I-129Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Used by U.S. employers to sponsor foreign nationals for H-1B specialty occupation, L-1 intracompany transfer, O-1 extraordinary ability, TN, and other temporary work classifications.
Filing Overview
Where to File
Processing Times
| Office | Region | Subtype | Estimate | Inquiry date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Service Center | National | H-1B (cap-exempt) | 3 months | Jan 15, 2026 |
| Texas Service Center | National | H-1B (cap-subject) | 4.5 months | Dec 1, 2025 |
| Vermont Service Center | National | L-1 / O-1 | 5 months | Nov 15, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The current USCIS filing fee for Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) is $730+. Always confirm the fee on the official USCIS page before submission, as fees are adjusted periodically.
Form I-129 mailing addresses depend on the applicant's category and state of residence. Use the address listed on this page or on the official USCIS "Where to File" page for I-129. USCIS uses different addresses for USPS and for express couriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL).
Processing times for Form I-129 vary by office and case subtype. Use the processing-times table on this page to see current estimates by office, refreshed daily from USCIS.gov.