Why is IShowSpeed's visa reportedly being investigated by New Zealand authorities?

News reports, such as from 1News, claiming YouTube streamer Darren Watkins Jr, better known as IShowSpeed, may be in trouble due to visa problems in New Zealand have gone viral on social media on November 26. For context, the American content creator is currently on his tour of Australia and New Zealand and has been doing IRL streams on his YouTube channel.

While the first few days of his stay in Australia went quite smoothly, it appears New Zealand authorities are currently assessing possible visa violations on IShowSpeed's part. As per local reports, the investigation stemmed because he was livestreaming his actions in the country on YouTube, which is his main source of income.

However, working while on a visa waiver, which is what IShowSpeed supposedly used to get in New Zealand, is not allowed. The whole premise of the investigation is therefore based on the fact that he made money from his livestreams in the country without a visa permitting him to work, and thus earn money.

While in some cases this does lead to deportation, readers should note that the YouTuber's case is still being assessed and no decision has been announced by the immigration authorities.

Speed has done a few streams in the nation over the weekend, having visited Auckland and Rotorua where he played rugby for the first time and even participated in traditional Māori practices such as performing Ka Mate on camera.

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Reports state Immigration New Zealand is assessing IShowSpeed for possible visa violations

According to 1News, an official from Immigration New Zealand has seemingly confirmed that the authorities are looking at IShowSpeed's case. It is unclear whether a report was filed but it seems like his monetized YouTube videos are the root cause for the investigation.

Unlike conventional videos on YouTube, livestreams also tend to bring in a lot of money for the creator in the form of donations from viewers. While that can be turned off, IShowSpeed has not talked about the situation publicly. However, 1News reports that Richard Owen from Immigration New Zealand had this to say in a statement:

"In general, individuals require a work visa [or hold a visa with conditions that allow for work] to engage in activities that result in gain or reward [such as payment] during their time in New Zealand."

Owen has also noted that IShowSpeed's case will be assessed following their standard procedures:

"In assessing this case, we will follow our standard compliance procedures."

The YouTuber and his team have yet to publicly address the reports about his visa problems. In related news, Speed recently teased that he was planning on doing a month-long Africa stream sometime "soon."