Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590): Guide for Parents
The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows a parent, legal guardian, or approved relative to live in Australia as the guardian of a student under 18 (or in some cases, over 18 with special needs). The visa costs $810, lasts for the duration of the student's visa, and comes with strict conditions — no work, limited study, and a requirement to remain with the student at all times. Guardians must provide welfare arrangements and meet health, character, and financial requirements.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa subclass | 590 |
| Cost | $810 |
| Processing time | 1–4 months |
| Duration | Matches the student's visa period |
| Work rights | No (Condition 8101) |
| Study rights | Limited — up to 3 months of training |
| Who can apply | Parent, legal guardian, or approved relative aged 21+ |
| OSHC required | Yes |
Who Can Be a Student Guardian?
The student guardian must be:
A parent or legal custodian — the most common scenario. A biological parent, adoptive parent, or person with legal custody of the student.
A relative nominated by the parent — if neither parent can accompany the student, another relative aged 21 or over can be nominated. The parent must provide a statutory declaration explaining why they can't go and why the nominated person is suitable.
Aged 21 or over — there's no upper age limit, but the guardian must be physically capable of caring for the student.
Of good character — the guardian must pass character checks, including police clearances.
The student must be either:
- Under 18 years of age, OR
- Over 18 but unable to care for themselves due to exceptional circumstances (disability, medical conditions)
When Is a Student Guardian Visa Needed?
International students under 18 must have approved welfare arrangements to study in Australia. There are three ways to satisfy this:
- The education provider approves welfare arrangements — some boarding schools and institutions are approved to take responsibility for under-18 students
- An eligible relative in Australia is nominated and approved as a guardian
- A parent comes to Australia on a Student Guardian Visa (590)
If the school doesn't provide welfare arrangements and there's no eligible relative in Australia, the Student Guardian Visa is the necessary path. Without approved welfare, the student visa cannot be granted.
Requirements
Welfare Letter
The student's education provider issues a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) letter. This letter is also known as a "welfare letter" and confirms that the school acknowledges the student guardian arrangement.
If the school takes over welfare responsibility (e.g., the student moves into school boarding), the CAAW changes and the guardian visa may be affected.
Financial Requirements
The guardian must demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and the student during the entire stay. This includes:
- Living costs for the guardian (approximately $29,710/year, same standard as student visa applicants)
- Proof that the student's financial requirements are also met
- Return airfare costs
- OSHC for the guardian
Health and Character
Health: The guardian must undergo a health examination with an approved panel physician. This includes a medical exam and, depending on age, a chest X-ray.
Character: Police clearance certificates from every country the guardian has lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. The guardian must not have a substantial criminal record.
OSHC
Guardians need their own Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of their stay. This is separate from the student's OSHC. Budget approximately $500-$700 per year for single cover.
Visa Conditions
The Student Guardian Visa comes with restrictive conditions that are strictly enforced.
No Work (Condition 8101)
Guardians cannot work in Australia under any circumstances. This means no paid employment, no freelancing, no self-employment, and no remote work. Breaching this condition results in visa cancellation.
Limited Study (Condition 8201)
Guardians can undertake up to 3 months (or 12 weeks) of study or training. This allows for English language courses or short personal development courses. Enrolling in a full-time course requires a student visa instead.
Must Remain with the Student
The guardian must live with the student and provide care. The guardian cannot move to a different city while the student is studying. If the guardian needs to leave Australia temporarily (family emergency, for example), they must arrange alternative welfare for the student — either through the school or another approved person.
No Further Stay (Condition 8503)
Most Student Guardian Visas carry Condition 8503, meaning the guardian cannot apply for another visa while in Australia (with very limited exceptions for compelling circumstances).
Maintain Health Insurance
Guardians must maintain OSHC for their entire stay. A gap in coverage can lead to visa cancellation.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm the Student's Enrolment
The student must have an offer of enrolment (or existing enrolment) at a CRICOS-registered institution. The school will issue the CoE for the student and the CAAW for the guardian.
Step 2: Arrange OSHC
Purchase OSHC covering the full duration of the expected visa. Get a certificate of cover.
Step 3: Gather Documents
- Passport (guardian)
- Student's CoE and visa application reference number
- CAAW letter from the education provider
- Financial evidence (bank statements, income proof)
- Police clearances
- Health examination results (if not doing upfront, you can do this after application)
- Evidence of relationship to the student (birth certificate, custody documents)
- Statutory declaration from the other parent (if applicable)
Step 4: Lodge Online
Apply through ImmiAccount. The application can be lodged from outside or inside Australia.
Step 5: Attend Biometrics (If Required)
Some nationalities need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at an Australian Visa Application Centre.
Step 6: Await Decision
Processing times range from 1-4 months. A Bridging Visa A is granted if you apply from within Australia.
Life as a Student Guardian in Australia
Being a student guardian can be isolating. You can't work, can only study for 3 months, and must remain with your child. Here are practical considerations:
Social connections: Join parent groups, community organisations, or cultural associations. Many schools have international parent networks.
English skills: Use your 3 months of permitted study for English classes. Better English makes daily life easier and helps you support your child's education.
Cost of living: Without work income, budget carefully. Australia is expensive — expect $2,000-$4,000 per month for living costs depending on the city.
Multiple children: If you have other children not studying in Australia, you can bring them on their own visitor or student visas. The 590 visa covers you as guardian for the enrolled student only.
When the Student Turns 18
When the student turns 18, they no longer require a guardian under Australian immigration law. At this point:
- The guardian visa remains valid until its expiry date (it doesn't automatically cancel)
- The guardian can continue living in Australia until the visa expires
- If the student no longer needs welfare arrangements, the school may update the CAAW
- The guardian should plan their departure or transition to another visa if eligible
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both parents come on a Student Guardian Visa?
Only one parent can hold a 590 visa at a time for a specific student. The other parent can visit on a tourist visa but cannot stay long-term as a guardian.
Can I leave Australia temporarily while on a 590 visa?
Yes, but you must arrange approved welfare for the student before leaving. This means the school takes over welfare or another eligible person in Australia is nominated temporarily. Leaving without approved arrangements is a visa breach.
What if I need medical treatment in Australia?
Your OSHC covers standard medical treatment. For serious or ongoing conditions, you can access medical services like any other OSHC holder. However, pre-existing conditions have a 12-month waiting period.
Can I drive in Australia on a 590 visa?
You can drive on your overseas licence (with an international driving permit) for the first 3 months. After that, you'll need to obtain a state driver's licence. Rules vary by state.
What happens if the student changes schools?
If the student transfers to a new school, the new school must issue an updated CAAW. The guardian visa remains valid, but the welfare arrangements must be updated.
Can the guardian apply for permanent residence?
The 590 visa doesn't lead to permanent residence and typically carries Condition 8503 (no further stay). PR pathways from a 590 are extremely limited.
