USCIS Update

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is working towards making the immigration processes more efficient and transparent. In line with this mission, USCIS recently announced a change for L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferees (executives, managers, or specialized knowledge professionals) who come under a previously approved blanket L petition.

What Are The Key Changes?

When a petitioner submits Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, in tandem with Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, they will now receive two distinct notices:

  1. The Receipt Notice: This confirms that USCIS has received the forms.
  2. The Approval Notice: This will be issued if the forms are approved.

Previously, petitioners would receive a stamped and signed Form I-129S along with the Form I-129 approval. With the new changes, this practice has been discontinued. Instead, a distinct approval notice for Form I-129S will be sent out, which also serves as the endorsement.

Why This Matters?

This approval notice is an affirmation that a USCIS officer has approved the beneficiary for L-1 status, based on an approved blanket L petition. The endorsement, as mandated by 8 CFR 214.2(l)(5)(ii)(E), is evident in this approval notice. Importantly, a copy of this notice will be furnished to the beneficiary. They should include this with their visa and/or admission documents.

Benefits of the Change:

  • Speed: This streamlined approach reduces the time previously taken to print, stamp, sign, and annotate the paper form.
  • Organization: With separate notices, there’s a clear distinction between the receipt and approval process.
  • Security: By reducing physical paper touchpoints and focusing on electronic notices, there’s an added layer of security to the process.

Conclusion:

These changes by USCIS reflect an ongoing effort to simplify, quicken, and secure the process for petitioners and beneficiaries alike. Those involved in the L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferee process should be aware of these modifications and plan their submissions accordingly.

Additional Outside Information

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