What is “Approval Case Decision Rendered” Status Mean for Form I-129? Explained

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Key Takeaways:

“Approval Case Decision Rendered” means USCIS has finished adjudicating Form I-129 and approved the petition.
The petitioner and beneficiary will receive an official approval notice detailing petition validity and specific conditions.
Beneficiaries must adhere to approval conditions, including documentation for travel and employment authorization for maintaining lawful status.

What Does the “Approval Case Decision Rendered” Status Mean for Form I-129?

When dealing with immigration processes, understanding the various statuses and what they signify can be confusing. For those who have submitted Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, seeing the status “Approval Case Decision Rendered” can be both a relief and a source of curiosity. What exactly does this status mean?

What is “Approval Case Decision Rendered” Status Mean for Form I-129? Explained

Understanding the “Approval Case Decision Rendered” Status

What Does “Completion of Adjudication” Mean?

The status “Approval Case Decision Rendered” indicates that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed the adjudication process for the petition. In simple terms, this means that USCIS has reviewed all the submitted evidence and has made a final decision. Specifically, this status means that the petition has been approved.

“Rendered” Explained:

The term “rendered” means that a decision has been formally made. Once USCIS updates the status to “Approval Case Decision Rendered,” it signifies that the reviewing officer has determined that the petition meets the eligibility requirements for approval.

What Happens After Approval?

Receiving the Approval Notice

Upon approval, USCIS will update their electronic systems to reflect this positive decision. Both the petitioner (the employer) and the beneficiary (the nonimmigrant worker) can expect to receive an official approval notice, usually in the form of Form I-797, Notice of Action. This notice includes vital information such as the validity period of the petition and any specific conditions or instructions related to the nonimmigrant worker’s status.

It’s important for the petitioner to ensure that the address on file is current to avoid any delays in receiving the notice. The petitioner will receive this via mail at the address provided in the application.

Travel Documents and Entry

The beneficiary should carry a copy of the approval notice along with other required documents like a valid passport and visa when traveling to the United States. This documentation is crucial for entry or re-entry into the U.S. under the approved nonimmigrant classification.

Impact on the Beneficiary’s Status

Change of Status or Extension of Stay

For beneficiaries already residing in the United States, the approval notice may include an extension of stay or a change of status, depending on the specifics of the petition. The period of authorized stay will be documented on Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, or noted in their passport.

Compliance with Terms and Conditions

If the approval involves a change of status or an extension of stay, the beneficiary must adhere to the terms and conditions outlined in the approval notice. This could include beginning employment with the petitioner as specified in the petition. Compliance with these conditions is crucial to maintaining lawful status in the United States.

Common Scenarios Post-Approval

Employment Authorization

For petitions involving employment, such as those for H-1B, L-1, or O-1 visas, the approval authorization allows the beneficiary to commence or continue working for the petitioner in the United States. This step marks the start of the employment period under the specified nonimmigrant category.

Travel and Re-entry

For beneficiaries planning to travel abroad, it is essential to present the approval notice along with their visa and passport to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon re-entry. This step confirms their authorized status and ensures smooth re-entry into the United States.

Further Actions Post-Approval

Additional Requirements

Sometimes, additional steps may be necessary, such as attending an interview or providing further documentation. These requirements usually arise if the approval is conditional or subject to specific requirements. It is wise to review the approval notice carefully to understand any further actions that need to be taken.

Summary

The “Approval Case Decision Rendered” status for Form I-129 is a positive outcome, indicating that the petition has been approved by USCIS. This marks the end of the adjudication process and initiates the next steps for both the petitioner and the beneficiary. These steps include receiving the official approval notice and adhering to any conditions or instructions provided.

Resources for Further Information

For more detailed information, you can visit the USCIS Official Website, which provides comprehensive resources and guidance on the various steps involved in handling an approved petition. It is always best to consult official resources to stay updated and informed about your immigration journey.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker):
A form used by employers to request permission for a nonimmigrant worker to come to the United States temporarily to work.
Approval Case Decision Rendered:
A status indicating that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has completed its review and approved the petition.
Notice of Action (Form I-797):
An official communication from USCIS notifying the petitioner and beneficiary of the approval, including details about the validity period and conditions of the approved petition.
Change of Status:
An adjustment in the applicant’s status while in the United States, permitting them to change to another nonimmigrant category without leaving the country.
Extension of Stay:
A process allowing nonimmigrants who are already in the United States to extend their stay beyond the initial authorized period, as indicated in their approved petition.

This Article In A Nutshell:

“Approval Case Decision Rendered” for Form I-129 signifies that USCIS has reviewed and approved the petition. It’s a final decision confirming the nonimmigrant worker’s eligibility. The petitioner and beneficiary will receive an official notice, essential for travel, employment, and maintaining lawful status in the U.S.
— By VisaVerge.com

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