Starting from August 11, 2022, USCIS no longer requires duplicate copies of the Form I-129 application and supporting documents, unless specifically asked for. Previously, for all Form I-129 applications, which includes E-2, H-1B, TN, L visa applications among other applications submitted with USCIS, have to be submitted in duplicate with the second copy going to the Kentucky Consular Center for ease of consular processing. This was intended to make sure that the approval is in Petition Information Management System (PIMS) which is operated by the KCC.
USCIS has now updated the policy to state that due to enhanced electronic scanning capabilities and data-sharing with the U.S. Department of State, duplicate copies are no longer needed to avoid delays in consular processing. Petitioners should confirm if the type of application they submit requires the second copy, if not, a single copy is now sufficient.
