Australia, known for its diverse culture and scenic beauty, is a sought-after destination for many. For parents wishing to reunite with their children in Australia, understanding the Balance of Family Test is crucial. This test is an essential component of the Australian visa application process for parents. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this requirement.

What is the balance of family test for Australian visa

The Balance of Family Test is a measure used by the Australian government to determine the strength of a parent's ties to Australia. It evaluates the number of a parent's children residing in Australia compared to those living in other countries.

Why is balance of family test Important

Australia places a high value on family reunification but also wants to ensure that those who are granted entry have strong connections to the country. The test serves as a filter to prioritize parents who have a majority of their children living in Australia.

Visas that Require the Balance of Family Test for Parent Visa

 The Visas that require the balance of family test for parent visa are:

• Parent Visa (Subclass 103)- A permanent visa allowing parents to live, work, study, and access healthcare in Australia. It can lead to Australian citizenship if other requirements are met.

• Contributory Parent Visas- These include both temporary (Subclass 173) and permanent (Subclass 143) visas. The temporary visa allows a two-year stay, after which it can be converted to a permanent visa.

• Aged Parent Visa (Subclass 804)- For parents of retirement age, this visa offers permanent residency and a pathway to citizenship.

• Contributory Aged Parent Visas (Subclass 884 and 864)-The Subclass 884 is a temporary visa, which can later be converted to the permanent Subclass 864 visa.

The balance of family test migration regulations

 The balance of family test require-

• More children must be living in Australia than in any other single country.

• If children are spread across multiple countries, the majority should reside in Australia.

• All children considered for the test should be eligible to sponsor the parent.

What is family composition for Australian visa

Children who can sponsor their parents include:

• Biological offspring.

• Legally adopted children.

• Stepchildren (with certain conditions).

• The child must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen.

How do you prove family composition

To prove family composition for parent visa, you would need to need to furnish:

• Birth certificates of all children.

• Family registration certificates.

• In specific cases, additional documents might be required, such as custody papers for stepchildren.

Exceptions to the balance of family test

While all children are generally considered in the test, there are exceptions:

• Children living in countries where they face persecution or human rights abuses.

• Children who are refugees.

• Cases where parental custody has been legally revoked.

The Balance of Family Test is a testament to Australia's commitment to family values while ensuring that immigration is streamlined and aligns with the country's objectives. For parents, understanding this test is the first step towards reuniting with their children in the beautiful land down under.