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 chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee.  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

The Best Lawyers in America, Immigration Law, 2025

Columbus CEO, Best Lawyers, Immigration Law, 2022-2024

Chambers and Partners, Leading Lawyer in Immigration, 2021-2024

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 2022

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