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Balance of Family Test Australia 2026: Parent Visa Rules Explained
The balance of family test measures a Parent visa applicant's family links to Australia. It applies to several major Parent visa subclasses and is one of the most important threshold issues to check before committing to a Parent visa strategy.
How do you pass the test?
Home Affairs states that a parent meets the test if at least half of their children and stepchildren are eligible children, or if there are more eligible children in Australia than children living in any other single country.
Which visas require it?
The test applies to Parent subclass 103, Contributory Parent subclasses 143 and 173, Aged Parent subclass 804, and Contributory Aged Parent subclasses 864 and 884.
The test cannot be waived
Home Affairs expressly states that the balance of family test will not be waived even in compelling or exceptional circumstances. This makes early family-composition analysis critical.
Which children are counted?
The Department counts the applicant's and partner's children, including stepchildren and adopted children, subject to the detailed rules about eligible and ineligible children.
Compare Parent visa pathways in our Parent Visa Australia 2026 guide.
Official source
This article provides general information only. The treatment of individual children, stepchildren and family circumstances should be checked against the current legal rules before lodging a Parent visa application.
