Family Balance Test

Family balance test is required for parent visa applications only.  The so-called family balance test is based on the number of children a parent has and subject to their location. When a person (parent) is ready to lodge a parent visa, they must demonstrate their have equal number of children or more living in Australia than in any other countries in order to pass the test.

Children, including the stepchildren and adopted children of the parents are counted in the family balance test. However the following situations are not counted if children or step children:

• are deceased;
• are removed from their parents’ exclusive legal custody by adoption, court order;
• live in a country where they suffer persecution or human rights abuse and can’t be reunited with their parents in another country;

Applicants who apply for the following visa categories will need to pass the family balance test:

• Subclass 103 – Parent
• Subclass 143 – Contributory Parent
• Subclass 173 – Contributory Parent (Temporary)
• Subclass 804 – Aged Parent
• Subclass 864 – Contributory Aged Parent
• Subclass 884 – Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary)

A parent or the visa applicants will meet the balance test under the following situations:

• At least half of their children and stepchildren are living in Australia; Or
• There are more children living in more than one single country than in Australia;

The following table shows examples of when a parent would pass the family balance test.

Total Number of Children a parent has	Children living permanently in Australia	Children in country A	Children in country B	Children in country C	Children in country D	Pass the Test ?
1	1	0	0	0	0	Yes
2	1	1	0	0	0	Yes
3	1	2	0	0	0	No
3	1	1	1	0	0	No
4	2	2	0	0	0	Yes
4	1	1	1	1	0	No
4	1	2	1	0	0	No
5	1	1	1	1	1	No
5	2	1	1	1	0	Yes
5	3	2	0	0	0	Yes
6	2	2	2	0	0	No

If you have more queries about the parents visa and family balance test, please contact Korrylink for help.