Kripa Upadhyay
Washington
Buchalter
1420 5th Avenue, Suite 3100
Seattle, WA 98101
United States
Tel: 206.319.7007
Email:
kupadhyay@buchalter.com
Web:
www.buchalter.com
Kripa Upadhyay is the Co-Chair of Buchalter’s Immigration Practice, where she advises foreign investors, founders, and multinational companies on entering, operating, and expanding within the United States.
Ms. Upadhyay’s practice integrates U.S. immigration strategy with the broader considerations of foreign direct investment, helping clients structure cross‑border transactions while effectively managing talent mobility and regulatory risk. She works closely with venture capital funds, private equity sponsors, family offices, and high‑growth companies to align business objectives with compliant, practical pathways into the U.S. market.
She is also a trusted advisor on national security considerations related to inbound investment—particularly CFIUS analysis—and regularly supports foreign organizations investing in the technology, real estate, health‑tech, and defense sectors. Her guidance includes advising on export‑control frameworks under ITAR and EAR to ensure workforce planning and global hiring remain compliant.
Ms. Upadhyay routinely counsels HR teams and business leaders on the immigration implications of onboarding, transferring, and terminating foreign national employees. She develops immigration strategies for companies that frequently move talent across borders and advises on compliance with U.S. immigration and Department of Labor regulations governing the employment of foreign nationals.
Her work includes delivering training, conducting proactive I‑9 “self‑audits,” and preparing clients for worksite enforcement actions to help safeguard business continuity and leadership stability. She also develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure organizations maintain compliance with immigration and labor laws, including identifying employees requiring licenses and ensuring the appropriate authorizations are obtained.
Buchalter’s attorneys assist businesses in securing visas for key employees and ensuring compliance with I-9 requirements, while also advising foreign investors on obtaining investment-based visas.
The firm’s immigration practice represents individuals, as well as U.S. and international businesses, across the full spectrum of immigration matters. Its lawyers are particularly experienced in navigating the complexities of securing work authorization for critical non-U.S. employees and executives, and work closely with clients to identify the most effective and efficient visa options available.
Buchalter’s Immigration Team is recognized nationally for its expertise and depth of experience. The team brings a diverse and global perspective to its practice, informed by members’ lived experiences across multiple countries. With many team members having immigrated to the United States themselves, the group offers a nuanced and practical understanding of the immigration process and its challenges.
Reflecting this international perspective, the team collectively speaks nine languages, including English, Farsi, French, Hindi, Italian, Korean, Nepali, Spanish, and Urdu.
In addition to visa strategy and work authorization, Buchalter advises businesses on I-9 compliance and represents clients in matters involving visa challenges, worksite enforcement actions, I-9 audits, and federal proceedings. The firm also supports clients in corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions involving foreign national employees, by identifying and addressing immigration-related considerations affecting both workforce and management. It further advises foreign investors on U.S. immigration pathways, including visa options tied to investment activities and related considerations for family members.
Buchalter is a full-service business law firm that has served businesses, entrepreneurs, individuals, and organizations of all sizes for more than 90 years. The firm advises clients on complex legal and regulatory matters arising in today’s global economy, delivering strategic counsel and consistent advocacy at every stage of growth, transition, and change.
The firm is widely regarded by its clients as a trusted adviser and long-term business partner. Its attorneys take a proactive, client-first approach—developing a deep understanding of each client’s industry, priorities, and commercial objectives to anticipate challenges, mitigate risk, and position clients for sustained success. Grounded in a founding principle of delivering tailored business solutions, Buchalter combines legal expertise with commercial insight and cost-conscious strategies to achieve practical, results-driven outcomes.
Beyond its legal practice, Buchalter maintains a strong commitment to community involvement. Its attorneys are active in leadership, education, and volunteer roles across a wide range of organizations, reflecting the firm’s broader dedication to service and impact. Consistently recognized among the leading law firms in the United States, Buchalter is known for the quality of its service, depth of expertise, and the strength of its client relationships.
“A standout practitioner at the intersection of immigration and international business, Kripa is praised for her ability to align legal strategy with investment and growth objectives. Clients appreciate her clarity and commercial insight, while peers commend her strength in CFIUS, export controls, and high-value immigration pathways.”