Washington, D.C. — CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said her office is hearing from a growing number of CNMI long-term residents in the C37 category who are running into problems renewing their work permits, including applications that were returned by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or left pending without receipt notices.
According to the Congresswoman’s update, some renewal applications filed with the correct fee were rejected because of processing errors that USCIS has now confirmed. USCIS told her office the correct renewal fee for C37 Employment Authorization Document renewals remains $520, and advised affected applicants to refile with the same supporting documents and valid payment. USCIS also indicated that when the refiling is properly processed, the original receipt date will be honored.
King-Hinds also warned that there is no automatic extension of work authorization for C37 renewals. That means individuals are not authorized to work beyond the expiration date unless the renewal is approved. She urged residents to seek help early if they are seeing delays or filing problems, and said her district offices on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota can assist on a case-by-case basis.
Her office said people requesting help should be prepared to complete a privacy release and provide available filing documentation, including proof of payment and tracking information, especially for applicants whose fees were accepted but who have not received receipt notices.
The Congresswoman also encouraged applicants to consider help from a licensed immigration attorney or authorized immigration provider when needed, noting that filing errors can lead to delays or rejections. Residents with questions about C37 renewals were encouraged to contact her district office at (670) 323-2347 or (670) 323-2348, or visit a district office for guidance.
