Sep 7 2011

USCIS Publishes Final Rule for CNMI Transitional Workers

Earlier this week, USCIS published a final rule that establishes a Transitional Worker classification (the CW classification) for workers in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). This new classification will now allow employers in the CNMI to hire nonimmigrant workers who would otherwise not be eligible to work.

A specific amount of CW visas will be available each fiscal year and will be based on the CNMI government’s estimate of nonresident workers. In FY 2011, that number is 22,417; in FY 2012, it will be 22, 416. This limitation, according to the final rule, must drop each year; the Department of Homeland Security will determine this yearly limitation for fiscal year.