Family Stream

The purpose of the Family Stream is to help reunite families in New Zealand by granting residence to the family members of New Zealand citizens and residents. The family member living in New Zealand sponsors the applicant applying for permanent residence.

The Family Stream includes family categories (Partnership, Parent, Sibling and Adult Child, Dependent Child and Parent Retirement Category).

For clients granted permanent residence under the Family Stream (except the Dependent Child Category and the Parent Retirement Category), the sponsor has signed a declaration they will support the client and their family (if any) for up to 5 years of residence in New Zealand or until they can sustain themselves.

Clients must have 2 years (24 months) continuous residence in New Zealand to be entitled to Young Parent Payment. Until they have met this requirement Young Parent Payment on the ground of hardship may be considered.

Note if a client has permanent residence and already meets the 2 years continuous residence, assess the client for Young Parent Payment in the usual manner.

When assessing the client's entitlement to Young Parent Payment on the ground of hardship, the sponsor's financial circumstances is not used in the assessment. However, any assistance given to the client and family (if any) must be used in the assessment.

Young Parent Payment on the ground of hardship is both income and asset tested. To assess a client's entitlement to Young Parent Payment on the ground of hardship confirmation of the client's income and assets declared on the application for permanent residence are required from Immigration New Zealand.

Despite the requirement for immigrants to maintain themselves for a number of years, they may still be able to access assistance as a non-beneficiary.

If the client has a change in personal resources, confirmation of that change is required.

For more information see:

• Permanent residence
• Granting on grounds of hardship
• Change in personal resources