Overview (What is I-129S used for?)
#Form I-129S, titled Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, is used by employers to classify employees as L-1 nonimmigrants. It is specifically for those with an approved blanket L-1 petition to classify beneficiaries who are outside the U.S. as executives, managers, or specialized knowledge professionals.
If the beneficiary is already in the U.S. and the petitioner seeks a change of status or extension of stay, Form I-129S should be filed alongside Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. The form requires detailed information about the petitioner, the beneficiary, and the proposed employment.
Make sure to submit all required evidence and supporting documents as outlined in the instructions. This includes a valid signature, which must be handwritten and cannot be a stamped or typewritten name.
For more information, refer to the official instructions available at the USCIS website.
What USCIS is really evaluating (I-129S)
#USCIS evaluates the validity of signatures, the completeness of the petition, and the supporting evidence provided. A common mismatch occurs when the signature is not valid, leading to potential rejection of the petition.
Context & workflow (How does I-129S fit into the case?)
#Most cases file this form together with the required evidence listed on the official form page. Verify [fees](/en/united-states/visas/fees) before filing. Check [processing times](/en/united-states/visas/processing-times) for your category. Review [requirements](/en/united-states/visas/requirements) that apply to your status.
Who uses it
Petitioners filing on behalf of a beneficiary.
When it is used
- When the official instructions list this form for your case type.
- When updating or supplementing a pending petition if requested.
Evidence strategy (What evidence does USCIS expect for I-129S?)
#- Include a copy of the approval notice for the blanket L petition.
- Provide evidence of the beneficiary's employment history with the foreign employer.
- Document the proposed employment details in the U.S.
- Ensure all signatures are valid and meet USCIS requirements.
- Submit translations for any documents not in English.
- Provide legible photocopies of all required documents.
Failure prevention (Why petitions are rejected or delayed)
#Technical rejections
- Ensure the form is completed using the latest version of Adobe Reader.
- Check that all required signatures are present and valid.
- Submit legible photocopies of documents unless originals are requested.
Substantive weaknesses
- Verify that all information is consistent across documents.
- Ensure all required evidence is included as specified in the instructions.
- Check that translations are provided for any foreign language documents.
RFE triggers and how to pre-empt (What causes RFEs for I-129S?)
#- Missing required evidence as specified in the instructions.
- Inconsistent information between the petition and supporting documents.
- Invalid or missing signatures on the petition.
- Failure to provide the approval notice for the blanket L petition.
Eligibility signals
#- Valid signature from the petitioner or authorized signatory.
- Approval notice for the blanket L petition.
- Details of the beneficiary's employment history.
- Beneficiary's foreign physical address.
- Petitioner’s U.S. mailing and physical addresses.
- Legible photocopies of all required documents.
- Translations of any foreign language documents.
- Contact information for the petitioner.
Form sections (Which sections matter most on I-129S?)
#General Instructions
This section provides an overview of the filing process and requirements for Form I-129S.
Specific Instructions
Detailed guidance on how to fill out each part of the form, including what information is needed.
Information About The Employer (Petitioner)
Provide the legal name, addresses, and contact details of the petitioning organization.
Information About the Proposed Position and Prior Periods of Stay in the United States
Details about the beneficiary's proposed employment and any previous stays in the U.S.
Information About the Beneficiary
Collect essential information about the beneficiary, including personal details and immigration history.
Certification Regarding the Release of Controlled Technology or Technical Data
Indicate if a license is required for releasing controlled technology to the beneficiary.
What it asks for (What fields and questions appear on I-129S?)
#- Item Number 1. Name of Petitioning Organization
- Item Numbers 2.a. - 3. Petitioner’s Mailing Address
- Item Numbers 4.a. - 4.e. Petitioner’s Physical Address
- Item Numbers 5. - 8. Petitioner’s Contact Information
- Item Numbers 1.a. - 1.b. Proposed Employment
- Item Numbers 2.a. - 2.b. Dates of Proposed Employment
- Item Numbers 3.a. - 6. Prior Periods of Stay in the United States
- Item Number 1. Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
- Item Number 2. USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
- Item Number 1. Blanket L Petition Receipt Number
- What Is the Purpose of Form I-129S?
- Who May File Form I-129S?
- Based on Blanket L Petition
- How To Complete Form I-129S
- provide “labor for hire.”
What you need before you start (What should you gather before I-129S?)
#- Provide A copy of the approval notice for the blanket L petition
- Evidence of the beneficiary's employment history with the foreign employer
- Provide Details of the proposed employment in the U.S
- Provide Beneficiary's foreign physical address
- Provide Beneficiary's date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format
- Provide Petitioner’s U.S. mailing and physical addresses
- Provide Petitioner’s contact information including phone and email
- Provide Signature of the petitioner or authorized signatory
- Provide Translations of any documents in a foreign language
- Provide Legible photocopies of all required documents
- Provide Accurate identity details that match your supporting documents
- Provide Documents that support the information you enter
- Provide Official instructions for signature and submission rules
- Provide beneficiary, the petitioner should file Form I-129S with Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
- Provide Signature. You (or your signing authority) must properly complete your petition. USCIS will not accept a stamped
- Provide as valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink
- Evidence. When you file your petition, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents listed in the What
Evidence checklist (Which documents should you prepare for I-129S?)
#- Evidence of identity (passport, government ID, or USCIS-issued document).
- Evidence of current immigration status or admission/parole.
- Evidence that supports the eligibility category selected.
- Evidence of any required family relationship or sponsorship.
Checklist (What are the key steps before filing I-129S?)
#- Use the latest version of Adobe Reader to complete the form.
- Review the declarations before signing the petition.
- Provide a valid handwritten signature; no stamped or typewritten names.
- Submit legible photocopies unless originals are specifically requested.
- Include all evidence listed in the What Evidence Must You Submit section.
- Check for completeness to avoid rejection or denial.
- If applicable, prepare for a biometrics appointment.
- Ensure all dates and names are accurate and consistent.
- Provide translations for any documents not in English.
- Review the filing fee information on Form G-1055.
- Download the current I-129S from the official form page.
- Save the PDF locally and open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader so form features work correctly.
- Follow the form’s signature instructions (some PDFs require printing and hand-signing).
- Complete every required section and review for consistency.
- Follow the signature and submission instructions exactly.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Fees (verify before filing)
#Fees change over time and can vary by category. Verify the latest schedule before filing.
USCIS filing feesCommon mistakes (What errors delay I-129S petitions?)
#- Missing or invalid signatures on the petition.
- Submitting original documents when not required.
- Inconsistent information between the petition and supporting documents.
- Failing to provide translations for foreign language documents.
- Not including the required filing fee.
- Omitting required evidence as specified in the instructions.
Examples (What does a strong I-129S submission look like?)
#- Situation: An applicant is preparing I-129S and must include all required evidence. Task: They submit a complete packet within a 30-day preparation window. Action: They compile identity records, eligibility evidence, and the filing fee before submitting. Result: The petition is accepted without a request for missing items.
- Situation: A filer is close to a deadline for I-129S. Task: They submit within the required 90-day timeline. Action: They finalize the packet and file within the stated window. Result: The case proceeds without a late-filing issue.
- Situation: A petitioner must reference a receipt number. Task: They match the receipt number to the underlying petition. Action: They include the exact receipt number on I-129S and attach the notice copy. Result: USCIS can verify the underlying filing quickly.
Common misconceptions (What do people often misunderstand about I-129S?)
#- Some believe that a stamped signature is acceptable; however, only a valid handwritten signature is allowed.
- It's a misconception that original documents must always be submitted; only submit originals if specifically requested.
- Many think that all forms of evidence are acceptable; however, only the evidence listed in the instructions should be submitted.
- Some assume that the filing fee is fixed; it can change, so it's important to check Form G-1055 for the latest fee information.
How this guide is built (Where this I-129S guidance comes from)
#This guide is built from the official instructions for Form I-129S, ensuring that all information is current and accurate. It provides non-legal advice to help you navigate the filing process effectively.
FAQs
What is I-129S used for?
I-129S is used to request a specific immigration benefit based on the eligibility category you select. The form must align with your supporting evidence and any underlying petition.
What happens if I submit an incomplete packet?
USCIS may reject the filing or issue a request for evidence if required documents are missing. Use the official checklist to ensure each required item is included before submission.
Do I need to submit original documents?
Most filings require legible copies unless the instructions specifically request originals. Always follow the official instructions for each document type.
How do I verify I am using the correct edition of the form?
Check the form edition date on the USCIS form page and compare it to your PDF. Submitting an outdated edition can lead to rejection.
Do I need translations for non-English documents?
Yes, USCIS typically requires certified translations for documents not in English. Include translations that meet USCIS requirements.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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