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One-stop shopping for Immigration services
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Posted on Mar 30 2006
“No more waiting in long lines a second time!”
Thus stated new Immigration Director Melvin Grey after implementing a one-stop shopping system for government services within the Immigration Office in San Antonio.
Starting Wednesday, Grey said, nonresident workers and others have been allowed to pay the $25 alien registration fee together with other fees associated with applications being submitted by companies or individuals.
Grey, in an interview with the Saipan Tribune yesterday, said those who seek permits that authorize a stay of 90 days or longer can now pay the $25 alien registration fee and the associated extension filing fee.
“This service allows you to pick up your processed permits by simply presenting your receipt and valid original passport to the Immigration processing officer,” he said.
In the past, companies first pay the $250 renewal and initial registration fees for contract workers and later the $25 alien registration fee.
“What we are trying to do now is let the people go ahead and pay for the $25 alien registration fee. That’s one that’s required for people who want to stay 90 days or longer in the CNMI,” he said.
“We make it easy for you [to] pay at all once. And when you come back, the card is processed. People can come by to the window, show their receipt, and we know its already paid for, here’s your card and have a nice day. It is faster,” he said.
Grey said customers used to come in and separately pay the two fees.
“They would come back when it is time to pick up the card, the entry permit, then go pay the $25 fee. Then go back to the window and get the card. So it’s ‘go here, go there, go back here….you go and you are done,’” he said.
Now, customers would be doing just one.
“You pay your fees; when you come back, you’re done. Eliminate one step,” he added.
