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Official form guide
Form I-129CW: Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-129CW is the Petition for a CNMI‑Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker that employers file to classify a foreign national as a CW‑1 worker. Employers may file up to 180 days before a CW‑1 petition expires.
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USCIS Form I-129CW - Petition for a CNMI-Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-129CW is the Petition for a CNMI‑Only Nonimmigrant Transitional Worker that employers file to classify a foreign national as a CW‑1 worker. Employers may file up to 180 days before a CW‑1 petition expires.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Submitting the petition without a valid handwritten signature will cause rejection.
- 2Using a stamped or typed name instead of a handwritten signature on the petition.
- 3Omitting the translator’s signature, printed name, date, or contact information when a translator is used.
- 4Listing the petitioner’s outside counsel or client address as the primary office address.
- 5Failing to include the employer’s EIN or required ITIN in Part 1.
Plain English
An employer in the CNMI uses Form I-129CW to request CW‑1 status for a foreign worker. The form confirms the worker’s lawful presence or entry with a CW‑1 visa and records the employer’s details. All signatures must be handwritten; typed names are rejected.
Submission Date
- Filing date: For an extension, the petition may be filed up to 180 days before the current CW‑1 petition expires; for a new worker, it may be filed up to 120 days before the employment start date. The filing cannot occur before an approved temporary labor certification is received.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when an employer wants to classify a foreign national as a CW‑1 worker, either for a new hire or to extend an existing CW‑1 petition.
- Do not use it when the worker is present in the United States outside the CNMI or when the classification is not CW‑1.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when you need to determine the applicable CNMI education fee.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Calculating CNMI education fee
Provides the exact fee schedule for each worker per year
✓ Verify fee matches worker’s requested validity period
Filing the petition for a new CW‑1 worker
This is the required petition to classify a CNMI transitional worker
✓ Confirm you are using the current edition of Form I-129CW
Submitting an extension of an existing CW‑1 petition
Shows the supplemental fee for the extension period
✓ Ensure the fee amount reflects the extended years
Deadline or filing window
If extending an existing CW‑1 worker, file the petition up to 180 days before the current petition’s expiration but not before receiving an approved temporary labor certification. For a new worker, file up to 120 days before the start date, also after the labor certification is approved. No later filing is permitted without an approved extension.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Eligibility of worker
Proof of lawful presence in CNMI or CW‑1 visa (passport, entry documents) · Worker’s passport and CNMI entry records
Education fee
Payment receipt for $210 per year per worker · Bank statement or USCIS fee receipt
Temporary labor certification
Approved Department of Labor certification · DOL certification portal
Translator certification
Signed translation with translator’s name, signature, date, contact info · Translator’s certification page
Petition signature
Original handwritten signature of petitioner or authorized signatory · Signature block on Form I-129CW
Before you submit
- 1Verify employer’s EIN is entered correctly on the form
- 2Confirm worker’s CW‑1 eligibility statement is included
- 3Attach the approved temporary labor certification
- 4Include the education fee payment receipt
- 5Ensure the translator’s certification is attached if a translation is used
- 6Sign the petition with an original handwritten signature
- 7Check filing is within 120 days before start date or 180 days before expiration, as applicable
- 8Visit www.uscis.gov/I-129CW to confirm the current filing address
How to file this form
- 1Gather all required documents and evidence
- 2Complete Form I-129CW in black ink, typing or printing legibly
- 3Attach the supporting documentation and fee receipt
- 4Sign the petition with an original handwritten signature
- 5Submit the petition to the USCIS filing address listed on the website
- 6Obtain the receipt notice as proof of filing
Known limitations
- 1Does not apply to workers present in the United States outside the CNMI
- 2Not for visa categories other than CW‑1
- 3Cannot be used for workers who are not lawfully present in the CNMI or do not have a CW‑1 visa
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 form shows an expiration date of 02/28/2027 and the instructions are dated 01/20/25; the website www.uscis.gov/I-129CW provides the latest filing address.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the form shows Expires 02/28/2027
- Instruction date — confirm the instructions are dated 01/20/25
- Fee — confirm $210 per worker per year (e.g., $630 for three years) as stated
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source
- Signature — confirm an original handwritten signature (or valid photocopy/fax/scan) is present
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a complete copy of the submitted petition and all attachments
- 2Monitor case status online using the receipt number
- 3Respond promptly to any USCIS Request for Evidence
- 4Notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days
- 5Retain all supporting documents for at least three years
- 6If an error is discovered, file a corrected petition with an explanation
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — employer may file to classify an alien as a CW‑1 Worker
- SRCInstructions p.1 — worker must be lawfully present in CNMI or coming with a CW‑1 visa
- SRCInstructions p.1 — $210 CNMI education fee per worker per year; $630 for three‑year period
- SRCInstructions p.11 — file extension up to 180 days before expiration; new worker up to 120 days before start date
- SRCInstructions p.11 — petitioner must have a United States address (PO box acceptable)
- SRCInstructions p.11 — address change must be reported within 10 days
- SRCInstructions p.1 — signature must be original handwritten; scanned copy is acceptable
- SRCInstructions p.12 — do not mail completed Form I-129CW to the OMB address
- SRCForm p.1 — EIN field provided for employer identification
Common confusion points
Can I file this form if the worker is in Hawaii?
The form is limited to CNMI‑only workers
→ Verify the worker’s location is within the CNMI
Do I need to mail the form to the address on the OMB notice?
The source says not to mail to that address
→ Use the filing address listed on www.uscis.gov/I-129CW
Is a scanned signature acceptable?
Instructions allow a photocopied, faxed, or scanned original signature
→ Ensure the scanned signature is clear and from the original handwritten signature
How many days before start can I file for a new worker?
The rule specifies a filing window
→ Confirm filing no earlier than 120 days before the employment start date
What is the education fee for a three‑year petition?
Fee is per year and multiplied by years
→ Calculate $210 × 3 = $630 and attach proof of payment
Do I need a PO box for my address?
A United States address is required and a PO box is acceptable
→ Verify the address entered is a valid US address or PO box
Workflow map
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Questions about USCIS Form I-129CW
What is USCIS Form I-129CW used for?
An employer in the CNMI uses Form I-129CW to request CW‑1 status for a foreign worker. The form confirms the worker’s lawful presence or entry with a CW‑1 visa and records the employer’s details. All signatures must be handwritten; typed names are rejected.
Who must file USCIS Form I-129CW?
The employer (petitioner) who wants to classify an alien as a CW‑1 worker must file USCIS Form I-129CW.
What information does USCIS Form I-129CW require?
Part 1 records the employer’s EIN and, if applicable, the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Parts 8 and 9 capture the signature, printed name, date, and contact information of any interpreter or preparer.
When is USCIS Form I-129CW due?
For an extension, the petition may be filed up to 180 days before the current CW‑1 petition expires; for a new worker, it may be filed up to 120 days before the employment start date. The filing cannot occur before an approved temporary labor certification is received.
Where do I file USCIS Form I-129CW?
Current filing locations are listed on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/I-129CW; submit the petition to the address shown there.
How do I complete USCIS Form I-129CW?
Complete the form in black ink, typing or printing legibly. Fill Part 1 with the employer’s EIN and ITIN, provide the primary CNMI office address (a PO Box is allowed), and attach any needed translator certification. The petitioner and any preparer must sign and date the appropriate parts; a stamped or typed name is not acceptable. Use Part 10 for any additional information and submit the petition to the address indicated on the USCIS website.
What happens if USCIS Form I-129CW is filed incorrectly?
USCIS will reject a petition with a stamped or typewritten signature, and failure to file the required semiannual Form I‑129CWR can lead to revocation of an approved petition or denial of future petitions.
Can I file this form if the worker is in Hawaii?
The form is limited to CNMI‑only workers Verify the worker’s location is within the CNMI
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