Guardian Visa for Students (Subclass 590)
Overview
The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) allows a parent, legal guardian, or eligible relative to stay in Australia to provide care and support for an international student under 18 years of age who is studying on a valid Student visa.
This visa is designed to ensure the welfare, accommodation, and general well-being of minor students while they complete their studies in Australia.
Key Features
Stay in Australia for the same duration as the student’s visa
Live with and support the student during their studies
Limited study rights for the guardian (up to 3 months)
No work rights under this visa
Multiple entries permitted while the visa is valid
Eligibility Requirements
You must:
Be a parent, legal guardian, or relative aged 21 or over
Be nominated in writing by the student’s parent or legal guardian
Have no dependent children under 6 years accompanying you (limited exceptions apply)
Have adequate financial capacity to support yourself and the student
Provide suitable accommodation, welfare, and general support
Meet health and character requirements
Visa Conditions
While holding a Subclass 590 visa, you must:
Live with the student unless approved otherwise
Maintain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC)
Not work in Australia
Study only for a maximum of 3 months
Leave Australia if the student leaves or turns 18 (unless a new visa is granted)
Applying from Inside Australia
You must hold a substantive temporary visa at the time of application.
You cannot apply if you currently hold:
Diplomatic or consular visas (subclass 403 or 426)
Diplomatic Temporary visa (subclass 995)
Sponsored Family or Approved Destination Status Visitor visas (subclass 600)
Transit visa (subclass 771)
Bringing Children with You
In most cases, you cannot bring dependent children with you.
Exceptions may apply where:
There are strong compassionate circumstances
The child is under 6 years of age
The arrangement is clearly in the best interests of the student
Written support is provided by all legal guardians
Health Insurance
You and any accompanying family members must maintain health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia and meet Australian health standards.
Important Notes
This visa does not lead to permanent residency
You must comply strictly with all visa conditions
Breaches can affect future visa applications
Need Advice?
Every family situation is different. Guardian visa applications often fail due to incorrect assumptions about eligibility, finances, or dependants.
Professional assessment is strongly recommended before applying.
