According to CBP personnel, a pilot program is being developed that would eliminate “instant” border adjudications of L-1 NAFTA applications. The pilot program is expected to be introduced at the Blaine, Washington port of entry. At this time, processes and procedures are still under review and consideration but it appears that the current CBP border application process (with a post-adjudication notification to USCIS) would be replaced by a process that would continue to permit submission to CBP at the border (as the regulations mandate), but would require that USCIS first approve the L-1 petition in what is hoped would be a quick turnaround.
The pilot program could begin as early as April 30, 2018, but we await a formal announcement about the program and its future implications. Jackson Lewis will provide updates as they become available.