United States•North America

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CW-1 — CNMI-Only Transitional Worker

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 weeks – 6 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

USD $560–$1,870

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$52,000

Quality of Life

185/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Temporary worker in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Subject to annual decreasing cap.

The CW-1 is a US nonimmigrant classification for foreign nationals non-qualifying for standard work categories like H-1B or H-2B. CNMI employers petition for workers in nine DOL-designated occupational categories as the territory transitions to federal immigration law.

Each approval is valid up to one year, renewable until December 31, 2029, when the program ends. An annually declining cap applies: 8,000 in FY2026, dropping to 5,000 in FY2029. After three consecutive periods, a 30-day departure is required before re-petitioning. CW-2 dependents may not work.

This visa is ideal for foreign nationals with a CNMI employer who cannot qualify for any other US nonimmigrant work classification and need CNMI-only work authorization.

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Cost Breakdown

I-129CW filing fee (standard)USD $1,015

I-129CW filing fee (small employer or nonprofit)USD $510

Asylum Program Fee (large employer)USD $600

Asylum Program Fee (small employer)USD $300

Asylum Program Fee (nonprofit)USD $0

CNMI Education Funding Fee (per beneficiary, per year)USD $210

recurring

Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee (per petition)USD $50

MRV visa application fee (consular processing abroad)USD $205

optional

TotalUSD $560–$1,870

Processing Time

DOL Temporary Labor Certification	4 weeks – 1 month
USCIS I-129CW Standard	2–6 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

United States

EB-3 — Employment Third Preference - Skilled Worker/Professional

ValidityIndefinite

Processing3.5–12 years

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be non-qualifying for any other U.S. employment-based nonimmigrant classification (H, L, O, TN, etc.)

Must be employed full-time (35+ hours/week) by a legitimate CNMI-based business

Must work in one of nine DHS-designated occupational categories

Employer must obtain DOL Temporary Labor Certification (TLC) before filing

Employer must pay prevailing wage for the occupation

Employer must document that no sufficient U.S. workers are available

Must be admissible to the United States under standard INA §212(a) grounds

Must physically reside and work in the CNMI

After 3 consecutive annual grants (3 years), must depart for 30 continuous days before a new petition can be filed

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed Form I-129CW with CW Classification Supplement

Approved DOL Temporary Labor Certification (ETA-9142C)

Evidence employer meets legitimate business definition (business license, tax records)

Evidence beneficiary meets minimum job requirements (education, experience, certifications)

Copy of any required CNMI/local occupational license for beneficiary

Evidence of posted job vacancy announcement

Copies of worker's last two pay stubs (for extension petitions)

Valid passport (worker)

USCIS approval notice I-797 (for consular processing)

Form DS-160 confirmation (if applying at consulate abroad)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Dual-intent: workers may pursue permanent residence while on CW-1 status
Covers a broad range of occupational categories not qualifying for other U.S. work visas
CW-2 derivative status available for spouses and children (not counted against annual cap)
Dependents (CW-2) may live in the CNMI but are not authorized to work
Program provides a legal pathway for workers who don't qualify for H, L, O, or TN classifications
Healthcare and public utilities workers have reserved cap slots ensuring access

Worth Knowing

CNMI-only: status is strictly geographically limited to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; working elsewhere is a status violation
Program ends December 31, 2029 with no extension confirmed; annual caps decline each year
Annual numerical cap (8,000 for FY2026) means petitions may be denied once cap is reached
Employer must re-file a new I-129CW and new TLC for each annual renewal
After 3 consecutive years, worker must depart the CNMI for 30 continuous days before a new petition
No self-petition route; must have a sponsoring CNMI employer throughout
Cannot travel to or work in mainland U.S. or Guam on CW-1 status
Employer must file semiannual I-129CWR reports for approved petitions of 6+ months
Long processing timeline: DOL TLC (4–6 weeks) plus USCIS (2–6 months) = 3–7+ months total
No direct CW-1-to-green-card pathway built into the program; adjustment possible only via separate EB petition

Application Process

Employer requests Prevailing Wage Determination (PWD) from DOL National Prevailing Wage Center using Form ETA-9141C

Employer files for Temporary Labor Certification (TLC) electronically with DOL National Processing Center using Form ETA-9142C

Employer conducts U.S. worker recruitment

CNMI DOL job board posting, contact former U.S. employees, post vacancy at worksite

Employer files Form I-129CW with USCIS with CW Classification Supplement, approved TLC, and supporting evidence

If worker is abroad

after I-129CW approval, schedule visa interview at nearest U.S. embassy/consulate, complete DS-160, pay MRV fee

If worker is already in CNMI

provide biometrics at USCIS Application Support Center in Saipan; USCIS issues I-94 upon approval

Application Forms

Go to application portal

ETA-9141C Application for Prevailing Wage Determination	Fill online
ETA-9142C CW-1 Application for Temporary Employment Certification	Fill online
I-129CW Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker	Fill online
DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application	Fill online
I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status	Fill online
I-129CWR Semiannual Report for CW-1 Employers	Fill online

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