Subclass 590 Visa – Australian Student Guardian Visa

What is a Student Guardian visa – Subclass 590?

The Student Guardian visa, or Subclass 590 visa, is a type of visa that allows a parent or guardian to accompany an international student who is under 18 years of age to Australia. It enables the guardian to provide care and support to the student during their stay in Australia with subclass 500 Student visa while they pursue their education.

The benefits of a Subclass 590

The Subclass 590 visa offers several benefits to parents or guardians accompanying young international students to Australia:

• Support for young students: It allows parents or guardians to provide essential care and support to students under 18 years old, ensuring their well-being and comfort during their studies.
• Stay duration: The visa typically allows for a stay period that aligns with the student’s course duration, providing long-term support and companionship.
• Flexibility: It offers flexibility in travel arrangements, allowing multiple entries into and exits from Australia within the visa’s validity period.
• Healthcare access: Eligibility for Australia’s healthcare system.
• Cultural experience: Provides an opportunity for guardians to experience Australian culture and lifestyle firsthand while supporting their child’s educational journey in Australia.

Understanding these benefits helps parents and guardians make informed decisions about accompanying their children to study in Australia under the Subclass 590 visa.

The requirements of Student Guardian visa

The requirements for the Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa typically include the following:

• Relationship to the student: You must be the parent, legal guardian, or relative (such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or step-parent) who is nominated by a parent or legal guardian of the student.
• Student’s age: The student must be under 18 years of age. Exceptions may apply if the student has a disability that prevents them from caring for themselves.
• Financial capacity: You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and the student during your stay in Australia. This includes covering living expenses, accommodation, and other costs.
• Health insurance: You are required to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.
• Genuine temporary entrant: You must genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily to provide care and support to the student.
• Character requirements: You must meet character requirements, which typically involve providing police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
• No visa condition breach: You must not have previously breached visa conditions while in Australia.
• Health requirements: You and any dependent family members must meet health requirements. This may include undergoing health examinations.

It’s important to note that specific requirements and conditions may vary, and it’s advisable to consult the official website of the Department of Home Affairs or seek advice from a qualified migration agent for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa.

Contact VEM for updates. Our qualified education and migration consultant (QEAC: K580; MARN: 1577877) will assist you.

Steps to apply for a Student Guardian visa

Applying for a Student guardian visa subclass 590 involves several steps. Here’s a general guide on how to apply:

• Step 1: Check eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria as a parent, legal guardian, or nominated relative of an international student under 18 years old studying in Australia.
• Step 2: Prepare documents: Gather necessary documents such as passport, proof of relationship, financial evidence, health insurance, and confirmation of enrollment from the student’s education provider.
• Step 3: Complete online application: Fill out Subclass 590 visa application form online through the Department of Home Affairs website.
• Step 4: Pay application fee: Pay the required visa application fee online as specified by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Step 5: Submit application: Lodge your application and upload supporting documents via your ImmiAccount.
• Step 6: Biometrics and health checks: If required, attend biometric collection and undergo health examinations as instructed.
• Step 7: Await decision: Wait for a decision from the Department of Home Affairs, which will be communicated via your ImmiAccount.
• Step 8: Receive visa grant: Upon approval, receive your visa grant notice specifying conditions, validity dates, and entry requirements.
• Step 9: Plan travel to Australia: Make travel arrangements within the visa validity period and ensure compliance with visa conditions upon arrival.
• Step 10: Comply with visa conditions: Adhere to all conditions of visa 590 while in Australia, including providing care and support to the student and maintaining health insurance.

For the most current and detailed instructions, always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a registered migration agent.

The cost of a Subclass 590 visa application

Like subclass 500 Student visa, the cost of applying for the Student Guardian visa subclass 590 is AUD 1,600. 

Note: The fees listed above do not include a 1.4% surcharge.

Subclass 590 visa processing time

According to the most recent update on the DHA’s website, 90% of visa subclass 590 applications are expected to be processed within 6 months. 

Please note that subclass 590 processing times are subject to change, so it’s advisable to regularly check the DHA’s website or contact VEM for any updates. We are here to support you throughout your entire immigration journey!

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about other Australian visa:

• Studying abroad in Australia: The most accurate and detailed route in 2023
• How do the new Australian migration policies affect you?
• Choose a professional Australian migration agency from the beginning to enhance your chances of getting a visa