How Should an April 1, 2009 H-1B Application Be Organized?

The USCIS recently answered this question in a FAQ memo on H-1B filings. 

USCIS recomments that petitioners clearly label all H-1B cap cases in red ink on the top margin of Form I-129.  Use the following codes:

• Regular Cap (65,000 regular cap cases, not including Chile/Singapore cap cases)
• C/S Cap (Chile/Singapore H-1B1s)
• U.S.Masters   (20,000 cap for beneficiaries with U.S. Masters or higher degrees)

A separate check for each applicable filing fee (Form I-129, Premium Processing, Fraud Fee, and/or ACWIA fee) is preferred. Applicable fees should be stapled to the bottom right corner of the top document.

This is the USCIS preferred order of documents at time of submission.  

• Form I-907 (if filing for Premium Processing Service);
• Form G-28 (if represented by attorney or accredited representative);
• Form I-129 (“Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker”);
• H Classification Supplement to Form I-129;
• H-1B Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement;
• Provide a Table of Contents for supporting documentation:
  • Tab items as listed in Table of Contents;
  • Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) (if the beneficiary is in the US);
  • If applicable, the SEVIS Form I-20 (if current or former F‑1 student or F‑2 dependent), SEVIS Form DS-2019 (if current or former J-1 or J-2) or Form I-566 (if current A or G nonimmigrant)
  • Certified Labor Condition Application, Form ETA 9035, from Department of Labor;
  • Employer/Attorney/Representative letter(s); and 
  • Other supporting documentation.
• Duplicate copy of the petition if the beneficiary will be seeking nonimmigrant visa issuance abroad. Clearly identify the duplicate copy of the petition as a COPY, so that is not mistaken for a duplicate filing.

To read the entire USCIS FAQ on this subject, please click here.