By starting your application in advance within 3 months, you ensure that you can apply as a 'nareis asiel' (post-entry asylum) application. With this application, you have to meet less stringent requirements. And it is usually free of charge.

For your application, you will need many documents about your family members. Even if you do not yet have all the necessary documents, you can submit an application for family reunification to the

Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

You can apply for family reunification with the IND in two ways:

• Online

• Written by post

Applying for family reunification can be complicated. Your contact at

VluchtelingenWerk Nederland (VWN)

Your contact at VWN can:

• Provide information on the family reunification process.

• Assist you in completing the application form.

• Liaise with the IND on your behalf during the family reunification process.

• Assist you in answering questions from the IND about your family relationship.

• Sometimes VWN can help with a contribution from the

  

  Dutch Refugee Fund
  . This will reimburse part of your family members' travel expenses.

• Assist you in practical matters as soon as your family members have arrived in the Netherlands and there is housing for you in the municipality. For example, in applying for benefits and allowances. Or in taking out health insurance and It registering with a general practitioner, dentist and school.

• If your application for family reunification has been rejected and you want to appeal, VWN can help you find a lawyer.