Matt J. Mauntel-Medici

I focus my practice on employment-based immigration, immigration compliance, and business matters. Before entering private practice, I served as a visa officer with the U.S. Department of State and adjudicated thousands of visa applications at U.S. diplomatic posts in Ireland and Brazil. I bring that firsthand consular perspective to employers in Iowa and across the country as they recruit, hire, transfer, and retain international professionals.

I handle permanent and temporary work visa matters, including H-1B cap registration and sponsorship, L-1 intracompany transfers, O-1 petitions, TN status, E-2 and E-3 visas, and P visas. My permanent residence work includes PERM labor certification, EB-1 and EB-2 petitions, National Interest Waivers, adjustment of status, consular processing, and long-term planning for employees and their families.

I have regularly advised healthcare organizations and physicians on J-1 physician waivers, H-1B sponsorship for residents, fellows, and attending physicians, and permanent residence planning for clinical and academic roles. I also work with colleges, universities, affiliated nonprofits, and research organizations on faculty and researcher sponsorship, H-1B cap-exemption questions, and immigration planning for international professionals 

My Approach

My State Department experience helps me see immigration matters from the decision-maker’s side of the desk. I understand how consular officers review visa applications, where questions can arise, and why clear, well-supported submissions matter. I use that perspective to identify issues early and help clients prepare for the consular process. I also account for budget, timing, internal approvals, and day-to-day operations, working closely with HR leaders, in-house counsel, and executives.

For employers with broader compliance responsibilities, I advise on Form I-9 and E-Verify, internal audits, HR training, policy development, and responses to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Notices of Inspection.

My broader background includes corporate operations, government service, and private practice. Before practicing law, I served as Assistant Vice President, Global Spend Management, at Aon and managed a multinational corporate buyer team. That business experience, together with my work as a State Department visa officer, helps me understand both how agencies make decisions and how immigration issues affect a client’s operations.

I also advise businesses on contracts, corporate governance, risk management, and domestic and international transactions.

More About Me

I was born in Ohio, but Iowa became home after I returned from Brazil at the end of my State Department service. My wife is a native Iowan, and we have three kids, so there is rarely a dull moment. I enjoy biking, board games, and cooking ambitious meals that the kids will hopefully eat. My reading jumps from fantasy novels to business and self-improvement books to short stories, and hiking the Appalachian Trail is on my bucket list. I also speak Portuguese and stay active in professional, civic, and international organizations.

My Specialties

• Employment-Based Immigration
• Work Visas and International Transfers
• Consular Processing and Visa Strategy
• Employment-Based Permanent Residence
• Physician and Healthcare Immigration
• Higher Education and Research Immigration
• Form I-9 and E-Verify Compliance
• Corporate and Business Law
• International Business