L-1 Blanket Petition

Overview

The L-1 Blanket Petition allows large multinational corporations to obtain pre-approval for L-1 transfers, streamlining individual employee transfers. After USCIS approves the blanket petition, qualifying employees apply directly at U.S. consulates using Form I-129S, bypassing individual USCIS adjudication. This dramatically reduces processing time and cost for high-volume L-1 employers.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for blanket eligibility, the petitioner must: have an office in the U.S. doing business for one year; have three or more domestic and foreign branches/subsidiaries/affiliates; and meet ONE of: combined U.S. annual sales of $25 million; U.S. workforce of 1,000 or more employees; or 10 L-1 approvals in the previous 12 months.

Application Process

Step 1: File initial blanket petition Form I-129 establishing eligibility and listing qualifying entities. Step 2: USCIS approves blanket for three years. Step 3: Individual employees apply at consulates using Form I-129S. Step 4: Renew blanket every three years, demonstrating continued qualifying transfers.

Required Documentation

Required: list of all qualifying organizations; corporate relationship documentation for each; financial statements; employee count documentation; prior L-1 approval evidence; and explanation of business operations.

Government Filing Fees

Initial blanket I-129 fee; I-129S consular processing fees; Fraud Prevention Fee.

Processing Timeline

Initial blanket approval valid 3 years, renewable indefinitely; Individual L-1 transfers via I-129S at consulate typically 2–6 weeks.

Why Choose Our Firm

We assist major multinationals (technology companies, IT services firms, manufacturing groups) establish and maintain L-1 Blanket programs. Our blanket practice includes: initial qualification analysis, comprehensive blanket filings, ongoing compliance, individual I-129S preparation, and refusal response strategies for consular issues.