Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590

The Student Guardian visa (Subclass 590) lets a parent, custodian, or eligible relative (21+) live in Australia temporarily to provide care and support to an international student visa holder, usually under 18. You must show sufficient funds, hold health insurance, and meet health, character, and Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements.

Overview How to Apply

Duration

Temporary

Cost

AUD 2,000

Processing Time

5-7 months

Pathway

Student visa

Overview

Subclass 590 is a temporary visa linked to the student’s course duration or until the student turns 18, whichever comes first. It can be applied for onshore or offshore via ImmiAccount. Costs start from AUD 2,000 (use the Visa Pricing Estimator for an indication), with a reduced charge from 22 March 2025 for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Processing times vary; check the visa processing time guide. With this visa, you can live in Australia to provide accommodation, welfare, and day-to-day support for the student. Work and study rights are generally not granted (limited study may be possible; no work unless exceptional circumstances).

Do You Have What It Takes?

✔ Be the student’s parent, legal custodian, or eligible relative aged 21+.
✔ Purpose is to provide care, accommodation, and welfare to the student.
✔ Student is under 18 (or over 18 with exceptional circumstances requiring a guardian).
✔ Demonstrate Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) intent to stay temporarily.
✔ Show financial capacity to support yourself and the student.

✔ Hold adequate health insurance for your entire stay.
✔ Meet health and character requirements (police checks if requested).
✔ Provide evidence of relationship (birth/adoption/guardianship docs).
✔ Have suitable accommodation and support arrangements in Australia.
✔ If applying onshore, hold an eligible substantive visa at lodgement.

Why Choose This Path?

Live in Australia to support a student visa holder who needs a guardian.
Ensure the student’s welfare, accommodation, and daily care needs.
Multiple-entry travel while the visa remains valid.
Flexibility to apply from inside or outside Australia.
Visa length aligned to the student’s visa and age.
Access to Australia’s healthcare via your private health cover policy.
Clear pathway to remain lawfully while the student studies.
Ability to manage school/provider communications directly.
Maintain close family support for the student’s wellbeing.
Transparent online application process via ImmiAccount.

Your Roadmap to Success

Confirm the student holds (or has applied for) a valid Student visa (Subclass 500).
Check your relationship eligibility and age (21+) and GTE intent.
Arrange adequate health insurance for your full stay.
Gather documents: ID, relationship proofs, financials, accommodation plans.
Complete the online Subclass 590 application in ImmiAccount.
Pay the visa application charge (check for any cost concessions).
Undertake health examinations if requested by Home Affairs.
Provide biometrics and police certificates if asked.
Monitor your ImmiAccount for requests and respond promptly.
Receive a decision and comply with visa conditions (no work, limited study).

Visa Duration

Initial Duration

Temporary

Visa Pathways

Student visa

Start here to study a CRICOS-registered course in Australia. You’ll need a CoE, OSHC, evidence of funds, and to meet English and Genuine Student requirements. Work up to 48 hours per fortnight in-session and travel multiple times while your visa is valid.

Processing times

Standard

5-7 months

Costs

Item	Amount	Notes
Base Application Fee	AUD 2,000	Primary application fee and reduced charges apply from 22 March 2025 for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.