Top 7 Things You Need to Know About Australia’s Balance of Family Test
Last updated 2 months ago
Australia’s Parent visa program provides an opportunity for parents to join their children who hold permanent residency in the country. However, given the limited annual allocation of these visas, strict eligibility conditions are in place. One of the fundamental criteria for permanent Parent visa applicants is passing the "balance of family test"—a rule designed to ensure that the applicant has substantial family ties in Australia.
This test focuses purely on the number and location of an applicant’s children. It does not take into account personal aspects such as the strength of the parent-child bond or cultural family values.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the balance of family test involves, which visa categories it affects, and what it means for families planning to reunite in Australia.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of the different Parent Visa types, check out our [Australian Parent Visa Options Guide].
What Exactly Is the Balance of Family Test?
The balance of family test is a mandatory evaluation conducted by the Department of Home Affairs to determine whether a Parent visa applicant has enough family presence in Australia.
To meet the test, a parent must show that either:
- At least 50% of their children and stepchildren are considered ‘eligible’; or
- They have more eligible children residing in Australia than in any other single nation.
It’s important to understand that this requirement cannot be waived, regardless of individual circumstances or hardship.
Which Visas Require This Test?
Applicants must meet the balance of family test when applying for the following visas:
- Parent visa (Subclass 103)
- Contributory Parent visa (Subclass 143)
- Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 173)
- Aged Parent visa (Subclass 804)
- Contributory Aged Parent visa (Subclass 864)
- Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 884)
In essence, all permanent Parent visas must fulfill this condition. The only exception is the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa (Subclass 870), which does not require passing this test.
How Are Children Counted?
The test includes children based on both biological and legal relationships. These may include:
- Biological offspring
- Legally adopted children
- Stepchildren (under specific criteria)
Stepchildren are only counted if they are:
- The child of the parent’s current spouse or de facto partner; or
- The child of a former partner, provided the applicant has legal guardianship or a court-issued custody arrangement under the Family Law Act 1975.
Children from polygamous or concurrent relationships are excluded.
In addition, the following categories of children are not included in the test:
- Deceased children
- Children legally separated from the applicant through adoption, court order, or law
- Children recognized as refugees by the UNHCR living in a camp
- Children residing in nations where they face persecution or human rights violations and cannot be reunited with the parent
Who Qualifies as an ‘Eligible Child’?
A child is considered eligible if they are:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident who lives in Australia
- An eligible New Zealand citizen who is also settled in Australia
Children who don’t meet the above criteria are treated as residing outside of Australia—even if temporarily in the country on a visa.
If a child’s location is unknown, their last known country of habitual residence is used.
What Does “Usually Resident” Mean?
To be included as an eligible child, Australian permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens must be usually resident in Australia, meaning they intend to live in the country on an ongoing basis.
This doesn’t apply to Australian citizens.
Case officers will assess whether someone is genuinely settled in Australia based on factors such as:
- Employment
- Financial ties (like bank accounts)
- Property ownership
- School or university enrollment
Short trips abroad for holidays or business don’t disqualify a child. However, if a child has only recently arrived in Australia, additional proof of long-term settlement may be required.
Balance of Family Test: Example Scenarios
Here’s a summary example provided by the Department of Home Affairs to demonstrate how the balance of family test is applied:
Total Children | In Australia | Country A | Country B | Country C | Country D | Passes Test?
1 1 0 0 0 0 Yes
2 1 1 0 0 0 Yes
3 1 2 0 0 0 No
4 2 2 0 0 0 Yes
5 2 1 1 1 0 Yes
2 1 1 0 0 0 Yes
3 1 2 0 0 0 No
4 2 2 0 0 0 Yes
5 2 1 1 1 0 Yes
Case Study: Mark and Linda
Let’s say Mark and Linda, originally from the UK, have four children:
- Sarah and Jack – their biological children, both Australian citizens living in Melbourne
- Liam – Mark’s son from a previous relationship, a permanent resident currently studying in Canada
- Sophie – Linda’s daughter from her first marriage, studying in New Zealand and not an Australian PR or citizen
Summary:
- Total children: 4
- Living in Australia: 2 (Sarah and Jack)
- In Canada: 1 (Liam)
- In New Zealand: 1 (Sophie)
Since Mark and Linda have more children living in Australia than in any other country, they meet the balance of family test.
Final Thoughts:
The balance of family test is a crucial step in the Parent visa application process. It ensures that visa applicants have a strong familial foundation in Australia. Familiarizing yourself with how the test works—especially in complex family situations—can help set realistic expectations before applying.
If you’re uncertain about your eligibility or have questions about any aspect of Australian immigration, our team is here to support you. Feel free to reach out to us at info@immigrationxperts.com or call us on +91-9999467686.