Kiwi Act Opens Door for Treaty Traders and Investors
Certain New Zealand nationals are now eligible to apply for either E-1 Treaty Trader or E-2 Treaty Investor status. Dubbed the Kiwi Act (Public Law No: 115-226), New Zealand has been added to the list of countries whose nationals are now eligible to apply for either E-1 or E-2 status. Eligible New Zealand nationals must already be in the United States. The bill also notes an assumed reciprocity for New Zealand in its treatment of U.S. citizens in similar situations. The bill was initially approved on August 1, 2018, and went into effect on June 10, 2019.
“For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii) of section 101(a)(15)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)), New Zealand shall be considered to be a foreign state described in such section if the Government of New Zealand provides similar nonimmigrant status to nationals of the United States.” (Click here for the full text of the Kiwi Act)
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa
An E-1 Treaty Trader Visa allows nationals of treaty countries to be admitted to the United States for the sole purpose of engaging in international trade on the national’s own behalf.
E-2 Treaty Investor
An E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows nationals of treaty countries to be admitted to the United States when investing substantial capital in U.S. business.
Eligible Countries
For an up-to-date list on current treaty countries whose nationals are eligible to apply for either E-1 or E-2 status on Form I-129, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs provides this table listing the country, eligible classification, and the effective date of the treaty.
What are my options for an E-1 or E-2 visa?
If you are a national of an eligible treaty country and are thinking about your options for either trading or investing in the United States, Christians Law, PLLC is here to help. Tyler Christians is an experienced E-1 Treaty Trader and E-2 Treaty Investor attorney, and can help you or your business with your U.S. immigration needs. Please feel free to visit our contact page, tap here to call us now, or simply fill out our form below with your information and we will be in touch with you shortly. Thank you for visiting tchristians.com. Christians Law, PLLC – The Law Firm of Tyler Christians.
