It is challenging to obtain a work visa for the United States. There is an immediate demand for the annual allotment of H1B visas, which is made available in April and quickly exhausted. Only in exceptional cases, such as when an employee has worked for the same business abroad for at least one year during the preceding three years, may they apply for an L1 visa. This means that both the E2 visa category and the E1 visa category will make it simpler for nationals of New Zealand to find employment in the United States. For how long will this process last? It may be a long time before New Zealanders get access to the E2 and E1 visa programmes, even with the backing of both chambers of Congress.
A separate category of E3 visas exists specifically for those with Australian graduate degrees, which is a great perk for Australian citizens. There should probably be a separate E3 visa category for New Zealanders. New Zealanders’ access to E1 and E2 visas will boost economic growth in the United States. Senator Hirono argues that allowing New Zealanders to apply for the E1 treaty trade visa and the E2 treaty investment visa would be good for U.S. economic growth. Hirono remarked, “Our strong cultural and economic linkages to the Indo-Asia Pacific area are being further strengthened by New Zealand’s tourism sector, which directly supported over 2,100 employment in Hawaii last year.” Senator Hirono argued that the KIWI Act’s expansion of business visas would have a positive impact on the economy of Hawaii and the rest of the United States. The sentiments expressed by Senator Hirono were mirrored by Senator Lee, who said, “New Zealand has long been a staunch partner of the United States, and both nations have gained greatly from our sustained economic cooperation.”
The KIWI Act, which Senator Lee co-sponsored, “makes it simpler for nonimmigrant New Zealanders to invest in America” and so “helps expand on that partnership.” Reports on the economy indicate that the United States values New Zealand as a significant strategic and economic partner. As far as we can tell from the numbers, New Zealand has poured almost $500 million into the American economy via FDI. Employment opportunities in the United States will increase as a result of the availability of E1 and E2 visas. According to Groser, granting New Zealanders access to US E1 and E2 visas will boost bilateral connections between the two countries and enable merchants and investors to grow their operations in the US market, creating more employment in the United States.
He hoped that Congress will see the win-win nature of this bill for the US and NZ and enact it promptly. According to Edward Farrell, chairman of the United States-New Zealand Council, “Americans and New Zealanders collaborate closely in business, research, technology, security, & entertainment, yet the lack of access to trader & investor visas has been a serious barrier to increased economic growth and greater bilateral cooperation.”
The United States government established the E1 and E2 visa classifications with the express purpose of facilitating investment and the development of new jobs within the country. Currently, the United States grants temporary entrance to merchants and investors from over 50 countries (under E1 visas) and over 80 nations (under E2 visas), respectively,” Farrell emphasised.
As a “partner, supporter, and friend of the United States and a prominent thought leader around the world,” New Zealand deserves the same access to the American market that the United States has, in Farrell’s view. In a statement, Farrell said, “It is in our common best interests and long time.” Immigrants frequently arrive in America in pursuit of better job prospects. Green cards are often obtained via gainful work in the United States. The EB-1 and EB-2 work visas are examples of immigrant work visas that often lead to a Green Card shortly after entering. Examples of temporary work visas are H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-1, and TN. While in the United States, an immigrant who first entered on a non-immigrant work visa but who later decided to apply for permanent residency status might alter his or her classification and submit an application for an immigrant work visa. If you need help figuring out your visa options or proving your eligibility, talking to an immigration lawyer is a great first step.