17 Dec 2014 Congress Extends E-2C (CNML Only) Non-immigrant Classification
USC’S Encourages E-2C Investors to Apply for Extension as Soon as Possible
Saipan, CNMI — The enactment into law of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (H 83) extends the CNMI Investor E-2C non-immigrant visa classification until December 31, 2019. U S. Citizenship and Inmigration Services (USCIS) will now accept petitions for extension of E-2C non-immigrant status.
USCIS encourages current E-2C investors to apply immediately for an extension, in order to minimize a lapse in valid non-immigrant status. Apply using Form 1-129, “Petitioner for a Non-immigrant Worker along with the E-1/E-2 Classification Supplement found on pages 9-10 of the form. Detailed instructions are found on the same web page. Please disregard the note in the Form 1-129 instructions indicating that the E-2C non-immigrant classification expires on December 31 , 2014; a correction will be made to reflect the five-year extension.
E-2C non-immigrants are not eligible for parole in the CNMI. Likewise, anyone who has previously held any non-immigrant status is not eligible to apply for or to receive parole in the CNMI , regardless whether or not the non-immigrant status has expired.
The Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 created the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMl)-Only Investor (E-2C) non-immigrant visa classification. This allowed eligible foreign, long-term investors and their spouses and children to remain lawfully present in the CNMI from November 28 , 2009 through December 2014. As noted previously, the E-2C non-immigrant visa program has now been extended until December 31 , 2019. This classification was intended to help as the CNMI transitioned from the CNMI permit system to U.S. immigration laws.
Footnote:
C.N.M.l-Only Investors E-2 Visa: This visa allows qualified foreign investors to lawfully stay in the until Dec. 31, 2019.