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Form I-129S: Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition
USCIS Form I-129S is a Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition used to classify an employee as an L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferee; it requires the beneficiary to have worked for at least one continuous year out of three years.
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USCIS Form I-129S - Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition
USCIS Form I-129S is a Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition used to classify an employee as an L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferee; it requires the beneficiary to have worked for at least one continuous year out of three years.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not use a stamped or typewritten name in place of any actual signature on the petition.
- 2Filing without a proper signature on Part 1-6 by the petitioner or signatory.
- 3Submitting a petition with only a stamped or typewritten name instead of a live signature.
- 4Omitting the required one continuous year out of three years work history detail.
- 5Failing to provide a full English translation if any foreign language documents are included.
Plain English
This form allows an employer to officially declare that an employee qualifies as an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge professional under a blanket L petition. It is used when the employee is outside the United States or when requesting a status change/extension while inside the U.S. The petition confirms the required work history and details of the beneficiary.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Not stated in the official source regarding a specific filing deadline, but the petition must show the beneficiary worked for the employer for at least one continuous year out of three years.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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Glossary Terms
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What this form is for
- Use this form when an employer (petitioner) classifies an employee (beneficiary) as an L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferee under a blanket L petition (LZ) approval and the beneficiary is outside the United States.
- Do not use it when the beneficiary is in the United States and the petitioner is requesting a change of status or extension of stay for that beneficiary.
- Check Form I-129 instead when filing to request a change of status or extension of stay for a beneficiary who is already inside the United States.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Beneficiary requires nonimmigrant visa abroad
This step is required before travel to the U.S.
✓ Check www.uscis.gov/I-129S for current location details
Present completed/approved petition at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Petitioner/Beneficiary moves (non-U.S. citizen)
Failure to notify requires updating records promptly.
✓ Check www.uscis.gov/addresschange for guidance
Notify USCIS within 10 days of moving
More than 50% of petitioner's employees are H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B status
Fees must be confirmed using Form G-1055.
✓ Check Form G-1055 availability at www.uscis.gov/forms
May require payment of certain fees
Deadline or filing window
The filing is triggered when an employer wishes to classify an employee as an L-1 intracompany transferee. The required timing condition is that the beneficiary must have worked for the employer for at least one continuous year out of three years. No specific extension period is stated in the excerpted instructions.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
General Supporting Documents
All documents listed in 'What Evidence Must You Submit' sections · Instructions booklet/Form I-129S
Foreign Language Document
A full English translation must be submitted alongside the original. · Instructions p.2
Translator Certification
Must include translstor’s signature, printed name, date of signature, and contact information. · Instructions p.2
Petitioner Status Proof (Item 10)
Evidence showing more than 50% of petitioner's employees are H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B status. · Form I-129S (p.2)
Period of Stay Dates
Specific start and end dates must be provided for Item 6.a and 6.b. · Form I-129S (p.2)
Before you submit
- 1Ensure the petition is complete, true, and correct for all responses on Form I-129S.
- 2If submitting a foreign language document, include a full English translation with required translator certification.
- 3Confirm the beneficiary's work history meets the 1 continuous year out of 3 years requirement (Instruction p.5).
- 4Verify that the petitioner or authorized signatory has signed and dated Part 7.
- 5If applicable, ensure all necessary fees are paid according to Form G-1055 guidelines.
- 6Confirm required evidence documents are included with the submission package.
- 7Ensure a United States address is provided on the form for filing purposes.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of USCIS Form I-129S, including providing specific dates and identifying necessary supporting documentation.
- 2Attach evidence proving eligibility, such as demonstrating the beneficiary worked at least 1 continuous year out of 3 years.
- 3Sign and date Part 7 (Petitioner/Authorized Signatory) and include any required interpreter certification if applicable.
- 4Determine the correct filing location using www.uscis.gov/I-129S, and submit the complete package to that office or via authorized method.
- 5Keep a copy of the fully executed Form I-129S for your records after submission.
Known limitations
- 1Form I-129S applies to a beneficiary who is outside the United States when filing.
- 2If the beneficiary is already in the United States and the petitioner requests a change of status or extension of stay, Form I-129S should be filed with Form I-129.
- 3The petition requires that the beneficiary worked for the employer for at least one continuous year out of three years in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge professional capacity.
- 4A petitioner must have an approved blanket L-1 petition to file Form I-129S.
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 instructions are dated 01/20/25, and the source directs users to www.uscis.gov/I-129S for the most current information about where to file this petition.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the document revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee information — verify specific fees using Form G-1055, available at www.uscis.gov/forms.
- Mailing address — do not send to the Regulatory Coordination Division (listed on p.7); use current filing location found at www.uscis.gov/I-129S.
- Signature — confirm the signature is handwritten in ink, or a valid photocopy/scan of that original signature.
- Beneficiary requirement — ensure the beneficiary worked for the employer for at least 1 continuous year out of 3 years.
Quick Facts
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After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed and signed Form I-129S for record keeping.
- 2If the beneficiary requires a nonimmigrant visa, they should present the completed or previously approved petition at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
- 3A petitioner or beneficiary who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of any new address within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
- 4If submitting documents in a foreign language, a full English translation must be provided along with a translator's certification.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form I-129S is to classify an employee (beneficiary) as an L-1 nonimmigrant intracompany transferee under a blanket L petition (LZ) approval.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — A petitioner with an approved blanket L-1 petition may file Form I-129S to classify a beneficiary who is outside the United States.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — If the beneficiary is in the U.S. and a petitioner requests change of status or extension, the petitioner should file Form I-129S with Form I-129.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — A full English translation must be submitted if information in a foreign language is provided, accompanied by a translator's signed certification.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Item Number 3 requires the beneficiary’s U.S. Social Security number (if any).
- SRCInstructions p.5 — The petition letter must show that the beneficiary worked for the employer for at least one continuous year out of three years in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge professional capacity.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — A petitioner or beneficiary who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — Do not mail your completed Form I-129S to the Regulatory Coordination Division address; use other filing methods.
Common confusion points
What is the difference between an OAN and an A-Number?
An OAN is not the same as an A-Number; if you do not have a receipt number beginning with IOE, you do not have an OAN.
→ Check Item Number 3/Receipt Info to see if your OAN starts with 'IOE'.
Do I need to file Form I-129S even if the beneficiary is in the U.S.?
Yes, but if requesting a change of status or extension, you should file it *with* Form I-129.
→ Verify the beneficiary's current location and what action (change/extension) is being requested.
What must be on the foreign language translation?
The translator must sign a certification stating the English translation is complete and accurate, that they are competent to translate, and include their signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information.
→ Review Item 6.a-7/8.a-f instructions for required certification details.
What happens if my petition isn't signed properly?
USCIS will reject the petition; if they accept it but find a deficient signature, they may deny the request.
→ Ensure your signature (or legal guardian's signature) is present and valid before sending.
Where should I send the form if I don't have an address in the U.S.?
You must have a United States address to file this petition.
→ Confirm you have a physical mailing address within the U.S. before mailing it.
How long do I have to report an address change?
A petitioner or beneficiary who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
→ Keep track of your move date and ensure notification occurs within the 10-day window.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
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⚠ If something goes wrong
- USCIS may deny the request if there is a deficient signature on the petition.
Questions about USCIS Form I-129S
What is USCIS Form I-129S used for?
This form allows an employer to officially declare that an employee qualifies as an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge professional under a blanket L petition. It is used when the employee is outside the United States or when requesting a status change/extension while inside the U.S. The petition confirms the required work history and details of the beneficiary.
Who must file USCIS Form I-129S?
A petitioner with an approved blanket L-1 petition must file Form I-129S to classify a beneficiary who is outside the United States as an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge professional.
What information does USCIS Form I-129S require?
The form collects detailed information including the beneficiary’s full name (Item 4.a.-c), foreign mailing and physical addresses (Items 6.a.-7 & 8.a.-f), and requires the petitioner to provide contact details in Part 1-6.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-129S?
The most current information on where to file Form I-129S is found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-129S, and a petitioner must have a United States address to file it.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-129S?
The petitioner signs and dates Part 1-6 of Form I-129S. If an interpreter was used, that person must complete and sign/date Part 8. Finally, if someone other than the petitioner prepared it, they must sign Part 9.
What happens if USCIS Form I-129S is filed incorrectly?
If the petition lacks a valid signature or if the signature is deficient, USCIS may deny the request for adjudication.
What is the difference between an OAN and an A-Number?
An OAN is not the same as an A-Number; if you do not have a receipt number beginning with IOE, you do not have an OAN. Check Item Number 3/Receipt Info to see if your OAN starts with 'IOE'.
Do I need to file Form I-129S even if the beneficiary is in the U.S.?
Yes, but if requesting a change of status or extension, you should file it *with* Form I-129. Verify the beneficiary's current location and what action (change/extension) is being requested.
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