YouTube sensation IShowSpeed is caught in hot water during his New Zealand trip, facing allegations of breaking visa rules.
The buzz? Immigration officials are investigating whether the creator’s monetized streams violated his visitor visa terms—claims his cameraman flat-out denies.
2024 has been a global whirlwind for Speed, with stops across continents. His latest adventures in Australia and New Zealand have gone viral, featuring wild moments like stepping into the cage with UFC star Dan Hooker and beating an Aussie football player in a $10k race. Classic Speed chaos.
But while fans are loving the content, New Zealand authorities aren’t as amused. According to 1News, Immigration New Zealand confirmed Speed entered the country on a visitor visa. The catch? Earning money through streams could put him in breach of visa laws.
“In assessing this case, we will follow our standard compliance procedures,” said Immigration NZ’s Richard Owen.
Immigration adviser Ankur Sabharwal added that Speed would need a work visa for future trips if he plans to keep creating content there. For now, officials are deciding how to handle the current situation.
DISCLAIMER: This article does not constitute immigration advice. Individuals need to seek personal advice from a New Zealand licensed immigration adviser or lawyer to assess their unique situation. Ankur can be contacted at info@visamatters.co.nz.