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Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)

The student guardian visa 590 (also referred to as student visa 590) allows a parent, legal guardian or eligible relative to stay in Australia to provide care and support to a student visa holder.

This visa is designed primarily for guardians of students who are under 18 years of age studying in Australia on a Student visa (subclass 500).

 

It is a temporary visa and subject to specific conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs.

This guide explains eligibility, requirements, conditions and the application process based solely on official Department of Home Affairs information.

Overview of Student Guardian Visa 590

The student guardian visa 590 allows you to:

  • Stay in Australia to provide care and support to a student visa holder

  • Remain in Australia for the same period as the student visa holder (or as determined by the Department)

You must genuinely intend to provide care and support and comply with visa conditions.

This visa does not allow you to work unrestricted or use it as a pathway for employment in Australia.

Who Can Apply for Student Visa 590?

You may be eligible for a student guardian visa 590 if you are:

  • A parent of the student

  • A person who has legal custody of the student

  • A relative who is at least 21 years old and nominated in exceptional circumstances

The student must:

  • Hold a valid Student visa (subclass 500), or

  • Have applied for a Student visa (subclass 500)

Generally, the student must be under 18 years of age, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

You must genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia to provide care and support.

Relationship Requirements

You must provide evidence of your relationship to the student.

This may include:

  • Birth certificates

  • Legal guardianship documents

  • Court orders (if applicable)

The Department must be satisfied that you are the appropriate person to provide care and support.

Only one guardian is generally permitted to hold a student guardian visa 590 for a student at any given time.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to support:

  • Their own living expenses

  • The student’s living expenses (if required)

  • Travel costs

The Department specifies minimum financial capacity amounts and acceptable forms of evidence.

Financial evidence may include:

  • Bank statements

  • Loan documents

  • Official sponsorship documentation

Failure to meet financial requirements may result in refusal.

Need Help With Your Student Guardian Visa 590 Application?

RACC’s registered migration agents can assess your eligibility for a student guardian visa 590, explain the financial and care requirements, and assist with preparing an application that meets Australian Government standards.

Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants for student visa 590 must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia.

You must provide evidence of appropriate health cover when applying and maintain that cover while in Australia.

Work Rights Under Student Guardian Visa 590

The student guardian visa 590 carries strict work limitations.

Generally:

  • You are not permitted to work, or

  • You may only work in limited circumstances after your student has commenced their course

Work rights are significantly restricted compared to the Student visa (subclass 500).

You must comply with the specific conditions listed on your visa grant notice.

Study Limitations

As a holder of student visa 590, you may undertake study in Australia, but only for a limited duration.

The Department restricts the length of study you can undertake while holding this visa.

This visa is not intended as a primary study pathway.

Visa Conditions

Common conditions attached to the student guardian visa 590 include:

  • Providing appropriate care and support to the student

  • Not working beyond permitted limitations

  • Maintaining adequate health insurance

  • Not leaving Australia without the student unless alternative care arrangements are approved

Failure to comply with visa conditions may result in cancellation.

Length of Stay

The duration of a student guardian visa 590 generally aligns with the student’s visa period.

The Department determines the exact length of stay at the time of decision.

If the student’s visa ceases, the guardian’s visa may also cease.

Application Process

Applications for student visa 590 are lodged online through ImmiAccount.

The general process includes:

  1. Gathering evidence of relationship

  2. Preparing financial documentation

  3. Obtaining health insurance

  4. Completing the online application

  5. Paying the visa application charge

  6. Undertaking health checks or biometrics if requested

You must provide accurate and complete information.

Visa Charges and Processing Times

The visa application charge for student guardian visa 590 is set by the Department of Home Affairs and may change.

Processing times vary depending on:

  • Individual circumstances

  • Completeness of documentation

  • Volume of applications

Applicants should refer to official Department resources for current fees and processing estimates.

Frequently Asked Questions – Student Guardian Visa 590

Can both parents apply for a student guardian visa 590?

Generally, only one person can be granted a student guardian visa 590 to care for a student at a time.

Can I work on a student visa 590?

Work rights are highly restricted. In most cases, you are not permitted to work, or you may only work in limited circumstances after the student’s course has commenced.

Can I study while holding a student guardian visa 590?

You may study in Australia for a limited period, as permitted under visa conditions. This visa is primarily for providing care, not for full-time study.

What happens if my child’s student visa is cancelled?

If the student’s visa ceases or is cancelled, your student guardian visa 590 may also cease.

Can I switch from student guardian visa 590 to another visa?

You must comply with any conditions attached to your visa. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply for another visa, subject to eligibility and any applicable limitations.

Need Assistance With Student Visa 590?

The student guardian visa 590 carries strict eligibility, financial and care requirements. A carefully prepared application reduces the risk of refusal.

RACC’s registered migration agents can assess your situation, explain your obligations as a guardian, and assist in preparing a compliant application.

CONSULTATION

We give the best advice based on your needs

ASSESSMENT

We assess your situation to 

ensure you meet the 

requirements

PREPARATION

We compile all of your

important documents

APPLICATION

We submit your application​

and keep you informed

Address

Australia Office:
343 Little Collins Street 

Melbourne VIC 3000

Level 7, Suite 715 - 716

Office Hour

9 am - 6 pm Mon - Fri.

Closed on public holidays

© 2024 RACC Australia; Migration Agent Registration Number (MARN) 1572961

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