What is the Balance of Family Test?

The Balance of Family Test is a key eligibility requirement for many Parent Visa categories. It generally requires that at least half of the applicant's children live permanently in Australia or that more children live in Australia than in any other single country.

Can Parent Visas lead to permanent residency?

Yes. Many Parent Visa pathways provide permanent residency options, depending on the visa category and eligibility requirements.

Who can sponsor a Parent Visa applicant?

An eligible Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen child may sponsor a Parent Visa applicant.

How long does a Parent Visa take to process?

Processing times vary significantly between visa streams. Contributory Parent Visas are generally processed faster than non-contributory Parent Visas.

Parent Visa

Explore Australian Parent Visa options that allow eligible parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to live in Australia temporarily or permanently.

Overview

Parent visas allow eligible parents to live in Australia temporarily or permanently.

Different streams have varying processing times and costs.

Key Points

Feature	Details
Balance of Family Test	Key eligibility requirement for many parent visas.
Contributory Options	Faster processing with higher charges.

Eligibility

Eligible sponsor child
Balance of family test
Assurance of support (where required)

Process

Eligibility Check: Confirm balance of family and sponsor eligibility.
Lodge Application: Submit parent visa with required evidence and AoS if needed.

Documents

Proof of relationship
Sponsor evidence
Financial and identity documents

Benefits

Live with family in Australia
Pathways to PR

FAQs

How long does it take?

Contributory pathways are faster; non-contributory can be lengthy.

Key Info

Field	Value
Processing Time	Varies widely by stream
Validity	Temporary or permanent depending on visa
Cost	Varies; contributory visas higher