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CNMI-Only Investor
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

CNMI-Only Investor

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 months

Estimated Cost

USD $1,930

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

A temporary nonimmigrant classification for long-term investors in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) transitioning to U.S. immigration laws.

The E-2C is a US temporary nonimmigrant classification for long-term investors in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) who held qualifying investor status before November 28, 2009. It allows qualifying investors to maintain lawful status during the ongoing transition to US federal immigration law.

Extensions are granted in 2-year increments, subject to a hard statutory sunset of December 31, 2029. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal investor; spouses can apply for work authorization. No PR pathway exists and dual intent is not permitted.

This visa is ideal for CNMI long-term investors who held qualifying status before November 2009 and need to maintain lawful presence in the CNMI through the 2029 program expiry.

United States

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-129 Filing Fee (Paper)USD $1,015
Form I-129 Filing Fee (Online)USD $965
optional
Form I-129 Filing Fee (Small Employer/Nonprofit)USD $510
optional
Asylum Program Fee (Regular)USD $600
Asylum Program Fee (Small Employer)USD $300
optional
Asylum Program Fee (Nonprofit)USD $0
optional
Form DS-160 MRV FeeUSD $315
TotalUSD $1,930

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have been admitted to the CNMI with a long-term investor visa before November 28, 2009

Must have continuously maintained residence in the CNMI under long-term investor status

Must currently maintain the investment(s) that formed the basis for the CNMI long-term investor status

Must be admissible to the United States

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-129 and Supplement E

Copy of original CNMI-issued investor certificate

Proof of continuous maintenance of CNMI long-term investor status

Evidence of ongoing investment (financial statements, tax returns, business licenses)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows continued presence in the CNMI for long-term investors
  • Spouses qualifying for work authorization

Worth Knowing

  • Hard statutory expiration date of December 31, 2029
  • No direct pathway to permanent residency
  • Initial petitions no longer accepted
  • Failure to maintain continuous CNMI investor status
  • Inadmissibility to the United States
  • Initial petition filing after January 18, 2013

Application Process

1

Prepare Form I-129 and Supplement E with supporting financial documents

2

File the petition with the USCIS California Service Center

3

If outside the US, apply for the visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate using Form DS-160

4

Attend interview and pay required consular fees

5

Enter the CNMI

Application Forms

I-129
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Fill online
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online
I-907
Request for Premium Processing Service
Fill online
I-539
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Fill online
I-765
Application for Employment Authorization
Fill online

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