Independent form guide. BrieflyGo is not affiliated with or endorsed by IRS, USCIS, SSA, DOL, or any U.S. government agency. Official forms are sourced from public government websites.
Official form guide
Form I-129CWR: Semiannual Report for CW-1 Employers
USCIS Form I-129CWR is the Semiannual Report for CW-1 Employers, used to verify continued employment of workers under an approved petition; employers must file this form every 6 months.
Need help with Form I-129CWR?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Need help? AI Editor guides you through every field of Form I-129CWR.
Start filling →Form Overview
USCIS Form I-129CWR - Semiannual Report for CW-1 Employers
USCIS Form I-129CWR is the Semiannual Report for CW-1 Employers, used to verify continued employment of workers under an approved petition; employers must file this form every 6 months.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not use a stamped or typewritten name instead of a handwritten signature on any section.
- 2Filing without providing the employer's E-Verify Company Identification Number in Item 13/14.
- 3Omitting the reporting period details when completing Part 2 (Reporting Information).
- 4Not having all individuals who helped complete the form sign and date it.
- 5Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a proper signature anywhere on the form.
Plain English
What does this form mean in plain English? This form allows an employer who has sponsored a Transitional Worker (CW-1) in the CNMI to prove to USCIS that the worker is still employed and being paid correctly. Employers must submit this report every six months while the original petition is active. Failure to file on time can lead to issues with the approved status.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Employers are required to file Form I-129CWR every six months after the petition validity start date. Specific filing requirements depend on the petition's validity period.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use this form when an employer of an approved Form I-129CW (Petition for Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Only Transitional Worker) needs to verify continued employment and payment every six months.
- Do not use it when filing a report outside the required semiannual intervals, unless otherwise directed by specific circumstances.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when needing specific information about the applicable fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Employer is filing for an approved CW-1 petition that has a validity period of less than six months
The form must be filed every six months, but this applies to petitions with 6+ month validity.
✓ Confirm the petition's validity duration.
The employer needs to notify USCIS of a change to their mailing address
While an address change can be reported via the form, specific instructions are provided for this action.
✓ Verify that the address change is not being sent to the Lockbox.
Form I-129CWR (or use the dedicated website/phone)
The employer needs to submit evidence supporting a single filing instead of attestation
The standard requirement is an attestation under penalty of perjury, though supporting documents can be provided upon request.
✓ Check instructions regarding required documentation at time of filing.
Deadline or filing window
If the petition validity is 6 months or less, Form I-129CWR must be filed within 6 months. If it is between 6 and 12 months, filing is required 6 months after the start date. For petitions over 12 months, it is due every 6 months up to six months before the end date.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Personnel records
Name, address in Commonwealth, age, domicile, citizenship, point of hire, and approved employment contract termination date · Employer's internal files
Payroll records
O*NET job classification, wage rate/salary, hours worked per week, gross compensation, itemized deductions, and proof of net payments biweekly · Payroll system reports
Direct evidence of payment
Receipts for cash payments, cancelled checks, or deposit records · Bank statements/Receipt log
Translator certification (if applicable)
Translator's signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information · Translation document itself
Worker listing data
All workers included on the approved Form I-129CW must be listed · The worker list section of Form I-129CWR
Before you submit
- 1Type or print all information legibly in black ink.
- 2Ensure your signature (or that of your signing authority) is present on the form.
- 3Verify that every single worker listed on the approved Form I-129CW appears on this Form I-129CWR, even if they are no longer employed.
- 4Confirm the employer's petition has been approved for a validity period of six months or more.
- 5Check that the filing date falls within 30 days before and 30 days after the required timeframe.
- 6If applicable, ensure the translator’s certification meets all stated requirements.
- 7Retain supporting evidence records for three years after the ending date of the petition validity period.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form I-129CWR by typing or printing legibly in black ink and listing all workers from the approved Form I-129CW.
- 2Affirm under penalty of perjury that each worker remains employed and paid according to the terms of the approved petition, while retaining supporting records for three years post-validity end date.
- 3Sign the form properly (or have a legal guardian sign for an incompetent person).
- 4Submit the completed Form I-129CWR to USCIS using the current filing method specified on www.uscis.gov/I-129CWR.
Known limitations
- 1The Form I-129CWR applies specifically to employers who petitioned for a Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Only Transitional Worker (CW-1).
- 2Employers must file one Form I-129CWR for each approved Form I-129CW petition.
- 3All workers listed on the approved Form I-129CW must be included on the Form I-129CWR, even if they no longer work for the employer.
- 4The wage frequency reported on this form must match the frequency reported on the approved Form I-129CW petition.
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.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of Form I-129CWR is dated 01/20/25; the instructions direct filers to visit www.uscis.gov/I-129CWR for the most current information.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — confirm a $210 CNMI education fee per worker, per year is required (e.g., $630 for three years).
- Mailing address — confirm that mailing to the listed address does not require it to be sent to the USCIS Lockbox.
- Signature — confirm the signature must be handwritten ink (a photocopy/scan of this is valid).
- Filing Frequency — confirm the report must be filed every six months after the petition validity start date.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the completed Form I-129CWR for records.
- 2If an interpreter translates the form, ensure their certification includes signature, printed name, signature date, and contact information.
- 3The filer must sign and date the form; a stamped or typewritten name is not acceptable as a substitute for a signature.
- 4Anyone who helped complete the form must also sign and date it.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Purpose: Used by an employer to verify continued employment and payment of each worker under an approved Form I-129CW.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — Who Must File: The employer who petitioned for the CW-1 worker, provided the petition is approved for six months or more.
- SRCInstructions p.1 — When To File: Employers must file according to timeframes indicated in a chart (not provided verbatim), no earlier than 30 days before and no later than 30 days after those listed timeframes.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — Translator Requirement: The translator must sign a certification stating the translation is complete, accurate, and they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Item 13-14: Requires providing the employer’s name as listed in E-Verify along with either the Company Identification Number or Valid Client Company Identification Number.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — Mailing Address: The official mailing address for Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and Strategy is 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009 (though the source advises NOT to mail there).
Common confusion points
Who needs to file Form I-129CWR?
The employer who petitioned for the CW-1 worker, provided that petition has been approved for a validity period of six months or more.
→ Check if your initial Form I-129CW approval shows a validity period of 6 months or longer.
How often must an employer file this form?
Employers must file Form I-129CWR every six months after the petition validity start date, during the life of the approved petition.
→ Verify the filing schedule against the specific timeframes listed in the chart (see Instructions p.1).
When exactly should the report be filed?
The form must be filed no earlier than 30 days before and no later than 30 days after the timeframe indicated for that specific approved Form I-129CW petition.
→ Check the filing window relative to the stated employment start date on your Form I-129CW.
What if a worker listed on the original petition is no longer working?
All workers included on the approved Form I-129CW must be listed on Form I-129CWR, even if they are no longer employed by the employer.
→ Review Part 3 of Form I-129CWR to ensure every worker from the original petition is accounted for.
Where should the completed Form I-129CWR be mailed?
The form should generally be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but the filer must check www.uscis.gov/I-129CWR for the most current filing location. It should NOT be sent to the address listed on Instructions p.6.
→ Confirm the mailing address before sending; do not use the specific address provided in Instructions p.6.
What information is required for E-Verify (Items 13 & 14)?
The filer must provide the employer’s name as it appears in E-Verify, along with either the employer E-Verify Company Identification Number or a Valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number.
→ Locate these specific numbers on your company's E-Verify account and enter them into Items 13 and 14 of Form I-129CWR.
What must be included if the preparer was also the interpreter?
If the same individual acted as both the interpreter and the preparer, that person must complete both Part 6. and Part 7. of Form I-129CWR.
→ Cross-reference your form to ensure this dual role is documented in Parts 6 and 7.
What happens if you don't have internet access?
If an employer lacks internet access, they may call the USCIS Contact Center and request that a form be mailed to them.
→ Call 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or visit www.uscis.gov/contactcenter for assistance.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
Questions about USCIS Form I-129CWR
What is USCIS Form I-129CWR used for?
What does this form mean in plain English? This form allows an employer who has sponsored a Transitional Worker (CW-1) in the CNMI to prove to USCIS that the worker is still employed and being paid correctly. Employers must submit this report every six months while the original petition is active. Failure to file on time can lead to issues with the approved status.
Who must file USCIS Form I-129CWR?
An employer of an approved Form I-129CW, Petition for Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Only Transitional Worker (CW-1), must file this form.
What information does USCIS Form I-129CWR require?
The form collects data in several parts, including Part 2 (Reporting Information) which details the reporting period and total workers, and Part 3 (Worker Information) which provides details for each approved worker.
When is USCIS Form I-129CWR due?
Employers are required to file Form I-129CWR every six months after the petition validity start date. Specific filing requirements depend on the petition's validity period.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-129CWR?
The most current information about where to file USCIS Form I-129CWR is available at www.uscis.gov/I-129CWR, and employers must notify USCIS of any mailing address changes via that site or by calling the Contact Center.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-129CWR?
First, complete all required fields using black ink. If you used an interpreter, they must certify and sign Part 6. Finally, if someone other than the authorized individual prepares the form, that person must sign and date in Part 7.
What happens if USCIS Form I-129CWR is filed incorrectly?
Failure to comply with the reporting requirement may be a basis for revocation of an approved petition or denial of subsequent petitions by the employer.
Who needs to file Form I-129CWR?
The employer who petitioned for the CW-1 worker, provided that petition has been approved for a validity period of six months or more. Check if your initial Form I-129CW approval shows a validity period of 6 months or longer.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing - US Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.