The International Monetary Fund says Tuvalu has applied for membership in the global financial institution and its request will be considered "in due course".
The IMF says under its prescribed procedures for membership applications, the application must first be investigated by the IMF's executive board.
If accepted, Tuvalu will become the Washington-based lender's 186th member country.
The island has been affected by rising seas and storm surges linked to climate change, and has been active in the debate over a new global climate agreement.
