footer-logofooter-logofooter-logofooter-logo
Your Dream, Our Mission - Your
Gateway to a Brighter Future
Your Dream, Our Mission - Your
Gateway to a Brighter Future

H-1B Final Rule, H-2 Final Rule, and Revised Form I-129 Effective Jan. 17, 2025

Latest News

The Department of Homeland Security’s H-1B final rule and H-2 final rule take effect on Friday, January 17, 2025, modernizing and improving requirements for the H-1B nonimmigrant and H-2 nonimmigrant visa programs. USCIS will also publish a revised Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (edition date 01/17/25) on Jan. 17, reflecting combined changes associated with the two final rules. As previously announced, the 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 goes into effect on Jan. 17, with no grace period, because the revised edition is necessary to apply the final rules.

The H-1B final rule modernizes the H-1B program by streamlining the approval process, increasing its flexibility to better allow employers to retain talented workers, and improving the integrity and oversight of the program. The H-2 final rule significantly strengthens worker protections by, among other things, imposing new consequences on companies that charge prohibited fees or violate our labor laws, and provides greater flexibility for H-2A and H-2B workers. Both rules were published in the Federal Register on Dec. 18, 2024.

Effective Jan. 17, we will reject Form I-129 petitions received using the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129. If you file Form I-129 on paper by mail, please note that:

  • We will accept the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 if it was received before Jan. 17, 2025;
  • We will reject the 04/01/24 edition of Form I-129 if it is received on or after Jan. 17, 2025; and
  • We will only accept the 01/17/25 edition of Form I-129 if it is received on or after Jan. 17, 2025.

This article is provided as an educational service and is not legal advice. Consult with an attorney for your specific circumstances.  For a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration situation and options, you are invited to call us at 214-494-8033, text us using our chat box, or complete our contact form.

Related Articles