Which forms are used in a blanket L-1 case?

With the blanket L-1, a multinational company obtains prior approval that streamlines the transfer of multiple employees, avoiding the need to build an extensive petition for each individual case. The form workflow follows this logic in two stages.

First comes the company stage: the blanket petition is filed using Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker), submitted to USCIS. This is how the company establishes the blanket structure that covers eligible employees.

Then comes the consular stage for each employee: once the blanket is approved, each beneficiary completes Form DS-160 (the electronic nonimmigrant visa application) to schedule an interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy and demonstrate their eligibility under the L-1.

Since forms and instructions change over time, it is worth confirming the current versions and requirements directly on the USCIS and Department of State websites before filing, or with the support of a specialist.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.