The New Export Control Attestation Requirement on Form I-129

Q: Where is the export control question on the new Form I-129 and what does it say?

Part 6 of the new version of Form I-129 states:

With respect to the technology or technical data the petitioner will release or otherwise provide access to the beneficiary, the petitioner certifies that it has reviewed the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and has determined that:

* A license is not required from either the U.S. Department of Commerce or the U.S. Department of State to release such technology or technical data to the foreign person;
or

* A license is required from the U.S. Department of Commerce and/or the U.S. Department of State to release such technology or technical data to the beneficiary and the petitioner
will prevent access to the controlled technology or technical data to the beneficiary until and unless the petitioner has received the required license or other authorization to
release it to the beneficiary.

The petitioner must check one of the above boxes on the form.

Q: What is controlled “technology” and “technical data”?

“Technology” and “technical data” that are controlled for release to foreign persons are identified on the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Commerce Control List (CCL) and
the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) U.S. Munitions List (USML). The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers the EAR. The Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) administers the ITAR.
The EAR uses the term “technology” to refer to information for the development, production or use of “dual-use” products or software.

“Technology” that is required for the development, production or use of items on the EAR’s CCL may be subject to export licensing and other restrictions, depending on the nature of the technology,
the destination, the end-user and end-use. An export of controlled technology or technical data can occur when it is disclosed to or transferred to a foreign person, whether in the United States or abroad.

Specifically, section 734.2(b)(2)(ii) of the EAR (15 CFR §734.2(b)(2)(ii)) states that an export of technology to a foreign national in the United States is “deemed to be an export to the home country or countries of the foreign national.” This is commonly referred to as the “deemed export” rule.

While the ITAR does not use the phrase “deemed exports,” the ITAR contains a similar concept. Section 120.17(a)(3) of the ITAR (22 CFR §120.17(a)(3)) states that an export occurs when
“technical data” is disclosed (including oral or visual disclosure) or transferred to a foreign person in the United States.

Therefore, if an export license is required to export EAR controlled technology or ITAR controlled technical data to a certain country, an export license or other authorization will be required to disclose or transfer such technology to a foreign national of that country who is
located in the United States.

Q: Where can I find the applicable regulations?

BIS is responsible for issuing “deemed export” licenses for the release to foreign persons of EAR controlled technology. DDTC is responsible for issuing export licenses and authorizations for the release of ITAR controlled technical data to foreign nationals in the United States.

Information about the EAR and how to apply for a deemed export license from BIS can be found at www.bis.doc.gov. Information about EAR’s requirements pertaining to the release of
controlled technology to foreign persons is at www.bis.doc.gov/deemedexports.

Information about the ITAR and how to apply for an export license from DDTC can be found at www.pmddtc.state.gov. Information about the ITAR’s requirements pertaining to the release of
controlled technical data can be found at:

http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/faqs/license_foreignpersons.html.

Q: Why is this issue relevant to a visa petition on behalf of a nonimmigrant foreign national?

As noted above, U.S. law prohibits the “export” of controlled technology and technical data to certain foreign nationals located within the United States without a license to do so. U.S. law
treats as an export the release of controlled technology or technical data to a foreign national working in the United States, even if the company does not engage in any other exporting activities.

Technology or source code is considered “released” for export when it is made available to foreign nationals for visual inspection (such as reading technical specifications, plans, blueprints, etc.), when technology is exchanged orally, or when technology is made available by practice or application under the guidance of persons with knowledge of the technology. Such exports of controlled technology or technical data must be authorized through an export license issued by the appropriate government agency before release to the nonimmigrant foreign national.

Therefore, to properly complete the new I-129 form, an employer must first classify the technology or technical data that will be released to or be accessed by a prospective foreign
national employee to determine whether an export license may be required to be obtained from BIS or DDTC before releasing such technology or technical data to the foreign national.

Q: To what visa classifications does the new attestation apply?

H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, and O-1A.

For more information please feel free to contact us at:

David H. Nachman, Esq.
NACHMAN & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Immigration and Nationality Attorneys
VISASERVE PLAZA
487 Goffle Road
Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450

Phone (201) 670-0006 (x100)

Facsimile (201) 670-0009

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced revised filing instructions and addresses for applicants filing an Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival-Departure Document (Form I-102). The new form is dated 1/13/10. This is part of an overall effort to transition the intake of benefit forms from Service Centers to USCIS Lockbox facilities. Centralizing form and fee intake to a Lockbox environment allows USCIS to provide customers with more efficient and effective initial processing of applications and fees.

Beginning February 22, 2010, applicants submitting Form I-102 by itself must mail their application to the USCIS Phoenix or Dallas Lockbox facility, based on where they are located. Detailed guidance can be found in the updated Form I-102 instructions, which can be accessed through the Form I-102 link to the right. Applicants submitting their Form I-102 with another form should submit both forms according to the filing instructions for the other form.

NATO and Partnership for Peace under SOFA Military Members seeking an initial Form I-94 should submit their application through their foreign commander or designee, to NATO/Headquarters, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation at NATO/HQ SACT, 7857 Blandy Road, Suite 100, ATTN: Legal Affairs, Norfolk, VA 23551-2490.

The Service Centers will forward mail to the USCIS Phoenix and Dallas Lockbox facilities for 30 days until March 24, 2010. After March 24, 2010, applications incorrectly filed at the Service Centers will be returned to the applicant, with a note to send the application to the correct location.

Applicants filing a Form I-102 at a USCIS Lockbox facility, may elect to receive an email and/or text message notifying them that their application has been accepted. They must complete an E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Form G-1145), and attach it to the first page of their application.

For more information on USCIS programs, visit www.uscis.gov or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.