THE U.S. Citizenship for Immigration Services says foreign investors and workers with U.S. visas currently based in the CNMI can still make inter-state travels but they must first get a “parole status” from the USCIS so they can retain their CNMI immigration status when they return to the islands.
Gulick said the parole status for foreigners in the CNMI could be obtained free of charge at the USCIS office.
But for those wanting to travel to non-U.S. destinations, like the Philippines, they must get an “advance parole” and pay a $305 fee.
There is also a two-year parole status offered to foreign spouses and immediate relatives of citizens of the Freely Associated States — Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap.
Marie Thérèse Sebrechts, DHS-USCIS regional media manager, said parole status applicants who will travel to a U.S. destination, like Guam, should file a written request for permission to travel with the USCIS office on Saipan.
The applicant must also fill out Form G-325, which contains biographical data; provide a copy of his valid CNMI entry permit, investor permit or an umbrella permit.
A copy of the photo page of the passport must also be provided to the USCIS, including an e-ticket or itinerary of the applicant.
Gulick said Koreans and Japanese who are documented foreign workers or investors in the CNMI should not attempt to enter Guam or any part of the U.S. using their visa waiver privilege because they cannot return to the CNMI under their old immigration status.
“Apply for a parole status at the USCIS,” he said during a public forum on Friday at American Memorial Park’s Visitor Center.
