Update on Bi-Specialization Instructions for Forms I-129 and I-539

Effective April 2, 2007, USCIS is requiring that customers file all I-129 petitions and I-539 applications directly with the California Service Center or the Vermont Service Center, depending on the place of temporary employment or place of residence. Customers can expect that the center where they file will also be the center that generates the receipt notice and completes the adjudication.

USCIS will not reject any improperly filed petitions during the first 15 days of implementation of the new direct filing rule (i.e., from April 2 – April 16, 2007). However, USCIS will reject any improperly filed I-129s and I-539s starting on April 17, 2007.

With the new H-1B fiscal year filing date coming up (April 1, 2007), prospective H-1B employers/employees will need to make sure all H-1B I-129 petition filings are submitted to the right service center to avoid missing out on the expected rush for H-1B visa numbers.

Read the USCIS Bi-Specialization Update here.