Student Guardian visa
A visa for a parent or eligible guardian to stay in Australia to care for a student who is under 18, or a student over 18 who needs care due to special circumstances.
At a glance
Overview
The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) lets a parent, legal guardian or eligible relative stay in Australia to provide care and accommodation for a student who is under 18, or for a student over 18 who needs care because of special circumstances. It is linked to the student's stay and does not allow work.
How the pathway works
The flowchart below shows the journey and the key decision points along the way. Where the answer is “no”, we show how AuzRoo can help you find another way forward.
What this visa lets you do
- Stay in Australia to care for the student
- Provide accommodation and general welfare
- Study a short course of limited duration
- Travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid
Who can apply
To be granted this visa you generally need to meet all of the following. Every case is assessed on its own facts, so treat this as a guide rather than a checklist.
A student needing a guardian
You must be caring for a student who is under 18, or over 18 with special circumstances requiring care.
Your relationship and capacity
You must be a parent, legal guardian or eligible relative and be able to provide accommodation, support and general welfare.
Financial capacity
You must show you can support yourself and the student for the stay.
Health cover and character
You need adequate health insurance and must meet health and character requirements.
No work
This visa does not permit work in Australia.
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm your eligibility to be the student's guardian.
- Gather evidence of your relationship and capacity to care.
- Arrange health cover and funds for your stay.
- Lodge your visa application with supporting documents.
- Complete health and police checks as requested.
- Care for the student in line with your visa conditions.
Costs and processing
A visa application charge applies, with separate costs for health cover, health examinations and police checks. Government charges and processing times change and depend on your circumstances, so we confirm the current figures for your case during your consultation.
When you have the visa
You must provide accommodation and welfare for the student, must not work, and must keep your health cover current. The visa is generally linked to the student's stay and circumstances.
For more information on the current official requirements, read the Department of Home Affairs page for this visa. Click here →