Summary
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that starting April 1, 2026, it will only accept the new version of Form I-129 for H-1B visa applications. This change means that older forms received after this date will be rejected, impacting employers and workers preparing for the upcoming visa cap season.
Key Facts
- USCIS will begin accepting only the new Form I-129 edition dated 02/27/26 from April 1, 2026.
- Older versions of the form will be rejected if submitted after April 1, 2026.
- Form I-129 is used by employers to sponsor foreign workers for temporary U.S. jobs.
- The timing is crucial as it aligns with the H-1B visa cap season that starts in April.
- H-1B applicants will be most affected since this is when cap petitions are filed.
- The new form requires more detailed information about job and wage levels.
- Employers must list wage levels from initial registration and the Labor Condition Application.
- If employers use the wrong form version, their petitions will be rejected.
