Starting January 17, 2025, a revised version of Form I-129 will replace the current form issued on April 1, 2024, with no grace period for transitioning to the final rules. Any petitions submitted using the outdated version of the form after this date will be rejected by USCIS.
The updated Form I-129 will be used for petitions in several non-immigrant worker categories, including:
- H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3: Temporary workers and trainees
- L-1: Intracompany transferees
- O-1, O-2: Individuals with extraordinary abilities and their assistants
- P categories: Artists, athletes, and entertainers
- Q-1, R-1: Cultural exchange visitors and religious workers
Additionally, petitioners can use the form to request status extensions or changes for E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B1, and TN classifications.
For those filing the I-129 form by mail, it’s important to note that USCIS will accept the April 2024 version of the form if received before January 17, 2025. After this date, any submission with the old version will be rejected, and only the updated I-129 should be used.This press release can be found here.