E-2 CNMI Investor Visa

FAQ

On this page:

Overview

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognizes a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) specific nonimmigrant investor visa classification. This “E-2 CNMI Investor” status is one of several CNMI specific provisions that provide the benefits of federal immigration law to the CNMI.

These temporary provisions are proposed to provide for an orderly transition from the current CNMI permit system to the immigration laws of the United States, and to give foreign long-term investors time to identify and obtain appropriate U.S. immigrant or nonimmigrant status. For further information on the E-2 CNMI-Only Investor visa, please visit E-2 Visa: CNMI-Only Investor | USCIS.

This special status of E-2 investors allows eligible CNMI investors to remain in the CNMI for the duration of the transition period under E-2 CNMI Investor status, and to exit and enter the CNMI. The E-2 CNMI Investor visa can be issued for two years and may be renewable. Derivative visas are available for spouses and children of the primary applicant.

Application Items

If you apply for an E-2 CNMI Investor Visa, you must submit the following:

  • A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) confirmation page. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.
  • Valid passport. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
  • Any old passport(s) containing your previously issued nonimmigrant visas, if applicable.
  • One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph. This page has information about the required photo format.
  • A copy of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Notice of Action (I-797) showing petition (I-129) approval. Even if your petition has been approved, if the request for a change of status or extension was denied, please bring your denial letter from USCIS.
  • Proof of principal applicant's current status in the U.S., if you are a spouse or child applying without the principal applicant.

In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service. You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

How to Apply

Step 1
Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.

Step 2
Pay the visa application fee. Save your receipt.

Step 3
Schedule your appointment on this web page. You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:

      • Your passport number
      • The “Unique Beneficiary Account Number” that you use to make EFT payment or the "Transaction Reference Number" appearing on your Citibank receipt. (Click here if you need help finding either of these numbers.)
      • The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page

Step 4
Visit the U.S. Embassy on the date and time of your visa interview. You will need to bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one recent photograph, your current and all old passports. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted. Any children 13 years old and younger are not required to accompany their parents to the Embassy for an interview; however, the children must be physically present in South Korea on the date of their family's scheduled appointment.

Caution: Do not present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is of concern, the applicant should bring the documents to the Embassy in a sealed envelope. The Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of the information.