The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the suspension of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP), a visa-free travel program that allowed certain nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to travel to the CNMI without first obtaining a U.S. visa. The suspension will take effect three days after publication in the Federal Register on October 27, 2026.
Background
EVS-TAP was introduced in 2025 as a restricted travel authorization program allowing pre-screened Chinese nationals to visit the CNMI without a visa for short-term business or tourism purposes. The program replaced an earlier parole policy and was intended to support tourism while maintaining security controls. Travelers were generally limited to:
- Travel to the CNMI only (not Guam or the U.S. mainland);
- Stays of up to 14 days per visit; and
- Use of a one-year travel authorization.
Why DHS Is Suspending the Program
DHS stated that the suspension is necessary while the agency reevaluates the program’s impact on national security, immigration enforcement, and law enforcement interests.
According to DHS, concerns include:
- Potential exploitation of the program for espionage and intelligence gathering activities;
- Illegal onward travel from the CNMI to Guam;
- Risks associated with birth tourism;
- Organized criminal activity and money laundering concerns; and
- The strategic importance of military installations in the CNMI and Guam.
The agency noted that more than 3,000 PRC nationals used EVS-TAP during FY 2025 and concluded that visa-free travel under the program presented “unacceptable security and law enforcement risks.”
Impact
Once the suspension takes effect:
- New EVS-TAP applications will no longer be accepted.
- Existing EVS-TAP travel authorizations will be revoked.
- Chinese nationals seeking to travel to the CNMI will generally need to obtain an appropriate nonimmigrant visa before travel, unless another lawful exception applies.
Individuals Already in the CNMI
PRC nationals who entered the CNMI under EVS-TAP and are lawfully present on the effective date of the suspension will be permitted to remain until the end of their authorized stay. However, future travel to the CNMI will require a visa.
No Return to Prior Parole Policy
DHS specifically confirmed that suspension of EVS-TAP does not restore the earlier parole-based travel arrangement that existed before February 2025. Chinese visitors will instead be required to use the standard visa process.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
The suspension is currently being implemented while DHS conducts a broader review of EVS-TAP. The agency has not announced how long the suspension will remain in place or whether the program may eventually be reinstated, modified, or permanently discontinued.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.