USCIS and CBP Pilot Program for Canadian L-1 Nonimmigrants

USCBP announced a six-month pilot program effective April 30, 2018 until October 31, 2018 for Canadian citizens seeking L-1 nonimmigrant status at the USCBP Port of Entry at Blaine, Washington. Applicants for L-1 status have the option of choosing to participate in the pilot program by filing a mail-in L-1 petition, with all supporting documentation, in advance of entry to the USCIS California Service Center. Applicants who choose not to participate in the pilot program continue to have the option of applying in-person at the Blaine POE, although the application will be adjudicated at the next-nearest Class A POE. The pilot program may signify that USCBP will move in the direction of eventually allowing mail-in applications for special handling in advance of entry for all Class A POEs on the US-Canada border.