Kristopher W. Peters

Associate

  • Kristopher W. Peters
  • Phone: +1 212 404 8718

    Kristopher W. Peters - LinkedIn Import to Address Book

  • Duane Morris LLP
    22 Vanderbilt
    335 Madison Avenue, 23rd Floor
    New York, NY 10017-4669
    USA

Kristopher W. Peters practices U.S. immigration law, with a primary focus on employment-based visas and extraordinary ability visas for high-achieving individuals, businesses, and multinational organizations. Kris adopts a strategic and results-driven approach tailored to meet the specific immigration needs of both individuals and companies. His practice spans various industries, including technology (such as virtual reality, data science, and digital transformation), life sciences (covering clinical research and pharmaceuticals), consumer goods, e-commerce, financial services, and manufacturing (including tobacco and medical technology).

He has extensive experience in securing approvals for visas, including O-1, EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, L-1, and EB-1C, particularly for founders, senior executives, scientists, and other distinguished professionals. Kris is also adept at addressing complex immigration issues, including inadmissibility waivers (I-601), H-1B reinstatement, federal litigation for delayed applications (mandamus actions), and specific forms of humanitarian relief.

To keep his clients informed about changes in U.S. immigration law, Kris writes articles, participates in discussions, and speaks on topics such as enforcement practices, compliance best practices, and updates on regulatory and federal immigration policies.

Kris is highly regarded across various industries for his unique combination of legal skill, personal commitment, and results-oriented advocacy. His clients—including global executives, scientists, artists, corporate HR leaders, and legal professionals—have consistently praised his professionalism, extensive knowledge, actionable advice, and dedication to their success:

  • A Global Pharmacovigilance & Drug Safety Leader highlighted the "highly professional and efficient" experience of working with Kris, emphasizing his "deep understanding of immigration law, attention to detail, and clear communication." A Director of Engineering echoed this sentiment, describing Kris as “one of the most knowledgeable immigration attorneys” they have encountered, who offers “precise recommendations” and superior advice.
  • A Director of Global Pharmacovigilance Operations shared, Kris “took the time to listen to my concerns, answer my questions, and clearly outline the steps involved, ensuring I felt informed and confident every step of the way. … My EB1A was approved in just 10 days.” A Senior Director in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance noted Kris’s “instrumental” role in managing L-1 extensions and I-140 approvals, commending his responsiveness “regardless of time zone” and talent for “explaining complex topics clearly.”
  • A VP of Global HR praised his hands-on problem-solving skills: “[A] team member accidentally left their Green Card in a hotel room just hours before boarding a flight back to the U.S.” Stepping up immediately, Kris worked securing documents, coordinating with airport officials, and turned “what could have been a crisis … into a seamless resolution. … [H]e goes above and beyond every single time.”
  • A VP of Clinical & Medical Affairs described him as “a true champion for his clients,” noting his rare combination of empathy and legal skill. A globally recognized fusion musician also commended Kris’s thoughtful guidance through both O-1 and EB-1 petitions, calling him “reliable, responsive, and compassionate.”
  • A Global Mobility Professional emphasized Kris's “meticulous attention to detail” and his ability to achieve “favorable outcomes even in the most challenging cases.” A General Counsel praised his “timely, pragmatic, and patient advice.” An HR Business Partner remarked, “Because [we are] a global company we have various intricate… immigration [needs.] Kris can be relied on “for clear, consistent, and extremely informative guidance.” (All quotes above from LinkedIn 2024-2025)

Kris serves as the Supervising Editor-in-Chief for the New York International Law Review (NYILR), part of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and he is a member of the Executive Committee for NYSBA's International Section. 

Kris graduated cum laude from St. John's University School of Law in 2020. During law school, he served as the Executive Notes and Comments Editor for the ABI Law Review and was a Fellow at the Center for International and Comparative Law (CICL). He is also a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Areas of Focus:

  • Nonimmigrant Visa Sponsorship and Consular Assistance: U.S. Business Visitors (B), Treaty Traders and Investors (E-1/E-2), Specialty Workers (H-1B, H-1B1, E-3), Intra-Company Transferees (L), Extraordinary Ability (O), USMCA Professionals (TN-1 & TN-2), Students (F), and Exchange Visitors (J).
  • Immigrant Visa Sponsorship and Permanent Residence: Noncitizens of Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Researchers, and Multinational Managers (EB-1); PERM Sponsorship for Advanced Degree Professionals, Professionals, and Skilled Workers (EB-2 & 3); National Interest Waivers (EB-2 NIW); Family-Based Petitions (I-130); and Adjustment of Status (AOS) and related applications.
  • Immigration Compliance: I-9 & E-Verify; Business Restructuring; Successor-in-Interest (SII); Changes in Employment; and Immigration Sponsorship Policy.
  • Immigration Enforcement: Site Visits, Agency Audits, and Enforcement Actions.

Admissions

  • New York

Education

  • St. John's University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2020
    - Executive Notes and Comments Editor, ABI Law Journal
  • University of North Carolina at Greensboro, B.A., 2015

Experience

  • Duane Morris LLP
    - Associate, 2023-present
  • Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy LLP
    - Associate, 2022-2023
  • Jackson Lewis PC
    - Associate, 2020-2022

Professional Activities

  • Supervising Editor in Chief – New York International Law Review – May 2024 to Present
  • The LGBT Bar Association of New York
  • New York City Bar Association
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Selected Publications

Media Hits

  • Quoted, "High Court SEC Case May Bear On DOJ's Immigration Probes," Law360, March 29, 2024
  • Quoted, "Top 4 Immigration Cases To Watch In 2024: A Preview," Law360, January 1, 2024
  • Quoted, "Top 5 Immigration Policy Developments Of 2023," Law360, December 15, 2023

Selected Speaking Engagements

  • Speaker, "Navigating Immigration Policy Shifts: Challenges and Strategies," Duane Morris LLP and The French American Chamber of Commerce, February 27, 2025 
  • Speaker, "Employer-Based Immigration Changes Under the Trump Administration: Navigating the Shifting Landscape," The Knowledge Group eLearning Webcast, January 30, 2025
  • Speaker, "Trump Administration Immigration Policies: Shifts, Challenges, and Key Updates," Duane Morris Institute (DMi) Webinar, December 11, 2024
  • Speaker, "Humanitarian Parole & Family Reunification," Caribbean Community in Philadelphia, Webinar, September 12, 2024
  • Speaker, "Immigration Compliance Update 2023," Duane Morris Institute (DMi) Webinar, September 19, 2023

Representative Matters

  • Represented digital VR technology founder and CEO in securing O-1A visa approval.

  • Represented an expert clinical professional specializing in ophthalmic clinical research and development in obtaining an O-1 visa and subsequent EB-1A green card approval.

  • Represented multiple senior business executives in the consumer products industry, specializing in e-commerce, digital transformation, and supply chain optimization, in obtaining approval of EB-1A green card petitions.

  • Assisted a tobacco manufacturer in obtaining approval for a complex L-1 petition, enabling a key overseas executive to lead strategic business growth in the U.S.

  • Assisted data scientists specializing in advanced measurement, metrics analysis, and identity resolution in securing approval for EB-2 national interest waiver petitions.

  • Assisted multiple senior pharmaceutical quality assurance professionals in securing approval for EB-2 national interest waiver petitions.

  • Represented companies in various industries to obtain certification of numerous PERM applications on behalf of foreign national employees, facilitating continued work authorization and subsequent green card eligibility.

  • Assisted businesses in the information, insurance, market research, life sciences, and financial industries with securing L-1 intracompany transfer visas and subsequent EB-1C green card petitions for key overseas personnel.

  • Represented expert clinical professional specializing in ophthalmic clinical research and development in obtaining O-1 visa sponsorship and work authorization in United States for foreign medtech startup.

  • Represented accomplished business executive specializing in e-commerce and digital transformation initiatives in obtaining approval of EB-1 extraordinary ability immigrant visa petition.

  • Represented senior data scientist specializing in advanced measurement and metrics analysis in obtaining approval of EB-2 national interest waiver petition.

  • Represented global tobacco and shisha manufacturer in securing approval of complex L-1 petition on behalf of key overseas executive to spearhead strategic business growth in the U.S.

  • Obtained retroactive approval and reinstatement of status for an H-1B visa holder facing a ten year bar from entry to the U.S. based on their accidental overstay and accrual of unlawful presence.

  • Achieved expedited adjudication of an H-4 EAD application for a client's spouse after initiating a mandamus and APA lawsuit in federal court.

  • Assisted a client in overcoming criminal-related inadmissibility issues and subsequent approval of their adjustment of status (I-485) application.

  • Assisted a client in obtaining an I-601 Waiver of Inadmissibility and subsequent approval of their adjustment of status application based on their bona fide religious objection to all vaccinations.

  • Assisted LGBTQ+ Jamaican man in successfully obtaining approval of asylum application pending for over 7 years.