U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its filing addresses for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on October 7, 2026. Employers submitting petitions for foreign workers should review the updated instructions before mailing an application to avoid delays or rejection.
The change affects employers filing employment-based nonimmigrant petitions, including H-1B, L-1 and O-1 petitions. USCIS has provided a 30-day transition period, but employers must use the updated filing addresses for submissions after the deadline.
What Has Changed With USCIS Form I-129 Filing Addresses?
USCIS revised the direct filing addresses for Form I-129. During the transition period, petitions sent to a previous filing location may still be accepted if they are postmarked on or before November 9, 2026.
From November 10, 2026, employers should use the updated filing addresses listed on the USCIS website.
This is separate from the recent Form I-129 edition change. USCIS also requires the 09/09/26 edition of Form I-129 for submissions on or after November 9, 2026. Employers should therefore check both the form edition and the filing address before submitting a petition.
Employers planning to sponsor foreign workers can also review SimVisa's employment-based immigration services for guidance on employment-related visa processes.
How Do Employers Determine Where to File Form I-129?
There is no single filing address for every Form I-129 petition. The correct destination depends on several factors, including:
- The nonimmigrant visa classification and reason for filing.
- The petitioner's primary office location.
- Whether the petition includes a request for premium processing.
- Whether the application is sent through USPS or a private courier such as FedEx, UPS or DHL.
USCIS provides separate instructions for different petition types and delivery methods. Employers should consult the official USCIS Form I-129 Direct Filing Addresses page before sending a petition.
For example, employers transferring eligible employees through the L-1 classification should also ensure they are following the requirements relevant to the L-1 visa process.
What Should Employers Do Before Submitting a Petition?
To help avoid preventable filing issues, employers and their legal teams should:
- Verify the filing address: Check the current USCIS instructions for the specific petition classification.
- Confirm the delivery method: Make sure the address matches whether the petition is being sent through USPS or a private courier.
- Check premium processing requirements: If filing Form I-907, review the applicable USCIS instructions and filing address.
- Use the correct Form I-129 edition: Confirm that the 09/09/26 edition is being used for submissions on or after November 9, 2026.
- Review the complete submission: Check the form, supporting documents, fees and filing instructions before dispatch.
Because filing requirements can vary by petition type, employers should avoid relying on previously saved addresses or instructions from older applications.
How Can Employers Prepare for the USCIS Filing Changes?
An incorrect filing address or outdated form edition can lead to a rejected petition and additional administrative work. Employers sponsoring foreign workers should review their filing procedures ahead of the November deadline.
SimVisa assists employers with employment-based immigration matters, including H-1B and L-1 visa petitions. If your business is preparing to file a petition or needs guidance on the updated USCIS requirements, contact SimVisa's immigration legal team to discuss your company's immigration needs.
Contact SimVisa: 312-298-9766
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. USCIS filing instructions and requirements may change. Employers should verify the latest official guidance and consult an immigration attorney about their specific circumstances.
Official USCIS resources
