 2025 | OmanOman: New Cultural Visa and Cultural Residence Permit Introduced
November 21, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS and DOS Take Further Steps Toward Implementation of Gold Card Permanent Residence Program
November 20, 2025 | Switzerland Switzerland: Unchanged Quotas in 2026
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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

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Cyfrowy odwrót. Wojewodowie chcą odzyskać kontrolę nad kolejkami

Partner Karolina Schiffter explains why Poland has paused online residence permit bookings and returned to paper-based submissions.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas for 2026: What Employers and Workers Need to Know

Senior Manager Ana Bessa Santos outlines Switzerland’s 2026 immigration quotas and what employers should expect across non-EU/EFTA, EU/EFTA and UK permit categories.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Updates Residency Rules to Support Residents Following Marital Status Changes

Manager Ruaida Hussein outlines the UAE’s updated residency rules introducing a one-year residence permit for eligible individuals following divorce or the death of a spouse

Learn more

Blog post

USCIS Lowers EB-5 Filing Fees After Court Ruling

Partner Rahul Soni outlines USCIS’ decision to reduce EB-5 filing fees following a federal court ruling that invalidates the agency’s 2024 fee increases.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Illegal Working in Construction: Expanding Right to Work Checks

Manager Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce highlight how the UK government’s consultation on expanding right to work checks could affect construction employers.

Learn more

Awards

China Managing Partner Becky Xia Named Among the "Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025" by Forbes China

China Managing Partner Becky Xia is named among the “Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025” by Forbes China for her leadership in immigration law and contributions to global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognised on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms List

Fragomen is featured on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms list in the category of immigration.

Learn more

Blog post

Foreign Birth Registration: How to Claim Irish Citizenship Through Ancestry in 2025

Senior Immigration Consultant Patricia Rezmives explains the 2025 process for claiming Irish citizenship through ancestry and key considerations for foreign birth registration.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Named Among Top Firms on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders List

Fragomen is recognized on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders list.

Learn more

Awards

Partner F. Joseph Paldino Honored with the 2025 Utah State Bar Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award

Partner F. Joseph Paldino is recognized with the Utah State Bar’s Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award for his dedication to mentorship in immigration law and fostering professional growth in the legal community.

Learn more

Blog post

The Compliance Paradox: Why Immigration Compliance Must Become Strategic Governance

In this blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how modern immigration compliance must evolve from paperwork and formality into a strategic governance discipline that aligns outdated laws with today’s business realities and measures true compliance through systems, behavior and integrity.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Immigration Reforms: A Moment to Shape the System

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines the UK’s evolving immigration framework, outlining recent reforms, upcoming consultations and the key areas where business can help shape the system’s future direction.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Cyfrowy odwrót. Wojewodowie chcą odzyskać kontrolę nad kolejkami

Partner Karolina Schiffter explains why Poland has paused online residence permit bookings and returned to paper-based submissions.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas for 2026: What Employers and Workers Need to Know

Senior Manager Ana Bessa Santos outlines Switzerland’s 2026 immigration quotas and what employers should expect across non-EU/EFTA, EU/EFTA and UK permit categories.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Updates Residency Rules to Support Residents Following Marital Status Changes

Manager Ruaida Hussein outlines the UAE’s updated residency rules introducing a one-year residence permit for eligible individuals following divorce or the death of a spouse

Learn more

Blog post

USCIS Lowers EB-5 Filing Fees After Court Ruling

Partner Rahul Soni outlines USCIS’ decision to reduce EB-5 filing fees following a federal court ruling that invalidates the agency’s 2024 fee increases.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Illegal Working in Construction: Expanding Right to Work Checks

Manager Clara Gautrais and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce highlight how the UK government’s consultation on expanding right to work checks could affect construction employers.

Learn more

Awards

China Managing Partner Becky Xia Named Among the "Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025" by Forbes China

China Managing Partner Becky Xia is named among the “Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Elites for 2025” by Forbes China for her leadership in immigration law and contributions to global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognised on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms List

Fragomen is featured on The Times’ 2026 Best Law Firms list in the category of immigration.

Learn more

Blog post

Foreign Birth Registration: How to Claim Irish Citizenship Through Ancestry in 2025

Senior Immigration Consultant Patricia Rezmives explains the 2025 process for claiming Irish citizenship through ancestry and key considerations for foreign birth registration.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Named Among Top Firms on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders List

Fragomen is recognized on Law360 Pulse's 2025 Social Impact Leaders list.

Learn more

Awards

Partner F. Joseph Paldino Honored with the 2025 Utah State Bar Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award

Partner F. Joseph Paldino is recognized with the Utah State Bar’s Paul Moxley Outstanding Mentor Award for his dedication to mentorship in immigration law and fostering professional growth in the legal community.

Learn more

Blog post

The Compliance Paradox: Why Immigration Compliance Must Become Strategic Governance

In this blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how modern immigration compliance must evolve from paperwork and formality into a strategic governance discipline that aligns outdated laws with today’s business realities and measures true compliance through systems, behavior and integrity.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Immigration Reforms: A Moment to Shape the System

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines the UK’s evolving immigration framework, outlining recent reforms, upcoming consultations and the key areas where business can help shape the system’s future direction.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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