Balance of Family Test – Parent Visa Eligibility

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Balance of Family Test

Balance of Family Test – Are You Eligible for a Parent Visa?

The Balance of Family Test is a key requirement for most Australian parent visas. It ensures that parents applying to migrate have close family ties to Australia. If you’re planning to bring your parents to live with you, it’s important to understand how this test works and whether your family meets the criteria.

Importantly, failing the family test may result in visa refusal—unless you are applying for a specific visa that exempts this requirement. Let’s explore how the test works, which visas require it, and how you can check your eligibility.

What Is the Balance of Family Test?

The test checks whether at least half of a parent’s children live permanently in Australia. It applies to most parent visas, including:

Subclass 103 – Parent Visa
Subclass 804 – Aged Parent Visa
Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent Visa
Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent Visa
Subclass 173 / 884 – Temporary Contributory Parent Visas

To satisfy the test, your parent must either:

Have at least half of their children lawfully and permanently residing in Australia, or
Have more children living in Australia than in any other single country

How Is the Test Calculated?

Each child is counted individually, regardless of age or financial dependency. Here’s how the Department of Home Affairs calculates it:

Include biological, adopted, or stepchildren
Count children living permanently in Australia
Exclude children whose whereabouts are unknown, or who are permanently institutionalised

📌 Example: If your parent has 4 children and 2 live permanently in Australia, they pass the family test.

Can I Apply Without Meeting the Test?

Generally, no—most permanent parent visas require the test. However, there are limited exceptions. For example:

Subclass 870 – Sponsored Parent (Temporary) Visa
This visa does not require applicants to meet the balance of family test.

Thus, if your parents are ineligible under other visa streams, the 870 visa may offer a temporary solution.

Why Is the Test So Important?

The Australian Government uses this test to manage the financial impact of parent migration and ensure parents have meaningful support networks. Since parent visa applicants often access public healthcare and community resources, the test helps prioritise those with stronger family ties in Australia.

How to Check If You Meet the Test

You can try a balance of family test calculator online, or speak with our team for a free preliminary assessment. We’ll:

Review your family tree and residence statuses
Advise on suitable visa options
Recommend alternatives if your family does not meet the test

Need Help with the Family Test?

At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we assist families with:

Interpreting the balance of family test
Choosing the right parent visa pathway
Exploring exemptions or temporary visa options

📞 Call us on 0485 907 989 or Book a Consultation. We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

Get Your Question Answered

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Parent Visa Australia services and processes. If you need further assistance, please contact us.

1. What is the balance of family test?

The balance of family test checks whether at least half of a parent’s children live permanently in Australia. It is a key requirement for most Australian parent visas.

2. Which visas require the balance of family test?

Visas like the Subclass 103, 804, 143, 864, 884, and 173 generally require applicants to meet the balance of family test.

3. Is there any visa that does not require the balance of family test?

Yes. The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent Visa does not require applicants to meet the balance of family test, making it a flexible temporary option.

4. Are stepchildren and adopted children counted in the test?

Yes. The Department includes biological, adopted, and stepchildren when calculating the balance of family test.