Valarie McPherson

Counsel

Valarie H. McPherson

Valarie McPherson
Valarie McPherson
  • People

Counsel

Valarie H. McPherson

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

Valarie is Counsel at Fragomen’s New York office with more than 20 years of immigration experience. She is trusted by multinational clients to manage some of their most complex and challenging matters, including E visa registrations for new enterprises at U.S. Consulates.

In addition to partnering with clients to secure employment-based nonimmigrant visas and guiding them through all aspects of the permanent residency process, Valarie helps to develop and implement enterprise-wide immigration processes and procedures, including those related to employment verification.

She has represented a variety of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to small- and medium-sized companies in the banking, finance, pharmaceutical, medical, publishing, manufacturing and fashion industries, as well as public and private foundations and individuals. Valarie also has experience counseling clients through the EB-5 immigrant investor visa process.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Valarie served as Special Immigration Counsel in the Immigration and Nationality Law Group of another Am Law 100 firm. She also served as a member of the Attorney General’s Honor Graduate Program and as an Attorney Advisor to approximately 30 Immigration Judges at the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Additionally, she was awarded the National Lawyers Guild Fellowship at the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, where she handled complex immigration litigation involving political freedom of expression, sexual orientation, criminal aliens and detained aliens.

Valarie speaks English and Spanish.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Valarie served as Special Immigration Counsel in the Immigration and Nationality Law Group of another Am Law 100 firm. She also served as a member of the Attorney General’s Honor Graduate Program and as an Attorney Advisor to approximately 30 Immigration Judges at the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Additionally, she was awarded the National Lawyers Guild Fellowship at the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, where she handled complex immigration litigation involving political freedom of expression, sexual orientation, criminal aliens and detained aliens.

Valarie speaks English and Spanish.

Education

  • Rutgers University School of Law, J.D., 2000
  • American University, B.A., 1996

More from Valarie

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York, New Jersey

Court Admissions: United States Court of Appeals 2ndCircuit, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2024 to 2026

Listed in The Legal 500 United States, 2015, 2018 to 2021

Listed among 40 Under 40, New Jersey Law Journal, 2011

Recipient, Mary Philbrook Public Interest Award, The Women’s Law Caucus and Rutgers School of Law in Camden, 2000

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, Law360’s 2021 Immigration Editorial Advisory Board

Experience

Led a multinational company in establishing a program to consolidate its PERM Labor Certification filings to reduce costs and ensure compliance with DOL regulations and consistent recruitment strategies within the organization

Developed comprehensive immigration policies for large and medium-sized companies with the goal of improving recruitment and retention of foreign nationals while reducing the costs of immigration sponsorship

Publications and lectures

Co-author, “How to Make Immigration Law Work for Your Business: A Small Business Guide.” U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 8 March 2016.

Co-author, “B-1 Visitors Under More Scrutiny After Infosys.” Law360, 9 January 2014.

Valarie ’s insights

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Valarie ’s insights

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Valarie ’s insights

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Valarie ’s insights

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Valarie ’s insights

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Valarie ’s insights

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector

Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.

Learn more

Blog post

The J-1 Research Scholar Visa: An Underutilized Pathway for Employers to Retain Global Research Talent

Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Launches Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups Hiring Global Talent

In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Salary Changes: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Markt und Mittelstand: EU-Entsendung: Diese Fehler kosten Unternehmen bis zu 500.000 Euro

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.

Learn more

Podcast

Reality Check Pt. 3: Immigration Law in Pop Culture

Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector

Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.

Learn more

Blog post

The J-1 Research Scholar Visa: An Underutilized Pathway for Employers to Retain Global Research Talent

Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Launches Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups Hiring Global Talent

In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Salary Changes: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Markt und Mittelstand: EU-Entsendung: Diese Fehler kosten Unternehmen bis zu 500.000 Euro

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.

Learn more

Podcast

Reality Check Pt. 3: Immigration Law in Pop Culture

Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
July 21, 2026 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka
July 22, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas
July 22, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Redesign; Phase 1 Launches Workforce Priority Stream
July 22, 2026 | 🌐Middle East: Latest Situation Update
July 22, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Issues Emergency Order Related to TPS Employment Authorization and Annual Asylum Fee
July 21, 2026 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka
July 22, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas
July 22, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Redesign; Phase 1 Launches Workforce Priority Stream
July 22, 2026 | 🌐Middle East: Latest Situation Update
July 22, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: District Court Issues Emergency Order Related to TPS Employment Authorization and Annual Asylum Fee
July 21, 2026 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.