Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows a legal guardian to enter Australia to provide care and support for a student visa holder who is under 18 years old. In exceptional cases, it may also apply to students over 18.

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What Does the Student Guardian Visa Mean?

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) is a strategic temporary residency pathway designed for individuals who wish to provide care and support to international students studying in Australia. It enables guardians to live in Australia for the duration of the student’s course, ensuring the student’s wellbeing while maintaining compliance with visa conditions.

In the 2026 migration framework, the Subclass 590 is recognized as a “Supportive Residency Gateway.” It grants the ability to live and work in Australia under specific conditions, allowing guardians to accompany students, access essential services, and provide a stable environment that supports the student’s academic and personal success.

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What You Can Do on the 590 Visa

  • Care for student visa holders during their stay in Australia.
  • Study or training:
    • English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for under 20 hours per week, or
    • Other short-term courses for up to three months.
  • Stay duration: Tied to the student’s course or until the student turns 18. You can apply for a new visa to extend your stay.

Processing Time

Percentage of Applications

Time

25%

23 days

50%

46 days

75%

3 months

90%

5 months

Processing may take longer if the application is incomplete or requires additional checks.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  1. Be the parent or legal guardian of the student.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to support and provide accommodation for the student.
  3. Have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses, accompanying family members, and the student.
  4. Maintain adequate health insurance for the entire stay.
  5. Be a temporary entrant (show intention to leave Australia after the stay).
  6. Meet health and character requirements.
  7. Sign the Australian Values Statement.

Have no outstanding debts or visa refusals with the Australian government.

Family Inclusion

  • Children under 6 cannot be included except under compassionate or compelling circumstances.
  • Children 6 years or older can accompany you but must apply for their own visa.
  • Family members over 18 may require separate applications.

Visa Costs

  • Primary applicant: AUD 630 (minimum)
  • Family members: Additional fees apply
  • Other costs may include health checks, biometrics, and police certificates.

Use the Visa Pricing Estimator for an estimate, noting it may not include all extra costs.

Required Documents

  • Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate)
  • Evidence of guardianship or relationship to the student
  • Proof of financial capability
  • Evidence of adequate health insurance
  • Health and character documents (police clearance, medical exams)
  • Temporary entrant statements

How to Apply

  1. Apply at least six weeks before the student’s course begins using ImmiAccount.
  2. Prepare all supporting documents in advance.
  3. Complete the online application accurately and pay the visa fee.
  4. Await processing and decision by the Department of Home Affairs.
1. Who is eligible for the Subclass 590 visa?

Applicants must be the parent, legal guardian, or relative of a full-time student under 18 studying in Australia.

Strategic Insight: The visa is intended to provide guardianship and support for the student’s welfare while they study.

The visa is usually granted for the duration of the student’s course, up to a maximum of 5 years in some cases.

Flexibility Advantage: The stay can be extended if the student continues their studies in Australia.

Yes, you may work in Australia under certain conditions specified by the visa grant.

Opportunity Edge: This allows guardians to support themselves financially while providing care for the student.

Yes, dependent family members can be included in the application if they meet eligibility requirements.

Family Advantage: This ensures the guardian’s immediate family can accompany them during their stay.

Yes, you must maintain adequate health insurance for yourself and any dependents while in Australia.

Compliance Note: This is essential to meet visa conditions and protect your wellbeing during your stay.

Yes, you can undertake short-term study courses while holding this visa.

Lifestyle Advantage: This allows guardians to continue learning or develop skills alongside supporting the student.

Student Testimonials

I have been very impressed with AECC services, the whole team is efficient and knowledgeable. Thank AECC for your great support and guidance through my Professional Year Program and 485 visa.
Bikram Karki
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I have been very impressed with AECC services, the whole team is efficient and knowledgeable. Thank AECC for your great support and guidance through my Professional Year Program and 485 visa.
BIkram Karki
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been very impressed with AECC services, the whole team is efficient and knowledgeable. Thank AECC for your great support and guidance through my Professional Year Program and 485 visa.
John Doe
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