Important Updates
Important Updates
December 31, 2025 | NigerNiger: Alliance of Sahel States’ Biometric Identity Card Announced
January 2, 2026 | FranceFrance: Civic and Language Tests Now Required for Some Multi-Year Residence Permits, Residence Cards and French Citizenship
January 2, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
January 2, 2026 | NigerNiger: Decree Codifying Rules on Entry and Stay of Foreign Nationals Adopted
December 31, 2025 | Niger, Burkina FasoAfrica: U.S. Citizens Banned from Entering Certain African Countries
December 31, 2025 | NigerNiger: Alliance of Sahel States’ Biometric Identity Card Announced
January 2, 2026 | FranceFrance: Civic and Language Tests Now Required for Some Multi-Year Residence Permits, Residence Cards and French Citizenship
January 2, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
January 2, 2026 | NigerNiger: Decree Codifying Rules on Entry and Stay of Foreign Nationals Adopted
December 31, 2025 | Niger, Burkina FasoAfrica: U.S. Citizens Banned from Entering Certain African Countries
December 31, 2025 | NigerNiger: Alliance of Sahel States’ Biometric Identity Card Announced
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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
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  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: New H-1B Rule Pushes Employers to Rethink Workforce Options

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Learn more

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Business Insider: Immigration Lawyers Say the H-1B Chaos Is Forcing Tough Business Calls

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.

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Mitch Wexler Named 2025 Top 25 Immigration Attorney by EB5 Investors Magazine

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler is recognized by EB5 Investors Magazine as a 2025 Top 25 award recipient, reflecting leadership and long-standing impact in the global investment immigration space.

Learn more

Blog post

US Green Card by Investment | EB-5 and Gold Card Options for Middle Eastern Investors

Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni outline key considerations across the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the US Gold Card, comparing eligibility, investment structures and risk factors for high-net-worth individuals from the Middle East seeking US permanent residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

Franceinfo: États-Unis : bientôt une inspection au peigne fin des réseaux sociaux avant d'entrer sur le territoire

Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.

Learn more

Video

The Schengen C Visa: What Non-EU Nationals Need to Know About 90/180-Day Travel

Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: Canada Wants to Bring in 1,000 Researchers and Skilled Workers. Here’s What It Will Take

Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.

Learn more

Blog post

Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension Deadline | February 2026 UK Update

Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

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IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: New H-1B Rule Pushes Employers to Rethink Workforce Options

Partner Jill Bloom explains how the new wage-based H-1B selection rule may influence hiring decisions and prompt employers to reassess workforce planning and explore alternative visa options.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Immigration Lawyers Say the H-1B Chaos Is Forcing Tough Business Calls

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how companies are rethinking their H-1B strategies amid evolving policies.

Learn more

Awards

Mitch Wexler Named 2025 Top 25 Immigration Attorney by EB5 Investors Magazine

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler is recognized by EB5 Investors Magazine as a 2025 Top 25 award recipient, reflecting leadership and long-standing impact in the global investment immigration space.

Learn more

Blog post

US Green Card by Investment | EB-5 and Gold Card Options for Middle Eastern Investors

Partners Isha Atassi and Rahul Soni outline key considerations across the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and the US Gold Card, comparing eligibility, investment structures and risk factors for high-net-worth individuals from the Middle East seeking US permanent residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

Franceinfo: États-Unis : bientôt une inspection au peigne fin des réseaux sociaux avant d'entrer sur le territoire

Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.

Learn more

Video

The Schengen C Visa: What Non-EU Nationals Need to Know About 90/180-Day Travel

Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: Canada Wants to Bring in 1,000 Researchers and Skilled Workers. Here’s What It Will Take

Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.

Learn more

Blog post

Tier 1 Investor Visa Extension Deadline | February 2026 UK Update

Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: New H-1B Visa Rules Upgrade Some Lottery Applicants — and Squeeze Out Others

Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

China Daily: HK Softens Imbalance in Wealth Migration

Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.

Learn more

Blog post

Countdown to the Italy Winter Games 2026: What You Need to Know Before Travelling

IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gulf News: Moving to the UAE from the UK? Here’s Your Visa Guide for Jobs, Business and Golden Visas

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.

Learn more

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