On January 17, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will publish a revised edition of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date: 01/17/25). USCIS said it has revised the form to align with the recently announced H-1B modernization final rule and the H-2 modernization final rule.

The new edition of Form I-129 replaces the 04/01/24 edition. USCIS said there will be no grace period for the revised edition “because this revised edition is necessary for USCIS to apply the final rules.” USCIS has provided a preview version of the 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129  (PDF, 2.19 MB) and its instructions. The agency has warned, “Do not file the 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 before Jan. 17, 2025. We will only accept the 01/17/25 edition of this form if it is received on or after Jan. 17, 2025. ”

USCIS also said that those filing Form I-129 on paper by mail should note that the agency:

  • Will accept the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 if it is received before January 17, 2025;
  • Will not accept the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 if it is received on or after January 17, 2025; and
  • Will only accept the 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 if it is received on or after January 17, 2025.