How to Apply for the 143 Visa Australia: Step-by-Step Guide

The 143 visa is one of the most popular options for parents who wish to permanently settle in Australia with their children. Officially known as the Australian Parent Visa, this visa allows eligible parents to live, work, and access healthcare in Australia on a permanent basis. While the benefits are significant, the application process can be complex and requires careful planning. This step-by-step guide will help you understand how to apply for the 143 visa successfully.

What Is the 143 Visa?

The 143 visa is a permanent Australian Parent Visa designed for parents of Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. It falls under the contributory parent visa category, meaning applicants must pay a higher visa charge in exchange for faster processing compared to non-contributory parent visas.

With the 143 visa, parents can:

• Live in Australia permanently

• Work or study without restrictions

• Access Medicare

• Sponsor eligible relatives

• Apply for Australian citizenship once eligible

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step toward a successful Australian Parent Visa application.

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Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for the 143 visa, ensure you meet the core eligibility criteria for the Australian parent visa:

• You must be the parent of an eligible sponsor

• Your sponsor must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

• You must meet the Balance of Family Test

• You must satisfy health and character requirements

• You must be old enough to meet parent visa age criteria

Meeting these conditions is essential, as failing to qualify may result in refusal of your 143 visa application.

Step 2: Understand the Balance of Family Test

The Balance of Family Test is a key requirement for the Australian Parent Visa. To pass this test:

• At least half of your children must live permanently in Australia, or

• More of your children must live in Australia than in any other single country

Passing this test significantly improves your chances of approval for the 143 visa.

Step 3: Secure an Eligible Sponsor

An eligible sponsor is mandatory for the 143 visa. Your sponsor is usually your child who lives in Australia and must:

• Be settled in Australia

• Be at least 18 years old

• Agree to provide support for your initial stay

In addition, an Assurance of Support (AoS) is required for the Australian parent visa to ensure you will not rely on government financial assistance.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Accurate documentation is crucial for a smooth 143 visa application. Common documents include:

• Proof of relationship with your sponsoring child

• Identity documents such as passports and birth certificates

• Evidence for the Balance of Family Test

• Police clearance certificates

• Medical examination reports

Incomplete or incorrect documentation can delay your Australian Parent Visa processing.

Step 5: Lodge the 143 Visa Application

The 143 visa application is usually lodged via a paper-based submission, unlike many other Australian visas. You must:

• Complete the correct application form

• Attach all required documents

• Pay the first instalment of the visa application charge

Once submitted, your Australian Parent Visa application will be placed in a queue for processing.

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Step 6: Pay the Visa Charges

The 143 visa involves significant costs due to its contributory nature. The visa fee is typically paid in two stages:

1. Initial application charge

2. Second instalment, paid before visa grant

This cost contributes to faster processing times compared to other Australian Parent Visa options.

Step 7: Health and Character Checks

As part of the 143 visa process, applicants must undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates from all countries lived in for 12 months or more. These checks ensure that applicants meet Australia’s public health and safety standards.

Failure to meet health or character requirements may impact your Australian Parent Visa approval.

Step 8: Wait for Processing and Decision

Processing times for the 143 visa can vary depending on application volume and government priorities. While it is faster than other parent visas, it may still take several years. During this time:

• Ensure your contact details remain updated

• Respond promptly to any requests from immigration authorities

Patience and careful follow-up are essential throughout the Australian Parent Visa processing period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants face delays or refusals due to avoidable errors when applying for the 143 visa, such as:

• Failing the Balance of Family Test

• Submitting incomplete documents

• Providing incorrect sponsorship details

• Missing deadlines for payments or requests

Professional guidance from experts like Edunest Consultants can help reduce such risks and ensure compliance with all Australian Parent Visa requirements.

Final Thoughts

Applying for the 143 visa is a major decision for families wishing to reunite in Australia. As a permanent Australian Parent Visa, it offers long-term stability, healthcare access, and the opportunity to build a new life close to loved ones. However, the application process requires careful preparation, financial planning, and attention to detail.

By following this step-by-step guide and understanding each stage of the 143 visa process, parents can significantly improve their chances of success. With the right approach and accurate documentation, the Australian Parent Visa can be a rewarding pathway to permanent residency in Australia.