If I obtain CW status, will that lead to U.S. lawful permanent resident (“green card”) status?
A. No, not directly. However, as a CW nonimmigrant you are not barred from obtaining lawful permanent residence if otherwise eligible as a family- or employment-based immigrant. Q. How long does a grant of CW-1 status last? A. One year. A CW-1 nonimmigrant in good standing may obtain additional one-year extensions if his or her employer files a petition asking for the extension, subject to availability under the numerical cap. Q. How long does a grant of CW-2 status for a derivative family member last? A. The same length of stay as the CW-1 principal, except that a CW-2 child’s length of stay ends on his or her 18th birthday, if sooner. Q. Can a CW-1 worker change jobs in CNMI and keep the CW-1 status? A. Yes, but the new employer would have to file the Form I-129CW petition for the worker’s new position before the worker can be employed there. CW-1 transitional workers are only authorized to work for the employer that has petitioned for them. Q. I am a CW nonimmigrant who obtained sta
