P.O. Box 505833 Saipan, MP 96950 Tel:1-670-234-5000 Fax:1-670-234-5001 Cell:1-670-483-1799

Advance Parole and Parole

All CNMI foreign national workers, investors, students and immediate relatives of a foreign national who are traveling off-island to an international destination must have an Advance Parole document from the United States (U.S.) Immigration office prior to re-entering the CNMI. If entry into the CNMI is under a different U.S. Immigration class such as B1/B2 visa or the Visa Waiver Program, the foreign national will lose their CNMI status and will no longer be able to work, operate business or attend school. All CNMI foreign national workers, investors and students who are traveling to a U.S. destination must apply for a parole with the U.S. Immigration office located at the TSL Plaza in Garapan.

Foreign Nationals

CNMI Department of Labor will continue to handle foreign national workers and immediate relatives of a foreign national with a valid umbrella permit until November 27, 2011. CNMI Department of Commerce will continue to handle foreign national investors and students with a valid umbrella permit until November 27, 2011. Starting November 28, 2011, all foreign nationals must be one of many U.S. Immigration status.

CNMI Federalization

Starting November 28, 2009, CNMI no lnoger controls its own borders. All visitors and workers must comply with United States Immigration laws and regulations.

DHS Delays CNMI Federalization

According to a press release from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the delayed the start of the CNMI Federalization transition period until November 28, 2009. For the full press release see http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1238533954343.shtm.

CNMI Department of Immigration's Public Notice

On Friday, January 16, 2009 at the American Memorial Park, representatives from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other United States Government officials conducted a presentation mostly about the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program. According to Alex Hartman, DHS representative, China and Russia will not be included in the visa waiver program due to security issues. However, comments will be accepted during the next 60 days before the regulations are finalized. Another area of major concern was briefly mentioned during the discussions. Although the regulations regarding the CNMI ONLY guest worker program and the CNMI ONLY investor program has not been fully drafted, the current guest workers, investors and other CNMI issued permit holders (foreign students, immediate relatives) will be greatly affected beginning June 1, 2009, the proposed federalization implementation date. Once the federalization of the CNMI is implemented, any CNMI issued permit holder who leaves the CNMI must have a valid US Immigration visa to re-enter. In essence, if you are a contract worker or an investor and after June 1, 2009, you have to go to your home country for vacation, medical or any other reasons, you must have a US visa to re-enter. Those who fall under the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program will be allowed to enter but only as a tourist and not as a contract worker, investor, foreign student or any other CNMI status. To see a copy of the public notice issued by the CNMI Department of Immigration please click CNMI PUBLIC NOTICE. (posted 1/21/09)

Department of Labor increases fees

Effective November 1, 2008, the Department of Labor increased application fees by $75.00 for business employers such as renewal, administrative order transfer and new applications. The fees are increased by $25.00 for non business employers such as houseworkers and farmers. The increased fees are a result of amended regulations which took effective November 1, 2008.

Minimum Wage Increase

Effective Monday, May 26, 2008, the minimum wage for the CNMI will increase to $4.05 per hour. The next increase of $0.50 is scheduled for next year and each year thereafter until the minimum wage reaches the U.S. minimum wage. There will be no need for employers to change or amend the contract of the non-resident workers. The wage increase will automatically take effect. However, certain employers are exempt from this increase depending on the company's gross income and the duties of the employee. Certain categories of employees are also exempted from the minimum wage increase.(posted 5/23/08)

 

Due to the recent passage of the "CNMI Federalization Bill" by the United States, CNMI will no longer control its own borders. The law becomes effective on the first day of the first month commencing 1 year after. Which means that beginning on June 1, 2009, the transition period will begin. The transition period is to end on December 31, 2014. Although, if need, the beginning of the transition period could be delayed but no more than 180 days. In the meantime, CNMI immigration laws still apply while the federal government begin to draft the regulation. The regulation will be published no later than 60 days before the effective date of the transition period. Only changes that took effect immediately is that the CNMI has a cap of 22,417 "alien workers" and the CNMI must not go beyond that cap. Which means that no new "alien workers" will be admitted beyond the cap. Even if the CNMI government allows the entry of an "alien worker" and if the federal government determines that the "alien worker" is beyond the cap, that "alien worker" is deportable. As the regulation is drafted, we will continue to post the necessary information.(posted 5/16/08)

All guest workers must register

According to the Marianas Variety, "ONCE the transition period for the implementation of the CNMI federalization law begins on June 1, 2009, all guest workers must register with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or they will be sent home." (posted May 12, 2008)

President Bush signs "CNMI Federalization bill"

On May 8, 2008, President Bush signed the "CNMI Federalization bill" into law. Beginning, June 2009, the transition period for the Northern Mariana Islands will begin unless it is extended for additional 180 days. In the meantime, the CNMI labor and immigration laws will continue except for the cap on alien workers. Once a cap figure has been set, no new alien workers beyond the cap will be allowed to enter. Currently, the CNMI Department of Labor is adopting new regulations to meet the new federal mandated law. (posted May 9, 2008)

Taste of the Marianas

Starting this Saturday, May 3, 2008 and every Saturday during the month of May, the Taste of the Marianas will be taking place at the American Memorial Park in Garapan. There will be all kinds of different foods available for tourists and residents to enjoy. This is a great way to kick off the month of May which was designated as the "Tourism Month".(posted May 2, 2008)

US House of Representative passes "CNMI Federalization bill"

According to MCV, the United States House of Representative passed the "CNMI Federalization bill" better known as Senate bill 2379 (S. 2379). It now goes to President Bush which is likely sign it within the next ten days. To see the complete coverage of the broadcast go to www.kspn2.com or watch the replay on Channel 2 at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. if the lastest news broadcast has not been posted. (posted April 30, 2008)

Options for CNMI Employers after Federalization

According to the Saipan Tribune, the U.S Government Accountability Office (GAO) analyzed that CNMI employers has 4 options. "One option for CNMI and Guam employers is to petition for foreign workers under the federal nonimmigrant H visas without counting against numerical caps for H-1B and H-2B visas." "The second option is to acquire temporary CNMI-only nonimmigrant work permits. This option is available, during the transition period, for employers of foreign workers who are not eligible for H visas." "Third, during the transition period, existing CNMI government-approved foreign workers who are legally present in the CNMI under CNMI immigration laws on the effective date of the transition period are temporarily protected from deportation. However, they must obtain U.S. immigration status before their pre-federalization, CNMI issued permit expires or within two years of the transition period's effective date, whichever is earlier. If not, they may be deported." "Fourth, during and after the transition period, CNMI employers can petition for nonimmigrant status and employment based permanent immigration status for workers under the same procedures as other US employers." Furthermore, this new law replaces all CNMI Immigration laws and eliminates any other CNMI laws that relates to admission and removal of aliens. This could also include some CNMI labor laws. Read the full story at http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?newsID=79021&cat=1

S. 2379 - "Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008" (CNMI Federalization Bill)

According to Guampdn.com, S. 2379 was passed by the U.S. Senate and now it returns to the U.S. House of Representatives. If passed in the same form by the U.S. Senate then it will go the the President for signature to become law. Click to see full story.

27th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival

According to Saipan Tribune, registration is open now until April 17, 2008 for anyone interested in opening a booth during the festival. Registration forms are available at the Commonwealth Council for Arts and Culture on Capital Hill. Registration costs are $650 for food and business vendors, $350 for non-profit, $150 for artists and $100 for information. The festival will be held from April 24 to April 27, 2008 at the Civic Center. For more information please call 670-322-9982/3 or email at marianasarts@pticom.com

Northern Marianas College (NMC)

On April 2, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in room D-1, NMC will be conducting the English placement tests. On April 4, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in room D-1, NMC will be conducting another English placement tests. A fee of $25 must be paid prior to taking the test at the NMC's Finance Office. Everyone taking the tests must bring a valid photo ID(driver license, passport or school ID), pencils and proof of payment. For more information please contact NMC at 234-5498.

Saipan Zoning Law

On April 22, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. for the first session and at 6:00 p.m. for the second session at the Multi-purpose Center in Susupe, Saipan Zoning office will be conducting a public information session about the proposed amendments to the Saipan Zoning Law. On April 27, 2008 at 6:30 p.m., Saipan Zoning office will be conducting a public hearing regarding the proposed amendments to the Saipan Zoning Law. To see the proposed amendments go to www.zoning.gov.mp

Saipan Zoning Law

Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 1:30 pm, Saipan Zoning office in coordination with the Korean Association will conduct another presentation at the Multi-purpose center in Susupe.

Saipan Zoning Law

Today at the Multi-purpose center in Susupe there will be a presentation by the Zoning office regarding the new law that took effective February 1, 2008. There will be two sessions; morning session begins at 8:30 am and the afternoon session begins at 1:30 pm. All business owners and potential business owners should attend and become familiar with the new law.

Department of Labor

Division of Employment Services (DES) has implemented the Department of Labor (DOL) website for employers to post Job Vacancy Announcements (JVA). This system allows employers to register with the DES on the website and once approved, the employer may post its JVA. For more information go to www.marianaslabor.net and contact DOL by email.

Saipan Zoning Law

Saipan Zoning Law is effective starting February 1, 2008. If your are planning to purchase empty property for development or are planning to purchase existing buildings, it is highly advisable to take a look at the zoning law. A pdf version of the law can be found at www.zoning.gov.mp

Nonimmigrant Investor Visa

If H.R. 3079 becomes law, aliens admitted to the Commonwealth under the long-term investor status before the transition program effective date may be granted CNMI-only nonimmigrant. Additional requirements are: has continously maintained residence in the Commonwealth under long-term investor status, is otherwise admissible and maintains the investment or investments that formed the basis for such long-term investor status.

Saipan Zoning Law

Saipan Local Bill 15-77 was passed yesterday and is currently with Governor Fitial awaiting signature to become law. The bill divides Saipan into 13 zoning districts.

U.S. House passes HR 3079

United States House of Representative passes HR 3079 which proposes to federalize the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For it to become law, it must be passed by the United States Senate then signed by President Bush. Effective date is "on the first day of the first full month commencing 1 year after the date of the enactment..."

Department of Labor

Department of Labor is requesting comments on the proposed regulations for the new Commonwealth Employment Act of 2007. All comments must be submitted by December 14, 2007 and received by December 19, 2007. Request for digital copies of the regulation can be sent to enisperos@cnmi-gov.net as well as the comments.

 

Update on "Commonwealth Employment Act of 2007"

As of November 14, 2007, according to some CNMI government employees, the new "Commonwealth Employment Act of 2007" has some amendments. As soon as the amendments are made public, it will be posted.

House Bill 15-38

On Friday, November 9, 2007, House Bill 15-38 also known as the "Commonwealth Employment Act of 2007" was signed into law by Governor Benigno Fitial. The law will take effect on January 1, 2008. Some of the major changes are raising a company's local workforce from 20 percent to 30 percent within five years, no consensual or permit expiration transfers (transfers allowed only by administrative orders), exit requirement of foreign national workers (nonresident worker) for a period of six months every three and half years, and mandatory health insurance plan for foreign national workers. Draft regulations will be ready by next week for public review and will be implemented by January 1, 2008.

Department of Labor

According to Saipan Tribune, starting Tuesday, November 13, 2007, Department of Labor (DOL) processing section will be closed 4 hours a day from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. but will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This temporary schedule is due to a backlog of pending applications.