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.
