New Zealand Nationals May Now Qualify for E-1/E-2 Nonimmigrant Classification

The U.S. Department of State announced that as of June 10, 2019, citizens of New Zealand are eligible to apply for  E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor classification at the U.S. consulates overseas. The development comes pursuant to Congress passing the Knowledgeable Innovators and Worthy Investors (KIWI) Act, and President Trump signing it into law. As background, E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant classification is available to nationals of countries that have signed a treaty of commerce and navigation or similar agreement with the U.S., provided the individual is working for a qualifying business.

Following  the U.S. Department of State’s announcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that beginning June 10, 2019, New Zealanders present in the U.S. may also request a change of status to  E-1  or E-2 status, to work for a qualifying business. Dependent spouses and minor unmarried children in the U.S. may also apply to change status as dependents, and dependent spouses may apply for work authorization.

For more information on E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant classifications, see the U.S. Department of State website and the USCIS E-1 Treaty Traders page and E-2 Treaty Investors page.

If you have any questions regarding this alert, please contact your designated Gibney representative, or email info@gibney.com.