For many families, bringing parents to Australia is one of the most meaningful migration goals. But before a parent visa application can be granted, there’s one requirement that causes ongoing confusion: the Balance of Family Test.

It sounds straightforward, yet it’s one of the most misunderstood parts of the parent visa framework. We regularly see families make assumptions based on where children were born, where they studied, who is financially dependent, or how long someone has lived in Australia on temporary visas. Unfortunately, these misunderstandings can lead to a refused application — or years of planning based on the wrong premise.

This article explains how the Balance of Family Test works in practice, why it matters, and what to check before lodging.

 

Which parent visas require the Balance of Family Test

 

The Balance of Family Test applies to most permanent and contributory parent visas, including:

  • 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)

If the Balance of Family Test is not met, the visa cannot be granted. (There is no general “waiver” for simply missing the test.)

Side note: Subclass 870 (Sponsored Parent – Temporary) does not require the Balance of Family Test.

 

The core rule: how the test is assessed

 

The Balance of Family Test counts all of the parent applicant’s children, including:

  • biological children
  • adopted children
  • stepchildren (in certain circumstances)

 

You meet the test if either of the following is true:

  • At least half of your children are eligible children and are usually resident in Australia, OR
  • More of your eligible children are usually resident in Australia than in any other single country.

Important: it’s “usually resident”, not “where they’re visiting”

This is where families often get caught.

 

The test is not about:

  • where your child was born
  • where they studied
  • where they spend holidays
  • whether they support you financially

It’s about their status (eligible or not) and where they are usually resident.

 

Which children count as “in Australia” for the test

 

A child generally counts towards Australia only if they are an eligible child, meaning they are:

  • an Australian citizen, or
  • an Australian permanent resident who is usually resident in Australia, or
  • an eligible New Zealand citizen who is usually resident in Australia.

 

Common misconception: long-term temporary visa holders

 

Children on temporary visas do not count as living permanently/settled in Australia for this test, including for example:

  • Student visas
  • Temporary work visas
  • Visitor visas
  • Working Holiday visas
  • Temporary Graduate visas
  • Bridging visas
  • Temporary Partner visas (subclass 820)

 

Even if a child has lived in Australia for years, they generally won’t count unless they are an eligible child (citizen/PR/eligible NZ) and usually resident in Australia.

 

Stepchildren: when they are (and aren’t) included

 

Stepchildren can be counted, but only in specific circumstances (for example, where the relationship is recognised and ongoing, or where there are relevant guardianship/custody arrangements). Stepchild rules can be nuanced, so it’s worth checking your family structure carefully.

 

Children who may not be counted at all

 

Some children are excluded from being counted in the Balance of Family Test, such as where they are:

  • deceased, or
  • removed from the parents’ exclusive legal custodyby adoption/court order/operation of law, or
  • registered by UNHCR as refugeesand living in a UNHCR-operated camp.

(There can be other complex situations as well — if a family has sensitive circumstances, it’s best assessed carefully.)

 

Examples (how it works in real life)

 

Example 1: Half in Australia (pass)
A parent has 4 children:

  • 2 are eligible children usually resident in Australia
  • 1 lives in Canada
  • 1 lives in China

✅ Half are in Australia → the test is met.

 

Example 2: More in one overseas country (fail)
A parent has 3 children:

  • 1 is an eligible child usually resident in Australia
  • 2 are usually resident in the UK

❌ More children are in the UK than Australia → the test is not met.

 

Example 3: Temporary visa confusion (fail)
A parent has 3 children:

  • 1 Australian citizen usually resident in Australia
  • 1 on a student visa in Australia
  • 1 in Malaysia
    Only the citizen child counts for Australia.

❌ Australia does not have more eligible children than Malaysia → the test is not met.

 

Common mistakes we see

 

  1. Counting temporary visa holders
    They generally don’t count unless they’re an eligible child and usually resident in Australia.
  2. Forgetting to include all children
    All children should be considered when assessing the test (including adult and estranged children).
  3. Mixing up “balance of family” with “settled sponsor”
    These are related but different. Parent visas require an eligible child sponsor who is settledin Australia (a separate requirement), and you also must meet the Balance of Family Test.
  4. Miscounting stepchildren
    This depends on the legal/family circumstances and can change the outcome.

 

What if you don’t meet the Balance of Family Test?

 

If the Balance of Family Test isn’t met, the parent visa subclasses listed above cannot be granted. In that situation, some families look at alternatives depending on their goal — for example, longer temporary stays rather than permanent migration (such as subclass 870).

Unlike the permanent parent visa subclasses (103, 143, 804, 864 etc.), the 870 visa:

  • Does not require the Balance of Family Test
  • Is a temporary visa
  • Allows parents to stay in Australia for up to 3 or 5 years at a time
  • Can be renewed, with a maximum total stay of 10 years

Key Features of the 870 Visa

✔ No Balance of Family Test
✔ No requirement for parents to meet the age requirement (unlike aged parent visas)
✔ Faster processing compared to permanent parent visas
✔ No long queue (unlike Subclass 103)

However, there are important limitations:

✘ It does not lead directly to permanent residency
✘ Parents cannot work
✘ Parents must maintain adequate health insurance
✘ Sponsors must meet income requirements
✘ There are significant visa application charges

 

Final thoughts

 

The Balance of Family Test is one of the most decisive eligibility requirements for parent visas — and one of the easiest to misunderstand. A careful assessment upfront can save significant time, cost and stress.

If you’re unsure whether your family meets the test, or you’d like a professional assessment of parent visa options, Southern Stone Migration can help you map out the most realistic pathway before you lodge.