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Chamber: In-person interview waiver for CW-1 visas in place
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Posted on Jun 14 2023
The CW-1 visa, which is the work visa for foreign workers in the CNMI, is already on the list of non-immigrant visas that are eligible for a waiver of in-person interviews.
That’s according to Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan (D-MP), in response to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce request for his assistance in having the CW-1 visa included on the list of visas eligible for the in-person interview waiver.
According to an SCC news release yesterday, Sablan immediately contacted the Department of State upon receiving the Chamber’s letter and has confirmed that the CW-1 visa is already included in the interview waiver.
In its letter to Sablan, the SCC highlighted the challenges posed by the historically backlogged schedule for in-person interviews, which often result in delays and wasted visa periods.
The SCC news release stated that Sablan’s response outlined that the Department of State’s notice, issued on Dec. 23, 2022, which extends the interview waiver to applicants renewing a visa in the same classification within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration. This includes the CW-1 visa.
While the State Department grants non-immigrant visa interview waivers at the discretion of consular offices, they advised that CW-1 applicants should follow the same procedure as detailed for B1/B2 visa applicants, as outlined by their country-specific U.S. embassies. For example, the procedure for the Manila Embassy can be found at: https://ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visarenewb1b2.asp.
“The SCC appreciates [Sablan’s] prompt response and his diligent efforts to communicate with the Department of State. The in-person interview waiver will surely assist CW-1 visa holders with a more streamlined and efficient visa renewal process, ultimately benefiting the many CNMI businesses who rely on essential transitional workers to supplement their workforce needs,” the SCC news release said.
