When a child studies overseas, every parent’s top concern is their safety and well-being, especially in a new country. For families with children studying in Australia, the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) provides a way for a parent, legal guardian, or close relative to accompany the student and offer personal care, emotional support, and guidance throughout their studies.
This visa plays a crucial role in helping international students feel secure while they adapt to life and education in Australia. It ensures that younger students have a trusted adult to provide stability and assistance, allowing them to focus on their studies.
What is the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)?
The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows a parent, legal custodian, or eligible relative to stay in Australia as the guardian of a student visa holder who is under 18 years old (or older in exceptional circumstances).
Its main purpose is to ensure that international students — particularly minors — are well cared for and supported during their studies. This visa enables guardians to live with or near the student to provide everyday supervision, emotional support, and practical help.
In some cases, this visa may also be granted if the student is over 18 but needs ongoing care due to special circumstances, such as a disability or illness.
Who Can Apply for a Student Guardian Visa?
To qualify for a Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. The applicant must be:
- The student’s parent, legal custodian, or an eligible relative who is 21 years or older.
- Able to financially support both themselves and the student during their stay.
- Able to provide accommodation, general welfare, and support for the student.
- Covered by adequate health insurance throughout their stay in Australia.
- Considered a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) — meaning the stay is genuinely temporary and only for the purpose of supporting the student.
- Able to meet health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
Eligible relatives can include grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or step-relatives. Applicants already in Australia must hold a valid visa that is not a Visitor visa, Graduate visa, or Maritime Crew visa.
Can Both Parents Apply for a Student Guardian Visa?
In most cases, only one parent or guardian can be the main visa holder under the Subclass 590. This is because the visa is specifically designed for a single guardian to accompany and care for the student.
However, the other parent can still visit Australia by applying for a Visitor Visa or another suitable visa type, depending on their circumstances.
There may be flexibility in special cases — for example, if the student has specific health or emotional needs that require both parents’ presence, or if one parent has limited capacity to provide care alone.
For more information about other parent visa options, visit our Understanding Parent Visas in Australia page.
Conditions of the Student Guardian Visa
Holders of a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) must follow specific conditions while in Australia:
- Work restrictions: Guardians are not allowed to work in Australia while holding this visa.
- Support responsibilities: You must provide accommodation, welfare, and support to the student during their studies.
- Visa duration: Your visa will generally be granted for the same period as the student’s visa, or until the student turns 18 — whichever comes first.
Applicants must also make suitable arrangements for the care and welfare of any non-migrating children under 18 who are not accompanying them to Australia.
How to Apply for the 590 Visa
Applying for the Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa involves several key steps:
- Check eligibility – Confirm that you meet the relationship, financial, and health requirements.
- Prepare your documents – Gather identity documents, evidence of relationship, financial proof, and health insurance details.
- Lodge the application online through your ImmiAccount.
- Pay the visa application fee and submit all required documents.
As of 1 July 2025, the base application cost is $2,000 for the main applicant and $400 for each dependent under 18. Additional fees may apply for medical checks, biometrics, or subsequent applications.
Common FAQs About the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
1. What documents are needed for a Student Guardian Visa?
You’ll need to provide:
- Your passport and identity documents
- Proof of relationship to the student (such as birth certificates or legal documents)
- Evidence of sufficient financial capacity to support yourself and the student
- Proof of health insurance
- A Genuine Temporary Entrant statement outlining your purpose and intentions
- Welfare and accommodation arrangements for both the student and any non-migrating children.
2. Can I work on a Student Guardian Visa?
No — holders of the Student Guardian Visa are not permitted to work while in Australia. This visa is intended solely for guardianship and caregiving purposes. If you wish to work, you’ll need to explore other visa options that allow employment rights.
3. How long is the Student Guardian Visa valid for?
The duration of the Subclass 590 Visa typically matches the student’s visa period. If the student’s visa is extended, you may also apply for an extension of your guardian visa to continue providing care.
Current processing times (as of September 2025) are:
- 50% of applications processed within 39 days
- 90% of applications processed within 6 months
4. Can I include other children in my 590 visa application?
You can include children under 6 years old only in exceptional circumstances, as they usually cannot accompany the guardian. Children aged 6 or older must hold their own Student Visa to join you in Australia.
If your younger children are not accompanying you, you must provide evidence of arrangements for their care while you’re away.
Get Support With Your Student Guardian Visa Application
The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) offers parents and guardians a valuable way to be close to their children as they study in Australia. It’s not just about meeting visa conditions, it’s about ensuring your child’s safety, comfort, and success in a new environment.
At Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE), we help families understand their visa options, prepare strong applications, and navigate Australia’s immigration system with confidence.
If you’re planning to accompany your child on their study journey, our team can guide you through every step of the Student Guardian Visa process — ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience.
Get in touch with AVIE today to discuss your situation and start your application with expert support.