USCIS changes Form I-129 filing location; only 09/09/26 edition accepted from Nov. 9
Key points
- Filing location for Form I-129 changed Oct. 7, with a 30-day grace period
- From Nov. 9, only the 09/09/26 edition is accepted; the 02/27/26 edition could be used before then
- The new edition relates to the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee final rule for H-1B and L-1 visas
USCIS changed the filing location for Form I-129 on Oct. 7, 2026, with a 30-day grace period for forms postmarked on or before Nov. 9 and sent to prior locations. A new I-129 edition (09/09/26) was published in connection with the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee final rule for H-1B and L-1 visas. From Nov. 9, 2026, USCIS will accept only the 09/09/26 edition.
For reference only; not legal advice.
What employers should do
- Use only the 09/09/26 edition of Form I-129 for filings from Nov. 9
- Confirm mailing addresses match the new filing location
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- Federal
- Status
- In effect
- Effective date
- 2026-11-09
- Employers covered
- Employers and petitioners filing Form I-129 for H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, L-1, O-1 and other nonimmigrant workers
- Official source
- View official source ↗
Original report: USCIS (.gov) ↗Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.