Aus Visa Library

Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa

The Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa allows a parent, legal guardian or relative to stay in Australia as a guardian for a student visa holder under 18 years of age. It ensures the student has proper care and support throughout their studies.

Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa

Overview

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) is designed for a parent, legal guardian, or eligible relative of a student visa holder under 18 years of age, allowing them to stay in Australia and provide care and support.

It is a temporary visa, usually valid for the same period as the student’s visa or until the student turns 18 (whichever comes first). The visa holder is not permitted to work but may undertake short-term study (up to 3 months).

Key Features

  • Stay in Australia as a guardian of an international student
  • Can stay for the same duration as the student visa holder or until the student turns 18
  • Travel to and from Australia during the visa validity
  • No work rights; study for up to 3 months is permitted
  • Can include dependants under 6 years old under limited circumstances

Who Can Apply

You must be:

  • A parent, legal custodian, or relative of the student
  • At least 21 years old
  • Able to provide appropriate accommodation, welfare, and support
  • Meet financial, health, and character requirements

You must be the nominated guardian on the student’s visa application or provide evidence of necessity (e.g., the student is under 18 or requires support due to exceptional circumstances).

Eligibility Criteria

✅ Relationship to Student

You must be:

  • A parent of the student, or
  • A legal guardian, or
  • A relative who is at least 21 years old, such as:
    • Brother/sister
    • Aunt/uncle
    • Grandparent

✅ Student Visa Requirement

The student must:

  • Be under 18 years of age, or
  • Require welfare support due to exceptional circumstances, even if 18+

✅ Financial Capacity

You must show that you can cover:

  • Living costs for yourself and accompanying family
  • Travel expenses
  • Health insurance
  • School fees for accompanying children (if applicable)

As a guideline, you should have access to approximately:

  • AUD 21,041 for one year for your living costs
  • AUD 7,362 for each child (if accompanying)

✅ Accommodation and Welfare

You must be willing and able to:

  • Provide day-to-day care and supervision
  • Live with the student in the same household
  • Not leave Australia without making alternate arrangements approved by the Department of Home Affairs

Required Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Evidence of relationship with the student
  • Letter of nomination or student visa details
  • Bank statements or proof of income/funds
  • Health insurance documentation
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Health assessment (if required)
  • Birth certificates for accompanying dependants (if applicable)

Application Process

  1. Create an ImmiAccount
    immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

  2. Gather Documentation
    Including proof of funds, student visa link, relationship documents

  3. Complete Application Form (Online)
    Subclass 590 application form via ImmiAccount

  4. Pay Visa Application Fee
    Approx AUD 710 (subject to change)

  5. Biometrics & Health Checks
    Complete medicals and provide police clearance if requested

  6. Wait for Decision
    You will be notified by email of approval, visa grant number, and conditions

Processing Times

Application Type75% Processed In90% Processed In
Subclass 5903 months4 months

Processing times can be shorter with complete and accurate documentation.

Common Use Cases

1. Parents Accompanying High School Students

A 16-year-old student enrolled in an Australian high school is accompanied by her mother as guardian during her stay.

2. Guardians for Boarding School Students

A relative stays in Australia to care for a student attending a boarding school outside school hours, holidays, and weekends.

3. Support for Students with Disabilities

Even if the student is over 18, if they require support due to a disability, a guardian can be granted a 590 visa.

4. Temporary Support During Initial Transition

Parents accompany younger students for the first term or semester to help them settle in before returning home.

Limitations and Conditions

  • No work rights
  • Can study up to 3 months
  • Must stay with the student unless alternate welfare is arranged
  • Cannot leave Australia without Department approval
  • Must maintain health insurance
  • Must not engage in activities that conflict with visa intent (e.g., full-time work)

Common Hurdles

  • Inadequate financial evidence
  • Applying without clear link to a student visa
  • Misunderstanding eligibility (e.g., applying when student is over 18 without exceptional circumstances)
  • Trying to include dependants over 6 years old
  • Failing to meet health or character requirements

Real Scenarios

  • Mr. Singh from India applied for a 590 visa to support his 15-year-old daughter enrolled in a Sydney private school. He submitted bank statements and health insurance and received the visa within 4 weeks.

  • Mrs. Li from China planned to bring her 7-year-old son along while acting as guardian for her 16-year-old daughter. Her application was refused as the child was not eligible to accompany her under 6 years.

  • Aunt Siti from Malaysia, aged 35, applied as a guardian for her niece studying in Perth. She was approved based on documentation showing she was the student’s nominated relative and had the funds to support both.

FAQs

Can I include other children on this visa?

Only if the children are under 6 years old, and only under exceptional circumstances. Additional approval is required.

Can I work while on a 590 visa?

No. This visa does not grant any work rights.

Can I switch to another visa while in Australia?

Yes, in some cases. For example, you might apply for a visitor visa or partner visa if eligible, but must ensure the conditions of the 590 are met.

What if I need to leave Australia temporarily?

You must either take the student with you or make alternate welfare arrangements that are approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

What happens when the student turns 18?

Your visa may end when the student turns 18 unless it has a later expiry date. You may need to make arrangements to depart or apply for another visa.

Can both parents apply?

Generally, only one guardian is allowed unless exceptional circumstances justify the presence of both.

Helpful Resources

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