Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
Accompany and care for an international student under 18 years of age studying in Australia. We help parents and eligible relatives navigate the strict requirements of the Subclass 590 visa.
What is the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)?
The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows a parent, legal custodian, or eligible relative to come to Australia to provide care and support for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) holder who is under 18 years of age.
In exceptional circumstances, this visa can also be granted if the student is over 18 but requires care due to cultural, religious, or medical reasons.
This visa is strictly temporary and is intrinsically linked to the student's visa length and conditions. It comes with strict rules regarding employment and continuous care.
Guardian Eligibility Requirements
To be granted a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590), you must:
- Be the student's parent, legal custodian, or a relative who is 21 years or older.
- Be nominated in writing by the student's parent or person who has custody (if the applicant is a relative).
- Provide continuous care, accommodation, and general welfare for the student.
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself, the student, and any secondary applicants for the entire duration of stay.
- Be a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE), intending only a temporary stay in Australia.
- Maintain adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for yourself.
Important Note on Other Children: Generally, you cannot bring family members under 6 years of age on a 590 visa, unless there are extremely compelling and compassionate circumstances.
Strict Visa Conditions
The 590 visa carries very specific conditions that must be strictly adhered to. Breach of these conditions can lead to the cancellation of both the guardian's and the student's visas.
No Work Rights
You are strictly prohibited from working in Australia while on a Student Guardian Visa. You must rely solely on the funds you proved in your application.
Continuous Care
You cannot leave Australia without the student unless you have provided alternative welfare arrangements that have been approved by the student's education provider.
The Application Process
Student Acceptance & Nomination
The student must have their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). The parents/custodians then officially nominate you as the guardian if you are a relative.
Financial Preparation
We help you compile comprehensive evidence proving you have genuine access to the required funds to support yourself and the student.
Health & Character Checks
You must undergo required health examinations, secure Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC), and obtain necessary police clearances from your home country.
Simultaneous Lodgement
The Student Guardian Visa (590) is typically lodged at the same time as the primary Student Visa (500) application for the best outcome.
Visa Grant
Once both visas are granted, you can travel to Australia with the student and commence your guardianship duties.
Student Guardian Visa FAQs
No. The Subclass 590 Visa strictly prohibits employment in Australia. You must rely on the funds you demonstrated during the application process to support yourself.
Yes, but with limitations. You can study an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for up to 20 hours per week, or another course for a maximum of 3 months.
Generally, you cannot bring a child under 6 to Australia on the 590 visa. To bring a child under 6, you must prove there are extreme compassionate and compelling circumstances, or that the government in your home country prevents the child from staying there with another relative.
The Student Guardian Visa is generally tied to the date the student turns 18. Once the student turns 18, they no longer legally require a guardian for visa purposes, and your 590 visa will typically expire around that time.
No, unless you have received prior approval from the student's education provider who has confirmed that acceptable alternative welfare arrangements are in place. If you leave without this approval, your visa may be cancelled.
Accompany Your Child to Australia
Ensure your child is safe, supported, and successful during their studies in Australia. Our agents will manage your Guardian Visa alongside your child's Student Visa.