Jeffrey Bell helps U.S. and international companies navigate the complex landscape of immigration law with practical, business-focused solutions. With over 30 years of experience, Jeff develops and implements immigration strategies that support clients’ talent, growth and compliance goals.

Clients rely on Jeff for guidance in obtaining work visas and permanent residence for key employees, maintaining compliance with immigration regulations, and developing long-term workforce plans that align with their business objectives. He combines a deep understanding of immigration law with insight into the operational realities companies face when hiring and retaining foreign national employees.

Jeff advises clients across a range of industries, including health care, manufacturing and global services, and has extensive experience in:

  • Counseling health care organizations on immigration visa and compliance matters
  • Assisting multinational companies with the transfer of key personnel across borders
  • Helping U.S. employers secure work visas and permanent residence for professional and essential employees
  • Representing foreign investors seeking immigration benefits through U.S. business formation

Jeff’s collaborative, solution-oriented approach helps clients manage workforce mobility efficiently while staying compliant in an evolving regulatory environment.

Education

  • Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (J.D., 1992)
    • Order of the Coif; Recipient of International Law Prize; Washington University Law Quarterly, Associate Editor; National Moot Court team
  • The University of Texas at Austin (B.A., cum laude, 1989)
    • Psychology

Bar Admission

  • Missouri, 1992
  • Utah, 2023

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri, 1992
  • U.S. District Court, District of Kansas, 1993

Professional Affiliations

  • American Health Law Association, 2012-present
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, 1993-present

Recognition

  • Ranked in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Immigration, Utah, 2025
  • International Relations Council of Kansas City, Board President, 2019-2020
  • President, Kansas Bar Association Immigration Law Committee, 2016-2018
  • ImmigrationLaw360's Immigration Editorial Advisory Board, 2015, 2016
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Chairman International Law Committee 2004-2005
Publications
The $100,000 Work Visa: Who’s Affected and What’s Next
Key Highlights New $100,000 Fee for H-1B Petitions: Effective Sept. 21, 2025, all new H-1B petitions — including those filed in the 2026 lottery — must be accompanied by a $100,000 payment under President Trump’s proclamation. Exemptions Confirmed: The restriction does not apply to H-1B petitions filed before Sept. 21, 2025, already approved petitions or individuals holding valid H-1B visas. Uncertainty Around Extensions and Transfers: It is not yet clear whether the new fee will apply to H-1B extension or transfer applications for individuals already in the United States. Updates are expected as agencies issue further guidance. Travel Advisory: While current H-1B visa holders remain eligible to travel, international travel is not recommended until the situation stabilizes, given the rapidly evolving policy landscape. On Friday,
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When ICE Knocks: Immigration Enforcement in the New Administration
Introduction Since President Trump’s inauguration, the administration has underscored its commitment to prioritizing immigration enforcement. This shift includes an increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the rescission of previous policies that restricted federal immigration authorities from conducting enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools, churches and hospitals. Given the new enforcement landscape, it is crucial for employers to be prepared for potential ICE raids or other immigration audits. Preparing for an ICE Raid An ICE raid is an unannounced operation conducted by ICE agents at businesses or homes to apprehend individuals suspected of violating federal immigration law. During a raid, ICE agents may question individuals present and detain or arrest specific persons. However, their authority to search private space
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