What to Know About America I-129 Form

Introduction

The United States is a land of opportunity, attracting people from all over the world to invest, work, or study. However, entering the country for employment purposes can be a bit daunting, especially if you don’t have a firm grasp of the legal requirements. One such requirement is the I-129 form – a document you need to fill out if you’re looking to bring foreign workers into the United States for a temporary period. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the I-129 form, from who needs to file it, to the types of visa classifications that it covers.

What is the I-129 Form?

The I-129 form is an application used for nonimmigrant workers seeking temporary entry into the United States. It’s also known as the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, and it’s used to apply for a variety of work visas. The form gathers information about the prospective worker, their employer, and job position. It also ensures compliance with the relevant regulations and serves as a basis for issuance of the visa.

Who Needs to File the I-129 Form?

The I-129 form is required for employers who want to bring in a foreign national to work in the United States on a temporary employment basis. It’s also used by nonprofit organizations, religious groups, and educational institutions who want to petition for individual foreign workers or groups of workers to enter the country on a temporary employment basis.

Types of Visas Covered by I-129 Form

Below are the different visa classifications covered by the I-129 form:

1. H-1B: This visa classification is for specialty occupation workers who have a bachelor’s degree or higher in the field they’re working in.

2. H-1B1: This temporary visa classification is for professionals who are from Chile or Singapore.

3. H-2A: This visa classification permits foreign nationals to work in the United States for agricultural jobs and lasts for up to one year.

4. H-2B: This visa classification is for temporary, non-agricultural workers who will be employed in the United States for one year or less.

5. H-3: This visa classification is for individuals who need to come to the United States for job-related training but will not be employed while in the United States.

6. L-1: This visa classification is for intra-company transferees who are managers, executives, or specialized knowledge personnel.

7. O-1: This visa classification is for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, education, business, or athletics.

8. P-1: This visa classification is for internationally recognized athletes, entertainment groups, or performers.

9. R-1: This visa classification is for religious workers who are coming to the United States to work for nonprofit religious organizations.

FAQs:

1. Who fills out the I-129 form?

The employer fills out the I-129 form.

2. What is the processing time for the I-129 form?

The processing time for the I-129 form varies depending on the visa type and the service center handling the petition. Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months.

3. What are the filing fees for the I-129 form?

The filing fees for the I-129 form depend on the visa classification being applied for. Fees generally range from $460 to $4,500.

4. How long is the visa duration for the different visa classifications covered by the I-129 form?

The duration of a visa depends on the visa classification. For instance, the H-1B visa can last up to six years, while the H-2A visa lasts for up to one year.

5. Can the I-129 form be filed electronically?

Yes, the I-129 form can be filed electronically using the USCIS website.

Conclusion

The I-129 form is a crucial document for employers who want to bring foreign workers into the United States on a temporary employment basis. It’s important to ensure that the form is filled out accurately and filed on time to avoid delays in the process. Understanding the different visa classifications covered by the I-129 form can also help you choose the most appropriate visa for your situation. The FAQs section provides a summary of the key information covered in the article and can serve as a quick reference guide for any questions you may have.