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

Application Fee

1,095 USD

Stay Duration

Tied to principal

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Remote Work

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.

Fee 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

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

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

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

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

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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.