Everything You Need to Know About the Balance of Family Test for Australian Parent Visa
The Parent Visa is a way to reunite with your parents in Australia. This is possible if you’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen. Other than that, you must satisfy different requirements, one of which is a balance of family test. The balance of family test assesses the number of eligible children residing in Australia. It is to ensure that only parents with significant family ties in Australia qualify for the visa.
The family balance test does not take into account things like the strength of the parent-child bond or cultural expectations for parental care. It is entirely determined by the geographic location and numerical distribution of your parents’ children.
This article will delve into the details of the balance of family test, including what it means, how to prove it, which visa it affects, and others.
What is the Balance of Family Test?
The balance of family test is mandatory for permanent parent visa applications. This test assesses the close connection between parents and Australia by evaluating whether at least half of their children live in Australia as citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
Your parents are considered to be meeting the balance of family test if:
- At least half of their children or stepchildren are considered ‘eligible children’, and
- More ‘eligible children’ live in Australia than in other countries.
Why Is It Important?
The test is crucial in regulating the number of parent visas granted, ensuring Australia’s parent visa quota isn’t exceeded. The test will limit visas to parents with minimal family connections to Australia and prioritise stronger family ties, making family reunification more feasible.
Which Parent Visa Requires the Balance of Family Test?
Your parents must meet the balance of family test if they’re applying for one of these parent visa:
- Contributory Parent Visa Subclass 143
- Contributory Parent Temporary Visa Subclass 173
- Contributory Aged Parent Temporary Visa Subclass 884
- Contributory Aged Parent Visa (Permanent) Subclass 864
- Permanent Parent Visa Subclass 103
- Aged Parent visa Subclass 804
All permanent Parent Visa requires the balance of family test. Only the Sponsored Parent (Temporary) (subclass 870) Visa doesn’t require it. So, if your parents most likely couldn’t meet the balance of family test, it’s better to consider the 870 Visa option.
Read more: Best Parent Visa Options: Good Decisions to Your Family
Which Children Counted in The Test?
The balance of family test counts all your children, both biological and stepchildren. A stepchild will be considered only in specific situations, such as:
- The stepchild is your parents’ current partner’s child; or
- The stepchild is from your parents’ former partner, provided that your parent has guardianship, custody or a parenting order under Australia’s Family Law Act 1975.
Another important note is that stepchildren born from polygamous or concurrent relationships will not be assessed in the balance of family test.
Additionally, children in the following situation will not be included:
- Deceased children.
- Children removed from your custody by court order or adoption.
- Children living in UNHCR refugee camps.
- Children residing in countries where they face persecution or human rights abuses and can’t be reunited with you.
Who is an Eligible Child?
Eligible children are:
- Australian citizen;
- Australian permanent resident residing in Australia; or
- an eligible New Zealand citizen living in Australia
Who is an Ineligible Child?
A child is considered ineligible if they:
- Do not meet the eligible child criteria
- Hold only a temporary visa in Australia
- Live overseas
If your child’s location is unknown, the DHA will consider their last known location as their country of residence.
Who is an Eligible New Zealand Citizen?
A child qualifies as an eligible New Zealand citizen if they arrived in Australia with a New Zealand passport and meet one of the following conditions:
- In Australia, on a Special Category Visa (SCV) on February 26, 2001
- Resided in Australia for at least 12 months in the two years before February 26, 2001, and returned afterwards
- Recognised as protected SCV holders before February 26, 2001
What does a ‘usually resident’ mean?
To be calculated in the balance of family test, you must meet the definition of ‘usually resident’. It is required only for children with the status of Australian permanent resident and an eligible New Zealand citizen. “Usually resident” in Australia means you want to stay there permanently.
You must not only be physically present but also have the intention of staying in Australia permanently. Case officers will make this determination by considering several aspects, including long-term residency aspirations, employment, and financial relationships.
If you have ever been absent from Australia for holidays, business or work, don’t worry. It won’t automatically disqualify you from the balance of family test. But if you have just recently moved to Australia, you must provide evidence of intention to reside in Australia, such as:
- Proof of employment;
- Bank accounts;
- Property ownerships;
- School enrolment, etc.
How to Meet the Balance of Family Test?
The key to passing the test is having at least half of your children qualify as eligible children, and they must live in Australia. It is better if the eligible children outnumber the ineligible children. Here’s an example of how to calculate whether you are likely to pass the test or not.
For example, Michael and Jessica, a married couple from the United States. They have three children:
- Angel, their biological daughter, lives in Sydney as an Australian citizen with her husband;
- Mark, their biological son, lives in Melbourne as an Australian permanent resident owning a bakery shop; and
- Mary, a daughter from Jessica’s previous marriage, lives in Paris, and she’s not an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Michael and Jessica’s application would be assessed:
- Total number of children: 3
- Children living permanently in Australia: 2 (Angel and Mark)
- Children in country A (France): 1
Therefore, Michael and Jessica pass the balance of family test.
If you are still determining whether you can meet the test, we are here to help you. With our extensive experience handling over a thousand parent visa applications, including complex cases, we will guide you through your visa journey with the utmost care and ensure your successful visa application. Click here to connect with us and get the support you need.
Balance of Family Test Proof
To prove you can pass the test, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Evidence that at least half of your children are citizens of Australia, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens.
- Evidence of the number of your children and their living arrangements. Such as birth certificates, citizenship certificates, and residence documents.
- Proof of any children who should not be included, such as death certificates.
In specific circumstances, DHA may require additional documents for your application. Thus, it’s essential to have your paperwork in order.
See more: Document Checklist for Parent Visa Application
Can I Get the Balance of Family Test Waived?
Unfortunately, you cannot waive them, even in compelling and exceptional circumstances.
What If I Fail the Balance of Family Test?
Failing the test means the parent visa application will be rejected. There are no exceptions to this rule. Therefore, you must prepare your application with the utmost care and in the best possible way. It sounds like a handful of hard work, right?
Don’t feel overwhelmed. Our migration agent is here to help. With over a decade of experience handling partner visa applications, including complex cases, we’ll make your visa application easier and smoother, ensuring you can reunite with your family immediately. Click below and start your reunion journey.
ONEderland Consulting is here to help you reunite with your family
The balance of family Test and parent visa application can be a real head-scratcher. Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will guide you through the process of getting the Parent Visa. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are subject to regulation in our professional practice and bound by the MARA’s Code of Conduct.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us by email at visa@onederland.com.au, by phone at 1300 827 159, or via WhatsApp at +61494367258. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online. And remember, our services are backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program, which ensures that you receive a full refund if you’re not satisfied with our services.
