22 Apr 2008

Employers in CNMI may have to pay more for worker permits

10:28 am on 22 April 2008

Employers in the Northern Marianas can expect to pay more for worker permits under the proposed federalized immigration system.

The United States Government Accountability Office says the fees for the transition period programs are still undetermined, but an increase is probable.

Under the proposed legislation, the CNMI-only work permit fee includes US$150 paid by employers annually to fund vocational education in the CNMI.

In addition to the US$250 worker permit fee paid by employers, foreign workers currently pay an annual alien registration fee of $25.

After the end of the transition period and any extensions of the CNMI-only work permit programme, standard U.S. fees would apply.

They will include Department of Labour fees for labour certification, Department of Homeland Security petition fees paid by the employer, and Department of State visa fees paid by the worker.