King-Hinds Shares Update on USCIS Processing of C37 Work Permit Renewals

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds shared an update with the community regarding ongoing issues affecting Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal applications for individuals with CNMI Long-Term Resident Status, commonly referred to as the C37 category.

The Congresswoman’s office has received an increasing number of inquiries from C37 permit holders whose Form I-765 renewal applications were either returned by USCIS or remain pending without receipt notices. In several cases, applications submitted with the correct filing fee were rejected due to what USCIS has now confirmed were processing errors.

USCIS has clarified to the Congresswoman’s office that the correct renewal fee for C37 EAD applications remains $520, and that certain applications were rejected in error. USCIS has advised affected applicants to refile their applications with the same supporting documents and valid payment. The agency has also confirmed that, in these cases, the original receipt date will be honored once the application is properly processed.

Individuals with CNMI Long-Term Resident Status were granted work authorization for a five-year period, and many are now submitting renewal applications for the first time. There is no automatic extension of work authorization for C37 renewals, meaning individuals are not authorized to work beyond the expiration date unless their renewal is approved.

King-Hinds encouraged individuals experiencing issues with their C37 renewals to seek assistance early. “It’s important that people come in and work with our district offices if they are experiencing delays or problems with their filings,” she said. “Having complete case information allows us to document the impact of these delays, provide you with updates on the status of your application, and raise concerns with USCIS in a meaningful and constructive way.”

The district offices on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are available to assist on a case-by-case basis. Individuals seeking help will need to complete a privacy release form and provide copies of any available filing documentation, including proof of payment and tracking information, if available. This is especially important for applicants who have not received receipt notices despite their filing fees being accepted.

The Congresswoman also encouraged individuals to seek assistance from a licensed immigration attorney or Authorized Immigration Provider, when necessary, in the preparation or refiling of applications. Immigration filings can be legally complex, and errors made during submission can result in unnecessary delays or rejections. Working with qualified legal counsel can help ensure applications are properly completed and filed in accordance with current immigration law and USCIS requirements.

Residents with questions or concerns about their C37 EAD renewal are encouraged to contact the Congresswoman’s district office directly at (670) 323-2647 or (670) 323-2648, or visit one of the district offices for guidance and assistance.