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:
- The Receipt Notice: This confirms that USCIS has received the forms.
- 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
We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding employment under an L1 Visa. We invite you to reach out to our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. Our goal is to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today for an assessment of your legal situation.
