Important Updates
Important Updates
June 27, 2025 | JapanJapan: Visa-Exempt Stay Period Extended for UAE Nationals
June 27, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Details on Work and Holiday Program for Mainland China, India and Vietnam Released
June 27, 2025 | CyprusCyprus: New Employer Reporting Obligation; Increased Inspections and Fines
June 27, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Unemployment Protection Period for Foreign Workers in Effect
June 27, 2025 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Fee Increase for Certain Immigration Services Forthcoming
June 27, 2025 | JapanJapan: Visa-Exempt Stay Period Extended for UAE Nationals
June 27, 2025 | AustraliaAustralia: Details on Work and Holiday Program for Mainland China, India and Vietnam Released
June 27, 2025 | CyprusCyprus: New Employer Reporting Obligation; Increased Inspections and Fines
June 27, 2025 | FinlandFinland: Unemployment Protection Period for Foreign Workers in Effect
June 27, 2025 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Fee Increase for Certain Immigration Services Forthcoming
June 27, 2025 | JapanJapan: Visa-Exempt Stay Period Extended for UAE Nationals
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cynthia-l.-shearn

Partner

Cynthia Shearn

cynthia-l.-shearn
cynthia-l.-shearn
  • People

Partner

Cynthia Shearn

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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With nearly 30 years of dedicated immigration law experience, Cindy understands the positive impact listening can have on both clients and colleagues alike. Using this skill, she strikes the delicate balance of helping clients achieve their business goals while successfully creating and organizing their effective immigration programs, representing multinational corporate clients in a range of industries, including management and technology consulting, logistics and supply chain, transportation, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Since being appointed Managing Partner of Fragomen’s Midwest practice at the beginning of 2023, Cindy has also taken on a managerial role in overseeing both the region’s practice and client relationships—successfully listening to and advocating for her colleagues and employees. In each of these capacities—both as an immigration lawyer and as a people manager—Cindy serves as a trusted advisor and true partner by recognizing that it is her responsibility to understand their needs and provide the space to communicate them.

Cindy has always been innately focused on helping others—in fact, this focus is what propelled her into a career in immigration law. As an international relations major in college, she knew she was interested in human rights and global issues. During her first year of law school, she was granted an opportunity to blend these passions by helping an individual and her family with an asylum application. She filed the application, attended their interviews and eventually celebrated when they were granted asylum—realizing she found her calling to pursue a career an immigration law.

Passionate about inclusivity, Cindy previously served as Chair and currently serves as Co-Chair of Fragomen’s U.S./Canada DEI Committee, helping to lead its expansion across the entire region. She is an active Fragomen and community volunteer, including through her pro bono work conducting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and naturalization clinics and providing services to immigrant families at the detention center in Dilley, Texas. She also serves as a board member of the British-American Business Council’s Chicago Chapter.

Passionate about inclusivity, Cindy previously served as Chair and currently serves as Co-Chair of Fragomen’s U.S./Canada DEI Committee, helping to lead its expansion across the entire region. She is an active Fragomen and community volunteer, including through her pro bono work conducting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and naturalization clinics and providing services to immigrant families at the detention center in Dilley, Texas. She also serves as a board member of the British-American Business Council’s Chicago Chapter.

Education

  • American University, Washington College of Law, J.D., 1996
  • Boston University, B.A., 1991

More from Cynthia

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Illinois

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Chambers USA, 2024 to 2025

Listed in The American Lawyers’ Midwest Trailblazers, 2022

Listed among Crain’s 2020 Notable Women Executives Over 50

Phi Beta Kappa, 1991

Harold C. Case Scholar, 1991

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Chicago Chapter

President, Canada-U.S. Business Council Chicago

Member, Chicago Bar Association

Member, Board of Directors for the British-American Business Council, Chicago

Experience

Manages high volume U.S. immigration practice for global consulting, technology and outsourcing company to facilitate the transfer of professional employees from around the world to the United States.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Navigating Automotive Industry Headwinds: Impacts on Global Immigration Strategies.” Fragomen, Webinar, 4 February 2025.

Speaker, immigration related topics during conferences presented by the Council for Global Immigration and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Speaker, “Has The Mobility Industry Opened Pandora's Suitcase? Part II - Business Travel Immigration Compliance.” Minnesota Employee Relocation Council, St. Paul, Minnesota, 13 July 2021.

Featured, “People on the Move.” Crain's Chicago Business, 5 August 2019.

Featured, “Shearn takes reigns of Fragomen office in Chicago.” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 1 August 2019.

“Off the “Fast” Track? The Effect of Corporate Downsizing on Labor Certification Strategy and Procedure,” 4th Annual AILA New York Chapter Immigration Law Symposium Conference Handbook, 2001.

Cynthia’s insights

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

February 18, 2025 | Meeting

Markets, Money & Migration: Decoding Trade, Taxes & Consumer Trends Under the New AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Cynthia’s insights

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

February 18, 2025 | Meeting

Markets, Money & Migration: Decoding Trade, Taxes & Consumer Trends Under the New AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Cynthia’s insights

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

February 18, 2025 | Meeting

Markets, Money & Migration: Decoding Trade, Taxes & Consumer Trends Under the New AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

February 18, 2025 | Meeting

Markets, Money & Migration: Decoding Trade, Taxes & Consumer Trends Under the New AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

February 18, 2025 | Meeting

Markets, Money & Migration: Decoding Trade, Taxes & Consumer Trends Under the New AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

July 16, 2025 | Webinar

Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to KnowRead more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

February 18, 2025 | Meeting

Markets, Money & Migration: Decoding Trade, Taxes & Consumer Trends Under the New AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How HR Can Prepare for the ETIAS Rollout

Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Not Getting Selected in the H-1B Lottery is Not the End of the Road: Other Options May Be Available

Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Athletic: Trump Travel Ban, New Revenue-Sharing Model Create Uncertainty for International College Athletes

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Video

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Staying in Canada Post-Graduation

Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Learn more

Blog post

A New Beginning: The Rise of Highly Skilled Visa and Digital Nomad Visa Options in APAC

Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat, Senior Manager Amy Zhang, Immigration Program Manager Melissa Ngeow and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist Faye Amorado discuss the increasing popularity of highly skilled visas and digital nomad visas in the Asia-Pacific region.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canada's Semiconductor Council: Strengthening Canada’s Semiconductor Talent Pipeline for Global Competitiveness

Partner Cosmina Morariu contributed to Canada’s Semiconductor Council 2025 Talent & Workforce Development report, highlighting immigration’s role in closing talent gaps.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized with Community Service Award at Woori Center 2025 Gala

Fragomen was honored with the Community Service Award at the Woori Center 2025 Gala on June 21, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: How HR Can Prepare for the ETIAS Rollout

Manager Andreia Florina Ghimis explains how HR teams can prepare for the EU’s new ETIAS travel authorisation system by communicating changes, supporting employees and ensuring compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Not Getting Selected in the H-1B Lottery is Not the End of the Road: Other Options May Be Available

Partner Parisa Karaahmet and Associate Mehmet Esat Acar discuss how not being selected in the H-1B lottery is not the end of the road, as other visa options may be available.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Athletic: Trump Travel Ban, New Revenue-Sharing Model Create Uncertainty for International College Athletes

Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how visa delays and evolving rules are creating new challenges for international college athletes in the US.

Learn more

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