Student Guardian Visa - Subclass 590
This visa allows parents, legal guardians, or relatives of international students to live in Australia and take care of students under 18 with a valid student visa (Subclass 500). In some cases, it can also be given to guardians of students over 18 if they need extra care. The visa holder cannot work or study (unless in special cases) but can stay in Australia for the same length of time as the student’s visa or until the student turns 18.
Benefits of the Subclass 590 Visa
Live in Australia
Enables you to live in Australia while caring for a student who holds a Subclass 500 visa.
Limited Study Options
You can study an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for up to 20 hours per week or another course for up to three months.
Multiple Entry
Visa holders can travel in and out of Australia multiple times during the visa period.
No Work Requirement
You are not required to work, allowing you to focus on providing care and support for the student.
Subclass 590 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
Hold a Valid Visa
If you are applying for this visa while in Australia, you must hold a valid substantive visa, except for the following subclasses/streams:
Temporary Work (International Relations) - Subclass 403 [Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or consular) stream]
Temporary Domestic Worker (Diplomatic and Consular) - Subclass 426 Visa
Visitor Visa - Subclass 600 Visa
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) Visa - Subclass 601 Visa
Medical Treatment -Subclass 602 Visa
eVisitor Visa - Subclass 651 Visa
Transit Visa - Subclass 771 Visa
Maritime Crew Visa - Subclass 988 Visa
Primary visa holder of Temporary Diplomatic Visa - Subclass 995 Visa
Valid Guardian
To be considered a valid guardian, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Parent of the student visa holder
- Valid person who has custody to the student visa holder
- A relative of the student visa holder who is 21 years or older and has been nominated by the student's parent or legal guardian.
Required to provide care
To be considered a valid eligible guardian, one of the following criteria must be met:
The student visa holder is under 18 years of age
The student visa holder aged 18 years or older requires care and support due to exceptional circumstances
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
You must show that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily to provide care and support to the primary student visa holder and that you will return to your home country once the student completes their education.
Financial Capacity
You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your own expenses, as well as the costs for any accompanying family members and the student visa holder, during your stay in Australia.
Health and Character Requirements
You will need to undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates to meet the health and character criteria.
Steps to apply for the Subclass 590 Visa
Verify Eligibility
Ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, including your relationship to the student, financial capability, and health insurance coverage.
1
Gather Required Documents
Collect necessary documents such as proof of relationship to the student, financial statements, health insurance coverage, identity documents, and police clearance certificates.
2
Submit Visa Application
Lodge your Subclass 590 visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure to include all required documents and pay the visa application fee.
3
Health and Character Checks
Undergo health examinations and submit police clearance certificates as part of your application process.
4
Await Visa Decision
The Department of Home Affairs will process your application and notify you of the outcome. If successful, you will receive your visa and can proceed to live in Australia as the student’s guardian.
5
Current Processing Time: Subclass 590 Visa
When it comes to the processing timeline, several factors can impact your application. These include the quality of submitted documents and the volume of applications received by the Department.
| 50% applications are processed in | 90% applications are processed in |
|---|---|
| 72 days | 7 Months |
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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No, you are not permitted to work in Australia on a Subclass 590 visa. Your primary role is to care for the student holding a Subclass 500 visa.
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You cannot bring other children under the age of 6 unless there are compelling or compassionate reasons. Children over 6 years old can come with you if they have their own visa or hold a Subclass 590 visa.
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You can stay in Australia for the same length of time as the student’s visa or until the student turns 18, whichever occurs first.
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Yes, you can study an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for up to 20 hours per week, or another course for up to 3 months.
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Yes, you and any family members included in your application must maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
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Yes, you can travel in and out of Australia multiple times while holding a Subclass 590 visa, as long as the student continues to hold a valid Subclass 500 visa.