Change in personal resources

Immigration New Zealand requires applicants to sign a Declaration of Personal Resources when applying for permanent residence under the following categories:

• Skilled/Business Stream and
• Family Stream

Note people do not have to sign a declaration if they are granted permanent residence under the categories of International/Humanitarian Stream which includes the:

• Refugee Family Support Category
• Pacific Access Category
• Samoan Quota Scheme
• Victims of family violence or
• various other special policies for specific countries

By signing the Declaration of Personal Resources, the client declares they are able to support themselves and family (if any) for the first two years residence in New Zealand.

The requirement for an immigrant to maintain themselves for the first two years does not mean they cannot access benefit assistance as a non-beneficiary. However, the client may not have entitlement to non-beneficiary assistance due to those resources.

For the above categories a client's permanent residence has been assessed on the following resources:

• a definite offer of employment (supported in writing)
• financial support from family members in New Zealand (supported in writing) and/or
• personal cash assets

Young Parent Payment on grounds of hardship is income and asset tested. To assess a client's entitlement to Young Parent Payment on grounds of hardship confirmation of the client's income and assets declared on application for permanent residence is required from the Immigration New Zealand. Confirmation of the client's current income and assets is also required. If there is a change in financial circumstances further investigation will need to be done to establish the client's entitlement to benefit assistance.