CW-2 — Dependent of CNMI-Only Transitional Worker

United States•North America

Open

CW-2 — Dependent of CNMI-Only Transitional Worker

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

3–6 months

Estimated Cost

$625–$675 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Tied to principal

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The CW-2 visa is for the spouse and unmarried children (under 18) of a CW-1 visa holder in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

The CW-2 is a US nonimmigrant classification for the spouse and unmarried children under 18 of a CW-1 CNMI-Only Transitional Worker. It allows immediate family members to accompany the principal worker during their stay in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

CW-2 status grants no work authorization and no path to permanent residence. The stay is tied to the principal's CW-1 period and both can be extended together. Consular applicants pay a $205 MRV fee; in-CNMI filers use Form I-539 ($420 online, $470 paper). The program ends December 31, 2029.

This visa is ideal for the spouse and minor children of a CW-1 worker who need to live alongside the principal in the CNMI without requiring their own employment.

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Cost Breakdown

Consular Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)$205 USD

Form I-539 Filing Fee (Online)$420 USD

Form I-539 Filing Fee (Paper)$470 USD

Total$625–$675 USD

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be spouse or child under 18 of a valid CW-1 holder

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of relationship

Evidence of CW-1 status

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows family to reside together in CNMI

Worth Knowing

No work authorization
Limited to CNMI jurisdiction
Child over 18
Principal CW-1 status expired

Application Process

File Form I-539

Biometrics appointment

Approval

Application Forms

Go to application portal

I-539

Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Fill online

Verified Claims (21)

Last verified May 30, 2026

Application Steps

File Form I-539; Biometrics appointment; Approval

uscis.gov

Fee Breakdown

Consular Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee): 205 USD; Form I-539 Filing Fee (Online): 420 USD; Form I-53…

uscis.gov

Fees

USD 205 (Consular Visa Application Fee) or USD 420/470 (Form I-539 for Change of Status/Extension)

travel.state.gov

Forms

Form I-539

uscis.gov

Forms · I-539 · description

Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

uscis.gov

Job Offer Required

false

uscis.gov

Application Portal

https://www.uscis.gov/i-539

uscis.gov

Official Info

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/cw-1-cnmi-only-transitional-wor…

uscis.gov

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

The CW-2 visa is for the spouse and unmarried children (under 18) of a CW-1 visa holder in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

This visa is ideal for the spouse and minor children of a CW-1 worker who need to live alongside the principal in the CNMI without requiring their own employment.