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USCISEmployment Authorization

Official form guide

Form I-129CW: Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker

Form I-129CW is the Petition for a CNMI‑Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker. It is used to request a temporary worker visa for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) under the Transitional Worker program.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form I-129CW - Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker

Form I-129CW is the Petition for a CNMI‑Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker. It is used to request a temporary worker visa for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) under the Transitional Worker program.

It captures employer information, job details, wage data, worker qualifications, and the specific CNMI Transitional Worker classification.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1A single missing signature can invalidate the entire petition.
  • 2Missing employer signature
  • 3Incorrect wage amount for the occupation
  • 4Using an outdated form edition
  • 5Omitting the required CNMI labor certification

Plain English

If an employer in the CNMI wants to bring a foreign worker to the islands for a short‑term job, they file this form. The petition tells USCIS the worker’s job, pay, and that the position meets the Transitional Worker rules.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: Petitions are filed before the worker travels to the CNMI; there is no fixed calendar deadline, but processing can take several weeks, so file early.
  • 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

petitionforeign

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when hiring a CNMI‑only Transitional Worker.
  • Do not use it for workers outside the CNMI or for other nonimmigrant categories.
  • If the job is not covered by the Transitional Worker program, consider Form I‑129 for H‑2B or other categories.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Hiring a non‑CNMI seasonal worker

Different wage and labor certification rules

✓ Verify location before filing

Form I‑129 (H‑2B)

Extending an existing CNMI worker’s stay

Change of status, not a new petition

✓ Confirm eligibility for extension

Form I‑539

Deadline or filing window

USCIS does not set a statutory deadline for filing I‑129CW, but processing times can be 8‑12 weeks. File as soon as the job offer is firm and all supporting documents are ready to avoid gaps in employment.

  • —Wage offered | Compare to prevailing wage table | Wage compliance flag | Must meet or exceed CNMI minimum

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Employer Information

Business registration, EIN · Employer’s IRS letter or state registration

⚠ Missing EIN✕ High
2

Job Offer Letter

Detailed description, start/end dates, wage · Signed letter on company letterhead

⚠ Incomplete duties list✕ Medium
3

CNMI Labor Certification

Approved certification from CNMI Department of Labor · PDF of certification

⚠ Expired certification✕ High
4

Worker Qualification

Copies of diplomas, licenses, experience letters · Original documents or certified copies

⚠ Missing experience verification✕ Medium
5

Fee Payment

Check or money order · Payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"

⚠ Incorrect amount or payee✕ High
6

G‑28 (if applicable)

Attorney’s notice of appearance · Signed G‑28 form

⚠ No signature from attorney✕ Medium

Before you submit

  1. 1Use the latest edition of Form I‑129CW.
  2. 2All required fields are filled and legible.
  3. 3Employer signature is present and dated.
  4. 4Correct filing fee attached and matches current fee schedule.
  5. 5CNMI labor certification included and unexpired.
  6. 6Wage offered meets or exceeds prevailing wage for the occupation.
  7. 7Supporting documents organized in the order listed in the instructions.
  8. 8If represented, a signed G‑28 is attached.
  9. 9Mail to the exact lockbox address with tracking.
  10. 10Retain copies of the entire packet for your records.
  11. 11Record the receipt number from the USCIS notice.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the current I‑129CW PDF from USCIS.
  2. 2Complete the form electronically, then print on white 8.5"×11" paper.
  3. 3Gather all supporting evidence according to the evidence matrix.
  4. 4Prepare the filing fee payment (check or money order).
  5. 5Place the form, fee, and evidence in a single envelope.
  6. 6Mail the envelope to the Dallas Lockbox address specified in the instructions.
  7. 7Track the delivery and wait for the receipt notice from USCIS.

Known limitations

  1. 1USCIS does not accept electronic filing for I‑129CW.
  2. 2Fee amounts change periodically; the form itself may not list the latest fee.
  3. 3Processing times are estimates and can vary by service center workload.
  4. 4The form does not provide a built‑in checklist; users must create their own.
  5. 5Only CNMI locations are eligible; the form cannot be used for other U.S. territories.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

9 fields

Employee Info

3 items

Full Legal Name

Your legal first, middle, and last name as shown on your immigration documents.

Requiredtext
Date of Birth

MM/DD/YYYY from your passport or birth certificate.

Requireddate
SSN or A-Number

Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number.

text

Work Authorization

1 items

Work Authorization Status

Select your status: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or alien authorized to work.

Requiredselect

Documents

1 items

Acceptable Documents

List A (identity + work authorization) OR List B (identity) + List C (work authorization) documents.

Requiredtext

Employer Info

2 items

Employer Name and Business Address

The hiring employer's legal name and physical address.

Requiredtext
Employer EIN

The employer's federal tax ID number.

Requiredein

Signatures

2 items

Employee Signature

Certifies the information provided is true and correct.

Requiredsignature
Employer Signature

Authorized representative certifies document examination.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
USCIS

Check the USCIS case status online using the receipt number once the lockbox issues a notice. Updates appear within 2‑3 business days of receipt.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date – verify the form is the most recent version (check USCIS website).
  • Fee – confirm the current filing fee on the USCIS fee schedule page.
  • Mailing address – use the lockbox address listed in the latest instructions.
  • Signature block – ensure the employer signs in the designated area.
  • G‑28 – attach only if an attorney or accredited representative is used.

Form Preview

Form I-129CW page 1

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Form I-129CW page 2

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Quick Facts

The employer (or an authorized agent) files the petition on behalf of the prospective worker.
It captures employer information, job details, wage data, worker qualifications, and the specific CNMI Transitional Worker classification.
Petitions are filed before the worker travels to the CNMI; there is no fixed calendar deadline, but processing can take several weeks, so file early.
Submit the completed form, supporting evidence, and filing fee to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox address listed in the form instructions. Electronic filing is not available.
Errors can cause denial, delay the worker’s arrival, or trigger a request for evidence that adds weeks to the timeline.
1. Download the latest I‑129CW PDF from USCIS. 2. Fill all required fields in black ink or electronically, then print. 3. Gather supporting documents (employment contract, wage determination, CNMI labor certification). 4. Include the filing fee and a signed G‑28 if using an attorney. 5. Mail the package to the correct lockbox. 6. Keep the receipt notice for tracking.

Downloads

Blank Form I-129CW↗Instructions↗

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After you file

  1. 1Log the receipt number and date of filing.
  2. 2Set a calendar reminder to check case status after 7 days.
  3. 3Monitor USCIS online portal for any Request for Evidence (RFE).
  4. 4If an RFE arrives, gather the requested documents within the deadline.
  5. 5Upon approval, forward the I‑797 notice to the worker for visa stamping.
  6. 6Keep the approval notice and all supporting documents for at least 5 years.
  7. 7Update internal HR records with the worker’s start date and visa expiration.

Sources

  • SRCUSCIS Form I‑129CW instructionsconfirms purpose and filing address.
  • SRCUSCIS Fee Scheduleprovides current filing fee amount.
  • SRCCNMI Department of Laborlabor certification requirements.
  • SRCUSCIS Lockbox mailing addressesverifies correct submission location.
  • SRCForm I‑129CW PDFshows signature block and required fields.
  • SRCG‑28 instructionsoutlines when a representative notice is needed.
  • SRCUSCIS case status online tooldescribes receipt number tracking.
  • SRCNot found in provided source

Common confusion points

CNMI vs. other territories

Workers think the same form works for Guam or Puerto Rico

→ Verify the location before filing

Wage determination

Employers use federal prevailing wage instead of CNMI-specific rates

→ Use CNMI labor market data

G‑28 requirement

Some think it’s optional even with an attorney

→ Attach only if represented

Form edition

Older PDFs still circulate online

→ Check the edition date on the USCIS site

Fee payment method

Some submit credit‑card receipts

→ Only check or money order payable to DHS is accepted

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

4 signals

Before

Form I‑129 (general nonimmigrant petition) – used for other categories

Current

I-129CW

After

Form I‑797 (notice of action) – approval notice

Often used with

Form I‑539 (extension of stay) – if the worker needs to stay longer

⚠ If something goes wrong

  • Form I‑290B (notice of appeal or motion) – to challenge a denial

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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