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 five 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 Youth Payment. Until they have met this requirement Youth Payment on grounds of hardship may be considered.

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

When assessing the client's entitlement to Youth Payment on grounds 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.

Youth Payment on grounds of hardship is both income and asset tested. To assess a client's entitlement to Youth Payment on grounds 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