Ian D. Wagreich

Partner

Chicago, IL

He/Him

"We always have the opportunity to make a positive impact on others. As an immigration lawyer, I'm privileged to help people from around the world pursue their American dream."

312-704-3868

Email aXdhZ3JlaWNoQGhpbnNoYXdsYXcuY29t

Ian D. Wagreich

Partner

Chicago, IL

He/Him

"We always have the opportunity to make a positive impact on others. As an immigration lawyer, I'm privileged to help people from around the world pursue their American dream."

312-704-3868

Email aXdhZ3JlaWNoQGhpbnNoYXdsYXcuY29t

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About Ian

A passionate advocate for a more just and humane immigration system, Ian handles business immigration matters for multinational corporations, hospitals, nonprofit arts institutions, universities, athletic organizations, and individual investors and entrepreneurs. He has developed a niche advising athletes, artists, entertainers, researchers, university faculty, and other highly skilled professionals.

With over 25 years of experience, Ian helps a wide variety of clients meet their business immigration needs. In addition to advising on nonimmigrant work visas, employment-based permanent residence, and labor certification, he counsels clients on investment-related immigration and employer sanctions. He oversees visa and compliance processes for skilled worker hires, facilitates international personnel transfers, and supports employees in securing US permanent residence and citizenship.

Ian secured a US passport for a client born in New Zealand after multiple prior denials by the Department of State, and obtained a green card for another individual whose case had stalled for nearly 20 years despite previous efforts by other firms.

Areas of Focus

Industries:

Services:

Experience

Successfully litigated immigration-related matters, including mandamus actions against US Citizenship and Immigration Services and the US Department of State.
Represented an intellectual property law firm in obtaining H-1B petition approval and permanent residence for employees, including associates and law clerks.
Represented a large public university in obtaining permanent residence for researchers and scholars.
Represented individuals in National Interest Waiver and Outstanding Researcher self-petitions.
Obtained approvals of complex L-1A Managerial and L-1B Specialized Knowledge petitions for a large chain of retail stores.

Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America®, Immigration Law, 2023 – 2026
National Law Journal, Immigration Law Trailblazer, 2023
Law360, 2023 Immigration Editorial Advisory Board
Lexology, International "Lexology Index," Corporate Immigration, 2016 – present; Thought Leaders – USA – Corporate Immigration, 2023 – present
Illinois Super Lawyers, 2016 – 2022
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), President's Commendations, 2011, 2014, 2015; Chicago Chapter, Joseph Minsky Beacon of Light Award, 2014; Sam Williamson Mentor Award, 2022
Martindale-Hubbell, AV® Peer Review Rating

Credentials

Education

Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD, 1995
University of Wisconsin – Madison, BS, 1990

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Thought Leadership

Presentations

Co-Presenter, "Staffing and Workforce Management in a Time of Increasing Immigration Regulation and Enforcement," Hinshaw’s 29th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Schaumburg, Illinois, October 9, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Montreal Trade Mission: US Market Entry Overview," Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Miami, Florida, September 9, 2025

Panelist, "The Client-Centered Firm: Service as a Business Growth Strategy," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2025 Fall Conference and Webcast, Boston, Massachusetts, September 12, 2025

Conference Program Committee and Opening Remarks, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2025 Fall Conference and Webcast, Boston, Massachusetts, September 11–12, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Hospitality Industry Roundtable," Illinois Restaurant Association, Chicago, Illinois, August 14, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Hot Topics in U.S. Immigration Law," Illinois State Bar Association Annual Meeting, Lincolnshire, Illinois, June 6, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Know Your Rights," DePaul University Immigration Workshop, Chicago, Illinois, May 14, 2025
Panelist, "An Information Session About Recent Developments in US Immigration Law," Office of International Student and Scholar Services, the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, April 30, 2025
Co-Presenter, "LIVE WEB - Immigration Law 2025: Updates and Essentials Under the New Administration," Illinois State Bar Association, MCLE Webinar, April 11, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Legal Navigation for Canadian Entrepreneurs in the US," Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, March 25, 2025
Co-Presenter, "The Border Trump Administration Changes on Immigration Policy," Hinshaw University, CLE Webinar, March 20, 2025
Faculty, "The Doctor Is In: Immigration Healthcare Updates," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Hot Topics and Survival Skills Virtual Conference, March 3, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Workplace Immigration & Employer Rights," Illinois Restaurant Association, Webinar, February 18, 2025
Faculty, "Preparing for FY 2026 H-1B Cap Season: Strategies and Tips from the Experts," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), CLE Web Seminar, January 28, 2025
Panelist, "The Road Between Ordinary and Extraordinary is Paved with National Interest and Exceptional Ability," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2025 Midwinter Conference and Webcast, Puerto Vallarta, January 17, 2025
Co-Presenter, "ISS Law Series: Pathways to Permanent Residence – Options for International Students and Scholars," Wisconsin Involvement Network, Madison, Wisconsin, November 18, 2024
Co-Presenter, "LIVE WEB - Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visa Options: What You Need to Know When Representing Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Clients Working in STEM Fields," Illinois State Bar Association, MCLE Webinar, November 15, 2024
Co-Presenter, "The Intersection of Labor & Employment and Immigration," Hinshaw's 28th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, November 13, 2024
Co-Presenter, "Pathways to Permanent Residency," Northwestern University Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Virtual and In-Person Workshop, Chicago, Illinois, October 29, 2024
Co-Presenter, "Waiting in Vain? Advanced Visa Bulletin Strategies for Employment-Based Cases," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), CLE Webinar, June 27, 2024
Co-Presenter, "What's New with H-1B Visas?, 2024 AILA Annual Conference and Webcast on Immigration Law, Chicago, Illinois, June 15, 2024
Panelist, "Tastes Like Home: Bridging the Immigration Gap through Food," South By Southwest (SXSW) Conference 2024, Austin, Texas, March 10, 2024
Co-Presenter, "Welcome and Remarks," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Investors and Entrepreneurs Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 19, 2024
Moderator, "Out in Rugby: A Conversation with Nich McCarthy," Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Chicago, Illinois, January 18, 2024
Co-Presenter, "LIVE WEB - 2024 Immigration Law Update: Effectively Representing Immigration Clients and Analyzing Immigration Matters in a Volatile World," Illinois State Bar Association, Webinar, January 16, 2024
Co-Presenter, "The Garage" – Northwestern University’s Program for Entrepreneurs, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, November 15, 2023
"US Immigration Options for International Faculty, Students, and Postdoctoral Scholars," University of Wisconsin – Madison Postdoctoral Association International Committee, Madison, Wisconsin, October 26, 2023
Co-Presenter, "Immigration Year in Review," Hinshaw's 27th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, October 19, 2023
Panelist, "Representing the Exceptional and Extraordinary: EB-1 and NIW Cases," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2023 Annual Conference, Orlando, Florida, June 23, 2023
Co-Presenter, "Immigration Law Update," Hinshaw's 26th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, October 27, 2022
Moderator, "To Immigrate or Not to Immigrate: That Is the Question," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 75th Annual Conference, Javits Center, New York, New York, June 17, 2022
Panelist, "Full STEM Ahead: Biden-Era Immigration Options Beyond the H-1B Cap," Exigent Group, Webinar, April 19, 2022
Co-Presenter, “To Green Card or Not to Green Card? Strategies and Considerations Regarding Applying for Permanent Residency," American Immigration Lawyers Association Fall Conference and Webcast, Las Vegas, Nevada, October 12, 2021
Faculty, " Reading the Tea Leaves: Recent Adjudicatory Trends and Challenges," AILA Rome District Chapter of the EMEA 2021 Virtual Spring Conference, Virtual Event, April 28, 2021
Panelist, "PERM Session," AILA Chicago Spring Conference, Virtual Event, April 9, 2021
"New Horizons: Advanced Strategies in Immigration Law in the Biden and COVID Era," 2021 AILA NE Conference, Virtual Event, March 4, 2021
Panelist, "Perspectives from Practice: Immigration Reform Under President Biden," University of Chicago Webinar, February 24, 2020
Co-Presenter, "Recent Updates in Employment-Related Immigration: Gazing into the Crystal Ball at the Year Ahead," Hinshaw's 25th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Virtual Event, October 28, 2020
"Professional Visas: Overview of the H-1B and the Alternatives," American Immigration Lawyers Association Virtual Online Conference, July 21, 2020
"Immigration Options for International Students, Faculty, and Staff," University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, May 29, 2020
"Immigration Information Session on Permanent Residency not Requiring Labor Certification and Hot Topics in Immigration Law," Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, April 29, 2020
"Dealing with the Worst of Bureaucracy – When Red Tape Hinders Good-Faith Efforts to Normalize Status," American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, California, June 16, 2018
"Effects of the Trump Administration's Travel Ban," CBS Morning News, January 30, 2017
"Establishing the Employer-Employee Relationship in NIV Third-Party Placements," American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 23, 2016

Publications

"Visa Waiver Program and the Use of the B Visa for Athletes, Entertainers, and Artists," Immigration Options for Artists, Entertainers & Athletes, Third Edition, 2020

"Employment-Based Immigration: The First Three Preferences," Navigating the Fundamentals of Immigration Law, 2022 – 2023 Ed., 2020 – 2021 Ed., 2019 – 2020 Ed., 2018 – 2019 Ed., 2017 – 2018 Ed.
"RFEs & NOIDS: Templates vs. Special Unicorns," Immigration Practice Pointers: Tips for Handling Complex Cases, 2019 – 2020 Ed.
"Service Center Processing: U.S. Applications," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Immigration Law, 2019 Ed.

Blog Post

How Employers Can Prepare for the Upcoming H-1B Lottery, Jan 6, 2021

Events

In The News

Insights for Employers Alerts

Press Releases

Webinars

Bill Schiller and Ian Wagreich Present a Webinar on 2025 Immigration Law Updates, Apr 11, 2025
Ian Wagreich Presents at the 2025 Hot Topics and Survival Skills Conference, Mar 3, 2025
Navigating the Complexities of Workplace Immigration, Feb 18, 2025
Ian Wagreich Co-Presents on Strategies for FY 2026 H-1B Cap Season, Jan 28, 2025
Bill Schiller and Ian Wagreich are Featured Speakers in an Illinois State Bar Association Webinar on 2024 Immigration Law Updates, Jan 16, 2024

View all of Ian's Insights

Interests

Did you know...

Ian spends much of his free time biking through different neighborhoods, visiting farmers' markets, exploring coffee shops, and photographing public art.

Thought Leadership

Presentations

Co-Presenter, "Staffing and Workforce Management in a Time of Increasing Immigration Regulation and Enforcement," Hinshaw’s 29th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Schaumburg, Illinois, October 9, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Montreal Trade Mission: US Market Entry Overview," Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Miami, Florida, September 9, 2025

Panelist, "The Client-Centered Firm: Service as a Business Growth Strategy," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2025 Fall Conference and Webcast, Boston, Massachusetts, September 12, 2025

Conference Program Committee and Opening Remarks, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2025 Fall Conference and Webcast, Boston, Massachusetts, September 11–12, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Hospitality Industry Roundtable," Illinois Restaurant Association, Chicago, Illinois, August 14, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Hot Topics in U.S. Immigration Law," Illinois State Bar Association Annual Meeting, Lincolnshire, Illinois, June 6, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Know Your Rights," DePaul University Immigration Workshop, Chicago, Illinois, May 14, 2025
Panelist, "An Information Session About Recent Developments in US Immigration Law," Office of International Student and Scholar Services, the Buffett Institute for Global Affairs, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, April 30, 2025
Co-Presenter, "LIVE WEB - Immigration Law 2025: Updates and Essentials Under the New Administration," Illinois State Bar Association, MCLE Webinar, April 11, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Legal Navigation for Canadian Entrepreneurs in the US," Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, March 25, 2025
Co-Presenter, "The Border Trump Administration Changes on Immigration Policy," Hinshaw University, CLE Webinar, March 20, 2025
Faculty, "The Doctor Is In: Immigration Healthcare Updates," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Hot Topics and Survival Skills Virtual Conference, March 3, 2025
Co-Presenter, "Workplace Immigration & Employer Rights," Illinois Restaurant Association, Webinar, February 18, 2025
Faculty, "Preparing for FY 2026 H-1B Cap Season: Strategies and Tips from the Experts," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), CLE Web Seminar, January 28, 2025
Panelist, "The Road Between Ordinary and Extraordinary is Paved with National Interest and Exceptional Ability," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2025 Midwinter Conference and Webcast, Puerto Vallarta, January 17, 2025
Co-Presenter, "ISS Law Series: Pathways to Permanent Residence – Options for International Students and Scholars," Wisconsin Involvement Network, Madison, Wisconsin, November 18, 2024
Co-Presenter, "LIVE WEB - Immigrant and Non-Immigrant Visa Options: What You Need to Know When Representing Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Clients Working in STEM Fields," Illinois State Bar Association, MCLE Webinar, November 15, 2024
Co-Presenter, "The Intersection of Labor & Employment and Immigration," Hinshaw's 28th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, November 13, 2024
Co-Presenter, "Pathways to Permanent Residency," Northwestern University Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Virtual and In-Person Workshop, Chicago, Illinois, October 29, 2024
Co-Presenter, "Waiting in Vain? Advanced Visa Bulletin Strategies for Employment-Based Cases," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), CLE Webinar, June 27, 2024
Co-Presenter, "What's New with H-1B Visas?, 2024 AILA Annual Conference and Webcast on Immigration Law, Chicago, Illinois, June 15, 2024
Panelist, "Tastes Like Home: Bridging the Immigration Gap through Food," South By Southwest (SXSW) Conference 2024, Austin, Texas, March 10, 2024
Co-Presenter, "Welcome and Remarks," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Investors and Entrepreneurs Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, February 19, 2024
Moderator, "Out in Rugby: A Conversation with Nich McCarthy," Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, Chicago, Illinois, January 18, 2024
Co-Presenter, "LIVE WEB - 2024 Immigration Law Update: Effectively Representing Immigration Clients and Analyzing Immigration Matters in a Volatile World," Illinois State Bar Association, Webinar, January 16, 2024
Co-Presenter, "The Garage" – Northwestern University’s Program for Entrepreneurs, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, November 15, 2023
"US Immigration Options for International Faculty, Students, and Postdoctoral Scholars," University of Wisconsin – Madison Postdoctoral Association International Committee, Madison, Wisconsin, October 26, 2023
Co-Presenter, "Immigration Year in Review," Hinshaw's 27th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, October 19, 2023
Panelist, "Representing the Exceptional and Extraordinary: EB-1 and NIW Cases," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2023 Annual Conference, Orlando, Florida, June 23, 2023
Co-Presenter, "Immigration Law Update," Hinshaw's 26th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, October 27, 2022
Moderator, "To Immigrate or Not to Immigrate: That Is the Question," American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 75th Annual Conference, Javits Center, New York, New York, June 17, 2022
Panelist, "Full STEM Ahead: Biden-Era Immigration Options Beyond the H-1B Cap," Exigent Group, Webinar, April 19, 2022
Co-Presenter, “To Green Card or Not to Green Card? Strategies and Considerations Regarding Applying for Permanent Residency," American Immigration Lawyers Association Fall Conference and Webcast, Las Vegas, Nevada, October 12, 2021
Faculty, " Reading the Tea Leaves: Recent Adjudicatory Trends and Challenges," AILA Rome District Chapter of the EMEA 2021 Virtual Spring Conference, Virtual Event, April 28, 2021
Panelist, "PERM Session," AILA Chicago Spring Conference, Virtual Event, April 9, 2021
"New Horizons: Advanced Strategies in Immigration Law in the Biden and COVID Era," 2021 AILA NE Conference, Virtual Event, March 4, 2021
Panelist, "Perspectives from Practice: Immigration Reform Under President Biden," University of Chicago Webinar, February 24, 2020
Co-Presenter, "Recent Updates in Employment-Related Immigration: Gazing into the Crystal Ball at the Year Ahead," Hinshaw's 25th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar, Virtual Event, October 28, 2020
"Professional Visas: Overview of the H-1B and the Alternatives," American Immigration Lawyers Association Virtual Online Conference, July 21, 2020
"Immigration Options for International Students, Faculty, and Staff," University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, May 29, 2020
"Immigration Information Session on Permanent Residency not Requiring Labor Certification and Hot Topics in Immigration Law," Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, April 29, 2020
"Dealing with the Worst of Bureaucracy – When Red Tape Hinders Good-Faith Efforts to Normalize Status," American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, San Francisco, California, June 16, 2018
"Effects of the Trump Administration's Travel Ban," CBS Morning News, January 30, 2017
"Establishing the Employer-Employee Relationship in NIV Third-Party Placements," American Immigration Lawyers Association Annual Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 23, 2016

Publications

"Visa Waiver Program and the Use of the B Visa for Athletes, Entertainers, and Artists," Immigration Options for Artists, Entertainers & Athletes, Third Edition, 2020

"Employment-Based Immigration: The First Three Preferences," Navigating the Fundamentals of Immigration Law, 2022 – 2023 Ed., 2020 – 2021 Ed., 2019 – 2020 Ed., 2018 – 2019 Ed., 2017 – 2018 Ed.
"RFEs & NOIDS: Templates vs. Special Unicorns," Immigration Practice Pointers: Tips for Handling Complex Cases, 2019 – 2020 Ed.
"Service Center Processing: U.S. Applications," Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Immigration Law, 2019 Ed.