Sachiyo Isoda Peterson

Sachiyo is a partner in the Vorys Columbus office.  She counsels and assists clients in the highly complex area of immigration, nationality and employer sanctions (I-9) law.  She focuses her practice on employment-based immigrant and nonimmigrant visas, and counsels clients on all major employment-based visa categories.  She understands the importance of a client’s ability to maintain seamless business processes, including the attraction and the retention of international talent in an efficient and practical manner.  She advises clients on important immigration-related employment issues, such as employment eligibility, verification and recordkeeping requirements.  She also regularly presents seminars and training regarding employment-based immigration and I-9 matters.  Her practice spans various industries, including manufacturing, retail, universities, health care and other corporations. 

Career highlights include:

• Securing nonimmigrant visas in a variety of categories including, but not limited to E, H-1B, J-1, L, Blanket L, TN, and O-1
• Obtaining physician J-1 waivers and no objection waivers
• Obtaining approvals of immigrant visa petitions for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability, Outstanding Researchers and Professors, Multinational Executives and Managers, and National Interest Waivers
• Guiding employers through the PERM application process
• Successfully guiding clients through internal and government I-9 and E-Verify audits
• Advising clients on the immigration impact of corporate reorganizations
• Helping clients establish new compliance programs, assess the effectiveness of existing compliance programs, and helping with critical improvements

In addition to her immigration practice, Sachiyo serves as the co-chair of the Vorys Women’s Network.  She promotes equity, diversity and inclusion within Vorys, the legal community and the broader business community by serving as a frequent speaker on such topics and seeking out opportunities to elevate and advocate for underrepresented individuals.   

Honors & Recognitions

Columbus CEO, Best Lawyers, Immigration, 2022

Chambers and Partners, Leading Lawyer in Immigration, 2021-2023

Columbus Business First, 40 Under 40, 2021

Women WELDing the Way, Calendar Honoree, 2020

Professional & Community Activities

Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Central Ohio, President, 2014; Board of Directors, 2013 to present

Japan-America Society of Central Ohio, Board of Directors, 2017 to present