Evidence of residence

People are required to provide evidence of their residence status so that MSD can determine if they qualify for financial assistance.

The type of documents a person provides to verify their residence status depends on when they were issued.

From 29 November 2010, people with an existing visa or permit are deemed to hold the corresponding type of visa under the Immigration Act 2009.

Note people who had an existing permit or visa without an expiry date (such as a residence permit) had this replaced by the corresponding visa. They may never have had their visa updated if they did not intend to leave New Zealand.

If a person cannot provide evidence or evidence is unclear, they must obtain confirmation of their residence status from Immigration New Zealand (for a residence class visa or temporary entry class visa) or the Department of Internal Affairs (for New Zealand citizens).

If MSD needs to contact Immigration New Zealand or the Department of Internal Affairs about a person's residence status, the person must give their consent. MSD cannot collect or disclose information regarding a person's application for financial assistance without the person's consent.

Note Immigration New Zealand may be unable to verify the residence status for some people who are deemed to hold a residence class visa. This includes people of British birth and parentage who arrived in New Zealand before 1 January 1962 and who do not have a passport.

Where necessary, other supporting evidence can be used to support a person's claim about when they arrived in New Zealand and the length of time they have lived here.

This includes (but is not limited to) New Zealand:

• school records (such as proof of enrolment or a Record of Achievement)
• work records (such as employment contracts or pay slips)
• tax records
• tenancy agreements
• bank statements
• old utility bills