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Form I-129CW: Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker
USCIS Form I-129CW is the Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, filed by an employer to classify an alien as a CW-1 Worker; filing up to 180 days before expiration allows extension petitions.
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USCIS Form I-129CW - Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker
USCIS Form I-129CW is the Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker, filed by an employer to classify an alien as a CW-1 Worker; filing up to 180 days before expiration allows extension petitions.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit a stamped or typewritten name in place of any signature on Form I-129CW.
- 2Filing without a United States address (P.O. box is acceptable) for the petitioner.
- 3Submitting a petition with an address that is not the petitioner’s primary office within the CNMI.
- 4Not including the translator's signature, printed name, or contact information on the certification.
- 5Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a proper signature.
Plain English
This form asks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to recognize that a worker is eligible for specific temporary employment status in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). It confirms the worker's legal presence or visa status, allowing them to work under CNMI rules. The employer files this petition on behalf of the foreign worker.
Submission Date
- Filing date: For extending employment, an employer may file up to 180 days before the current CW-1 petition expires; for a new worker, filing is permitted up to 120 days before the start date.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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Glossary Terms
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What this form is for
- Use this form when an employer petitions USCIS for an alien to enter or remain in the CNMI as a nonimmigrant Transitional Worker (CW-1 worker), or when requesting an extension or change of status for an existing CW-1 worker.
- Do not use it when the beneficiary is ineligible for another classification under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) if they are filing this petition.
- Check Form I-539 instead when a dependent family member (generally, spouses and children under 21) needs to apply for initial CW-2 status or change of status.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Worker is a dependent family member
To apply for an initial grant of CW-2 status.
✓ Check the 'Change of Status' section on I-129CW to confirm requirements.
Worker already in CNMI with unexpired nonimmigrant status (e.g., F-1 or H-2B) and needs CW-1 status
To petition for a Change of Status to CW-1.
✓ Ensure you include all required supporting evidence for the change of status.
Need to file a request for an extension of employment for an existing worker in CNMI
To petition for an extension of stay under CW-1 status.
✓ File up to 180 days before the current CW-1 petition expires.
Deadline or filing window
When extending employment, file up to 180 days before the current CW-1 petition expires, provided an approved temporary labor certification exists. For new workers, file up to 120 days before the start date, also requiring an approved temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Initial CW-1 Classification
Evidence supporting initial classification · Various (listed on Form)
Change of Status Petition
Copy of worker’s Form I-94, passport, travel document, or Form I-797 · Provided with petition
Change of Status Petition
Worker's last two pay stubs and most recent W-2 (if applicable) · Provided with petition
Change of Status Petition
Evidence worker meets licensing requirements (if applicable) · Provided with petition
Translation Requirement
Translator's signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information · Required on certification document
Before you submit
- 1Type or print all information legibly in black ink.
- 2If extra space is needed for an item, utilize Part 10 or attach a separate sheet.
- 3For extensions, confirm filing occurs up to 180 days before the current CW-1 petition expires.
- 4For new workers, confirm filing occurs up to 120 days before the employment start date.
- 5Verify that an approved temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor exists before filing.
- 6If changing status, ensure you attach a copy of the worker’s Form I-94 or other required document.
- 7Confirm all necessary fees are paid, including the $210 CNMI education fee per worker.
How to file this form
- 1Complete USCIS Form I-129CW by typing or printing legibly in black ink.
- 2If requesting an extension, ensure filing occurs within 180 days before the current CW-1 petition expires (and after labor certification approval).
- 3If employing a new worker, file up to 120 days prior to the start date (and after labor certification approval).
- 4Include all required evidence, such as copies of the Form I-94 and pay stubs, depending on whether you are petitioning for initial classification or change of status.
- 5Sign the form using an original handwritten signature (or a valid scan/copy thereof) before sending.
- 6Submit the complete package to the designated USCIS filing location.
Known limitations
- 1The worker must either be lawfully present in the CNMI or coming from abroad to the CNMI with a CW-1 visa; the worker cannot be present in the United States outside of the CNMI.
- 2If filing an extension petition, it can be filed up to 180 days before the current CW-1 petition expiration date, but not before having an approved temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 3If filing a new worker employment petition, it can be filed up to 120 days before the employment start date, but not before having an approved temporary labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
- 4A petitioner who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of their new address within 10 days of moving from their previous residence.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Employee Info
3 items
Your legal first, middle, and last name as shown on your immigration documents.
MM/DD/YYYY from your passport or birth certificate.
Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number.
Work Authorization
1 items
Select your status: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or alien authorized to work.
Documents
1 items
List A (identity + work authorization) OR List B (identity) + List C (work authorization) documents.
Employer Info
2 items
The hiring employer's legal name and physical address.
The employer's federal tax ID number.
Signatures
2 items
Certifies the information provided is true and correct.
Authorized representative certifies document examination.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form I-129CW is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions direct filers to visit www.uscis.gov/I-129CW for the most current filing information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — ensure a $210 CNMI education fee per worker, per year is included (supplemental fees apply for longer validity periods).
- Mailing address — consult www.uscis.gov/I-129CW for the most current filing location.
- Signature — confirm the petition is signed by a valid signature; photocopies or scans of original handwritten signatures are accepted.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1The filer must submit all required evidence and supporting documentation with the petition to avoid potential rejection for failure to submit evidence.
- 2If USCIS requests more information, the petitioner must provide it; USCIS may also request the originals of any submitted copies.
- 3A copy of the completed Form I-129CW should be retained by the filer.
- 4The filer must ensure their signature (or that of a legal guardian for an incompetent person) is properly applied to the petition, as stamped or typewritten names alone are not accepted.
- 5If the primary office address provided is not within the CNMI, the petition may be rejected or denied.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — An employer files Form I-129CW to classify an alien as a CW-1 Worker.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The worker must be lawfully present in the CNMI or coming from abroad with a CW-1 visa, and cannot be present elsewhere in the U.S.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of any signature on Form I-129CW.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The petition must include the translator’s signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information if translation is used.
- SRCInstructions p.8 — The primary office address listed must not be the address of petitioner’s outside counsel or clients; failure to meet this may cause rejection/denial.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — If extending employment, file up to 180 days before expiration but no earlier than having an approved temporary labor certification.
- SRCInstructions p.11 — If employing a new worker, file up to 120 days before the start date but no earlier than having an approved temporary labor certification.
- SRCInstructions p.12 — Do not mail completed Form I-129CW to the address listed for public comments; send comments instead.
Common confusion points
What if my employer only has a P.O. Box for the primary office address?
The source says 'primary office address must not be the address of petitioner’s outside counsel or clients'—does this mean any other location is okay?
When filing an extension, what date determines the earliest you can file?
If USCIS asks for original documents, will they return them?
Can I just type my name instead of signing it on Form I-129CW?
Does the address change notification have to go through the USCIS Lockbox?
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Request for More Information (USCIS may request this after acceptance)
Questions about USCIS Form I-129CW
What is USCIS Form I-129CW used for?
This form asks U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to recognize that a worker is eligible for specific temporary employment status in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). It confirms the worker's legal presence or visa status, allowing them to work under CNMI rules. The employer files this petition on behalf of the foreign worker.
Who must file USCIS Form I-129CW?
An employer must file USCIS Form I-129CW to classify an alien as a CW-1 Worker.
What information does USCIS Form I-129CW require?
The form collects information including the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Taxpayer Identification Numbers, such as the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which are provided in Part 7.b.
When is USCIS Form I-129CW due?
For extending employment, an employer may file up to 180 days before the current CW-1 petition expires; for a new worker, filing is permitted up to 120 days before the start date.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-129CW?
Petitioners must have a United States address (a P.O. box is acceptable) to file this form. Current location details are available at www.uscis.gov/I-129CW for specific filing instructions.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-129CW?
The petitioner must type or print legibly in black ink. If another person prepares the form, that individual must sign and date it (or their signing authority). A legal guardian may also sign if the worker is mentally incompetent.
What happens if USCIS Form I-129CW is filed incorrectly?
Failure to comply with the reporting requirement after approval may be a basis for revocation of an approved petition or denial of subsequent petitions filed by the employer.
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