Clarifying H-1B Requirements for the CNMI

Following my request to USCIS regarding the new $100,000 payment requirement for certain H-1B petitions, USCIS confirmed that the payment is no longer required for H-1B petitions filed for employment in the CNMI or elsewhere in the country. This clarification removes significant uncertainty for employers across the Commonwealth who rely on the H-1B program to recruit and retain qualified professionals. At a time when businesses continue facing workforce shortages and the CNMI remains focused on economic recovery, removing unnecessary barriers to hiring is an important step forward. This issue is a good example of why we stay engaged with our federal partners. When new federal policies create questions or unintended consequences for the CNMI, we will continue working to secure clear answers and practical solutions for our islands.