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Northern Mariana Islands visas

Northern Mariana Islands work visa

Work permission depends on the job and your qualifications. CW-1 is a transitional worker category specific to the Northern Mariana Islands.

Ways to get a Northern Mariana Islands work visa

  1. CW-1 Northern Mariana Islands transitional worker

    Visa needed

    Workers qualifying for the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands transitional worker category.

  2. H temporary worker and trainee visas

    Visa needed

    Eligible specialist workers, seasonal agricultural or nonagricultural workers, and trainees.

    Fee
    Most work visa applications cost US$205; some categories cost more.
    1. The employer normally files the required application.
    2. After approval, apply for the visa and usually attend a consular interview.
    3. Travel with the granted visa and request admission.

  3. L-1 company transfer visa

    Visa needed

    Employees transferring to an executive, managerial or specialized-knowledge role who worked for a related organization abroad for at least one continuous year in the past three years.

    Fee
    Most work visa applications cost US$205; some categories cost more.
    1. The employer normally files the required application.
    2. After approval, apply for the visa and usually attend a consular interview.
    3. Travel and request admission.

  4. O and P talent, sport and performance visas

    Visa needed

    Qualifying people with extraordinary ability, athletes, entertainers, artists and certain supporting workers.

    Fee
    Most work visa applications cost US$205; some categories cost more.

  5. TN professional work permission

    Other permit

    Canadian and Mexican citizens with a listed profession, a bachelor's degree and a prearranged job.

    Passports that qualify (2)

  6. Media, religious and crew visas

    Visa needed

    Foreign media representatives, qualifying religious workers, and sea or airline crew members.

  7. Employment-based immigrant visas

    Visa needed

    Qualifying priority workers, advanced-degree professionals, people with exceptional ability, skilled workers, other workers and certain special immigrants.

    Stay
    Permanent residence.
    Valid for
    After admission and the required I-551 stamp, the immigrant visa serves as evidence of permanent residence for one year.

Who needs it

People taking employment need a suitable work route unless they qualify for an exemption.

Who doesn't

Qualifying citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau may work without a visa. Canadian professionals can usually work under TN status without a visa.

How to apply

  1. In most cases, your employer applies to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for your work category.
  2. After approval, apply for the visa and usually attend an embassy or consulate interview.
  3. If the visa is granted, travel and request admission at the border.

What to bring

  • Foreign passport.
  • Work visa for travel, where required.

Good to know

  • Employer application approval is not itself a visa.
  • Admission is decided at the border.
  • CW-2 is for the spouse or child of a CW-1 worker.
  • Stay lengths and application details for CW-1 are not specified.
  • H-1A and H-1C nursing visas are discontinued.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for Northern Mariana Islands?

People taking employment need a suitable work route unless they qualify for an exemption. Qualifying citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau may work without a visa. Canadian professionals can usually work under TN status without a visa.

What are the ways to get a work visa for Northern Mariana Islands?

There are 7 options: CW-1 Northern Mariana Islands transitional worker (a visa from an embassy); H temporary worker and trainee visas (a visa from an embassy); L-1 company transfer visa (a visa from an embassy); O and P talent, sport and performance visas (a visa from an embassy); TN professional work permission (a special permit); Media, religious and crew visas (a visa from an embassy); Employment-based immigrant visas (a visa from an embassy).

How much does a Northern Mariana Islands work visa cost?

US$205 application fee for most work visas. Some categories cost more, and issuance fees may apply.

What documents do I need for a Northern Mariana Islands work visa?

Foreign passport.; Work visa for travel, where required..

How do I apply for a Northern Mariana Islands work visa?

1. 1. In most cases, your employer applies to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for your work category. 2. 2. After approval, apply for the visa and usually attend an embassy or consulate interview. 3. 3. If the visa is granted, travel and request admission at the border.

What rules do I have to follow on a Northern Mariana Islands work visa?

Employer application approval is not itself a visa. Admission is decided at the border.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for Northern Mariana Islands?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Northern Mariana Islands visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for Northern Mariana Islands be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Northern Mariana Islands work visa rules?

On Northern Mariana Islands's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in Northern Mariana Islands?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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