Helping employers secure the global talent they need is my passion. Through navigating complex immigration frameworks, I empower businesses to build the workforce that drives their success.
Mary Kate Fernandez focuses exclusively on business immigration, representing employers across a range of industries. With experience guiding clients through U.S. immigration regulations, she helps businesses sponsor and retain skilled talent from around the world.
Mary Kate also assists employers in addressing a wide range of employment issues related to immigration and international employment, ensuring they remain compliant with regulations. Her proactive approach to compliance and advisement helps clients navigate regulatory challenges, respond to audits, and mitigate risk, enabling them to confidently build and retain a global workforce.
Comfortable working across multiple administrative and regulatory agencies, Mary Kate has established contacts and experience liaising with the Department of Labor (DOL), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Department of State (DOS), and U.S. consulates worldwide. This network enables her to guide clients effectively through regulatory requirements across different jurisdictions.
Mary Kate’s areas of focus include:
- B-1/B-2 visa applications
- H-1B lottery registration and petitions
- H-1B cap exemption
- H-2B advisement
- J-1 visa waivers and direct sponsorship
- F-1, OPT, and STEM OPT
- PERM labor certification
- EB-1, EB-1 NIW, EB-2, and EB-3 petitions
- E-3 visas
- F-1 visas
- STEM OPT
- Naturalization
- Family and marriage-based petitions
- EB-5 entity formation and petitions
- ESTA advisement
- L-1 visas
- TN visas
- Letters of Determination (LODs) requests to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
- POLO endorsement letters, POEA clearance, and Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) for Filipino employees
- Guidance on expatriation abroad and international employment compliance
- Department of Labor (DOL) compliance investigations
- I-9 advisement
- E-Verify registration and compliance
Education
Bar Admissions
Areas of Practice
Acknowledgements
- Warren E. Mouledoux Professional Responsibility Award, 2019
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association
- St. Thomas More American Inn of Court
- Women in Film and Television, Louisiana Chapter
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
Related Knowledge
News
Related Events
- "Who Pays for Remote Work Expenses? - Navigating Employer, Employee Responsibilities," Adams and Reese L&E Client Alert, February 2024
- "Navigating the H-1B Visa Lottery Registration: Essential Guide for Employers," Adams and Reese Business Immigration Client Alert, January 2024
- "Remedying the Doctor Shortage with the J-1 Visa Waiver: What is Conrad 30 and How Can It Help Your State," Adams and Reese Business Immigration Client Alert, May 2023, published in Physicians Practice
- "U.S. Fifth Circuit's Holding is Nail in the Coffin for Employers' Written Stipulation Rule," Adams and Reese Insurance Client Alert, September 2022
- "Employers Beware: La. Supreme Court Opens Line for Direct Negligence Claims from Employee Actions," Adams and Reese Global Trade, Transportation and Logistics Client Alert, July 2022
- "The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance: Unfair and Deceptive Advertising in Children’s Apps," 66 Loy. L. Rev. 211 (2020)
- "Epic Systems Corp. v Lewis: American Employees Suffer an Epic Loss in the Ongoing Arbitration Conflict," 65 Loy. L. Rev. 453 (2019)