How to Apply for Child Visa & 190 Visa Australia – Step-by-Step
Australia offers various visa options tailored to meet the needs of families, skilled professionals, and future citizens. Two notable categories are the Child Visa Australia and the 190 Visa Australia, each serving distinct purposes. Whether you’re a parent looking to bring your child to Australia or a skilled worker planning permanent migration, understanding these visas is crucial.
This guide will break down the essentials of both visa types, including their purposes, eligibility, requirements, and processing time all presented in a human-readable format for easy understanding.
What is a Child Visa Australia?
The Apply for Child Visa Australia is designed for children who wish to live in Australia with their parent(s) who are either Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. There are several subclasses under the child visa category, but the most common are:
Child Visa Subclass 101 – for children outside Australia
Child Visa Subclass 802 – for children already in Australia
These visas allow the child to live permanently in Australia, study, and access Medicare – the country’s public health care system.
Key Features of Child Visa Australia
Permanent Residency: Grants the child the right to live in Australia indefinitely.
Access to Healthcare and Education: Children can access Australia’s public schooling and healthcare system.
Path to Citizenship: Eligible children can apply for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Work Rights: Older children (over 18) may have limited or full work rights depending on circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria for Child Visa
To apply for a Child Visa Australia, certain conditions must be met:
Relationship: The child must be the biological child, adopted child, or stepchild of an eligible parent.
Age Limit: The child must be under 18 years, or:
A full-time student aged 18 to 25 who is financially dependent on the parent, or
Over 18 with a disability and financially dependent.
Health and Character: The child must meet basic health and character requirements.
Parental Consent: If the child is under 18, both legal parents must consent to the visa application unless one has sole custody.
Child Visa Australia Processing Time
Processing time for child visas can vary based on the type of visa, application completeness, and demand. On average:
Subclass 101: 12 to 24 months
Subclass 802: 12 to 20 months
However, the Department of Home Affairs updates these timelines regularly. Delays often occur if further documentation is needed or if there are issues with parental custody agreements.
Documents Required for a Child Visa
Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
Evidence of parental relationship
Consent from both parents or court orders
Health examination records
Police checks (if applicable)
It’s recommended to consult a registered migration agent to ensure a smooth and successful application process.
What is the 190 Visa Australia?
The 190 Visa Processng time Australia, officially known as the Skilled Nominated Visa Subclass 190, is a permanent residency visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory. It’s part of the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and targets individuals with occupations in demand in Australia.
Key Features of 190 Visa
Permanent Residency: Allows you to live and work in Australia indefinitely.
State Nomination: You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
Points-Based System: Requires a minimum of 65 points to be eligible, calculated based on age, qualifications, English proficiency, and work experience.
Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible holders can apply for Australian citizenship after fulfilling residency criteria.
Family Inclusion: Applicants can include family members such as a partner or dependent children.
Eligibility for 190 Visa Australia
To qualify for a 190 visa, you must:
Be Nominated by a State or Territory: Each region has a specific occupation list and eligibility requirements.
Have an Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL): Your job must be in demand in Australia.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Through the SkillSelect system.
Meet the Points Test: Achieve at least 65 points based on factors such as:
Age
English language ability
Skilled employment experience
Educational qualifications
Australian study or work experience
Partner skills or qualifications
Health and Character Requirements: Pass medical and police checks.
190 Visa Processing Time
The typical processing time for the 190 visa Australia is between 6 to 11 months, but this can vary based on:
Number of applications
Specific state processing capacity
Timely submission of requested documents
Documents Required for 190 Visa Australia
Valid passport and ID
Skills assessment result
English language test results (IELTS, PTE, etc.)
Educational transcripts and employment records
Nomination approval letter
Expression of Interest (EOI) confirmation
Major Differences: Child Visa vs. 190 Visa Australia
| Feature | Child Visa Australia | 190 Visa Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Family reunification | Skilled migration |
| Visa Type | Family visa | Skilled visa |
| Applicant Age | Usually under 25 or with disability | No age restrictions (max points under 33) |
| Nomination Required | No | Yes, by state or territory |
| Points Tested | No | Yes (min. 65 points) |
| Processing Time | 12–24 months | 6–11 months |
Can You Apply for Both Visas?
These two visa types serve different audiences. However, in some family situations, both might apply to different members of a family. For example, parents may migrate through the 190 visa, while their dependent child may apply for a child visa. It’s essential to coordinate the timing and requirements with a registered migration agent to ensure all family members can migrate smoothly.
Common Questions
Q1: Can I sponsor my adopted child under the child visa program?
Yes, adopted children are eligible, but additional legal documentation proving the legality of adoption is required.
Q2: How many points are needed for a 190 visa Australia?
You need at least 65 points. However, higher points improve your chances of nomination and faster processing.
Q3: Can I include my spouse and children in my 190 visa application?
Yes, dependent family members can be included in your application.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re reuniting with your child or seeking a better future as a skilled professional, Australia offers visa pathways tailored to your goals. The Child Visa Australia ensures that families can stay together, while the 190 Visa Australia helps skilled workers settle permanently with great professional prospects.
To navigate these processes effectively, consult a registered migration agent who can guide you through eligibility checks, documentation, and timelines. Planning your move wisely can turn your Australian dream into a reality.