On February 12, 2018, the Texas Service Center (TSC) will begin processing L-1A and B Visa Petitions normally processed by the Vermont Service Center (VSC).  The California Service Center (CSC) will continue to handle L Visa Petitions.

This move is made by the USCIS to “balance workloads and to provide flexibility as USCIS works towards improving processing times and efficiency.”  We will hope, but not hold our breath, that this move will indeed net reduced processing times and efficiency.

The Vermont Service Center will no longer process any new Form I‑129 petitions requesting L nonimmigrant classification.  Indeed, we are already seeing some of our pending L Visa Petitions being transferred to Texas.

L Visa Petitions are must be filed with either the TSC or the CSC based upon job location.  Here is a link to the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker page.  Starting March 12, 2018, USCIS will reject L Visa Petitions filed at the wrong service center.