CW-1: CNMI-Only Transitional Worker

To qualify, employers must:

• Obtain an approved temporary labor certification (TLC) from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and consider all available U.S. workers for the position;
• Be engaged in a legitimate business, including participating in good standing in the E-Verify program,
• Offer terms and conditions of employment consistent with the nature of their business in the CNMI;
• Comply with all federal and CNMI requirements relating to employment (for example, nondiscrimination, occupational safety, and minimum wage requirements);
• Pay reasonable transportation costs if the individual is involuntarily dismissed from employment for any reason before the end of the period of authorized admission; and
• Comply with the semiannual reporting requirement by timely filing Form I-129CWR, Semiannual Report for CW-1 Employers.

For more information, visit our CW-1: CNMI-Only Transitional Worker page.

Your employer must:

• Read the instructions for Form I-129CW, Petition for a CNMI-Only Transitional Worker;
• Complete and sign Form I-129CW;
• Pay the filing fee, if applicable; and
• Submit the mandatory $200 education fee (per worker, per year);
• Submit the mandatory $50 fraud prevention and detection fee per petition; and
• Provide all required evidence and supporting documentation.

Want status updates about your case? Learn how to create a USCIS online account to stay informed.

Once we receive your employer’s form, we will send a:

• Receipt notice confirming we received the petition; 
• Biometric services notice, if applicable, and
• Notice of our decision to the beneficiary.

• Form I-129CW
• Form I-129CWR, when applicable

Find fee information on our Fee Schedule page.