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Form I-129S: Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-129S is used by employers with an approved blanket L‑1 petition to classify an overseas employee as an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge professional. The petitioner must hold a blanket L‑1 approval.
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USCIS Form I-129S - Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-129S is used by employers with an approved blanket L‑1 petition to classify an overseas employee as an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge professional. The petitioner must hold a blanket L‑1 approval.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1A missing or stamped signature will cause USCIS to reject the petition.
- 2Submitting a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature.
- 3Leaving the beneficiary’s foreign mailing address (Item 6a‑7) blank.
- 4Omitting the required letter showing one continuous year of employment in a qualifying role.
- 5Failing to attach English translations for any foreign‑language documents.
Plain English
This form lets a company that already has a blanket L‑1 approval ask U.S. Immigration to give a foreign worker an L‑1 visa. The worker must be outside the U.S. and have worked for the company for at least one continuous year in a qualifying role. The company fills out the employee’s personal details, signs the form, and sends it to USCIS.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when filing a nonimmigrant petition based on an approved blanket L petition.
- Do not use it when you do not have a United States address to file the petition.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when you need to determine the filing fee amount.
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Need to determine filing fee
Lists the exact fee amount for Form I-129S
✓ Confirm fee matches current edition
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Provides acceptable payment options for the filing fee
✓ Ensure chosen method is listed
Need fee information for related petitions
Contains fee schedules for multiple petition types including Form I-129S
✓ Verify you are viewing the correct petition fee
Deadline or filing window
The instructions do not specify a filing deadline or extension period for Form I‑129S.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Beneficiary’s Full Name
Full legal name as on passport · Form I-129S, Item 4.a‑c (Instructions p.3)
Beneficiary’s Foreign Mailing Address
Complete foreign mailing address · Form I-129S, Item 6.a‑7 (Instructions p.3)
Beneficiary’s Foreign Physical Address
Complete foreign physical address · Form I-129S, Item 8.a‑f (Instructions p.3)
Date of Birth
DOB in MM/DD/YYYY format · Form I-129S, Item 9 (Instructions p.3)
Employer Letter confirming one continuous year work
Letter showing at least one continuous year out of three in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity · Instructions p.5
Before you submit
- 1Use the latest version of Adobe Reader to view and print the form (Instructions p.1).
- 2Complete every required field on Form I-129S (Instructions p.3).
- 3Attach a full English translation for any document in a foreign language (Instructions p.2).
- 4Include the employer’s supporting letter confirming the one‑year work requirement (Instructions p.5).
- 5Provide the beneficiary’s U.S. Social Security Number if any (Instructions p.3).
- 6Sign the petition with a handwritten ink signature; do not use a stamp or typewritten name (Instructions p.1).
- 7Ensure the signature is scanned, faxed, or photocopied if filing electronically (Instructions p.1).
- 8Verify you have a United States address to file the petition (Instructions p.6).
- 9Check the USCIS website for the current filing address before mailing (Instructions p.5).
- 10Keep a copy of the completed petition and all supporting documents for your records.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form I-129S PDF and print it using Adobe Reader.
- 2Complete all required sections and attach the required evidence.
- 3Obtain the employer’s letter confirming the one‑year work history.
- 4Sign the petition with a handwritten ink signature.
- 5Pay the filing fee as indicated on Form G-1055.
- 6Mail the completed petition to the filing address listed on the USCIS website.
- 7Retain the mailing receipt as proof of filing.
Known limitations
- 1The form cannot be used without an approved blanket L petition.
- 2A United States address is required to file this petition (Instructions p.6).
- 3Do not submit a change‑of‑address request to the USCIS Lockbox; use the designated address change system (Instructions p.6).
- 4Beneficiaries without a receipt number beginning with IOE do not have an OAN and this form is not applicable for them (Instructions p.3).
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Employee Info
3 items
Your legal first, middle, and last name as shown on your immigration documents.
MM/DD/YYYY from your passport or birth certificate.
Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number.
Work Authorization
1 items
Select your status: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or alien authorized to work.
Documents
1 items
List A (identity + work authorization) OR List B (identity) + List C (work authorization) documents.
Employer Info
2 items
The hiring employer's legal name and physical address.
The employer's federal tax ID number.
Signatures
2 items
Certifies the information provided is true and correct.
Authorized representative certifies document examination.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The form edition expires 02/28/2027; the instructions direct filers to the USCIS website for the most current filing address information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm expires 02/28/2027 (Instructions p.1).
- Fee — see Form G-1055 for the specific amount (Instructions p.1).
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site.
- Signature — confirm a handwritten ink signature is used; stamped or typewritten signatures are rejected (Instructions p.1).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep the signed copy and all supporting documents for at least five years.
- 2Wait for the receipt notice (Form I-797C) to confirm USCIS has accepted the filing.
- 3Monitor case status online using the receipt number.
- 4If an error is discovered, file a corrected petition or amendment promptly.
- 5Retain the receipt notice and any subsequent notices for future reference.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — signature must be handwritten ink; stamped or typewritten signatures are rejected.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — photocopied, faxed, or scanned signatures are accepted for filing.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — fee information is located on Form G-1055.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — full English translation required for foreign language documents with translator certification.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — beneficiary’s SSN, full name, other names, foreign mailing and physical addresses, and date of birth must be provided.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — employer letter must show at least one continuous year of work out of three in qualifying capacity.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — filing address information is on the USCIS website; do not mail to the address listed in the burden statement.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — petitioner must have a United States address to file; address changes must be reported within 10 days, not to the lockbox.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — do not mail completed Form I-129S to the Regulatory Coordination Division address.
Common confusion points
Do I need a U.S. address to file?
The instructions state a U.S. address is required for filing.
→ Verify you have a U.S. mailing address before proceeding.
Can I type or stamp my signature?
Stamped or typewritten signatures are rejected.
→ Ensure a handwritten ink signature is provided.
Where do I mail the petition?
The instructions say not to mail to the address on the form and to check the website for the current filing address.
→ Confirm the filing address on www.uscis.gov/I-129S.
Do foreign language documents need translation?
Any foreign‑language document must be accompanied by a full English translation.
→ Include a certified translation for each foreign document.
What if my receipt number does not begin with IOE?
A receipt number not beginning with IOE means you do not have an OAN.
→ Verify the receipt number format before using the form.
Do I need to file Form G-1055 with this petition?
Form G-1055 contains the fee schedule but is not submitted with the petition.
→ Review Form G-1055 for fee amount, but do not attach it.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Current
Questions about USCIS Form I-129S
What is USCIS Form I-129S used for?
This form lets a company that already has a blanket L‑1 approval ask U.S. Immigration to give a foreign worker an L‑1 visa. The worker must be outside the U.S. and have worked for the company for at least one continuous year in a qualifying role. The company fills out the employee’s personal details, signs the form, and sends it to USCIS.
Who must file USCIS Form I-129S?
A petitioner who holds an approved blanket L‑1 petition files Form I-129S to classify a beneficiary who is outside the United States.
What information does USCIS Form I-129S require?
The form collects the beneficiary’s Social Security number, full legal name, any other names, foreign mailing and physical addresses, and date of birth, plus the petitioner’s contact information and signature.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-129S?
The filing address is listed on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-129S; use the current location shown there.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-129S?
First, the petitioner completes the beneficiary’s personal data in items 3‑9, including SSN, name, and foreign addresses. Next, the petitioner fills the contact and certification section, providing phone numbers, email, and a handwritten signature. If an interpreter was used, the interpreter’s information and signature are added. The petitioner must also attach a letter proving the beneficiary’s one‑year continuous employment in a qualifying capacity and any required English translations, then file the form to the address indicated on the USCIS website.
What happens if USCIS Form I-129S is filed incorrectly?
If the petition lacks a valid handwritten signature, USCIS rejects the petition and may deny the request.
Do I need a U.S. address to file?
The instructions state a U.S. address is required for filing. Verify you have a U.S. mailing address before proceeding.
Can I type or stamp my signature?
Stamped or typewritten signatures are rejected. Ensure a handwritten ink signature is provided.
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