A Comprehensive Guide to a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

Student visa holders under the age of 18 can invite their parents, guardians, or relatives to Australia in order to provide support and care to them during their stay there. The visa designed for this purpose is called a Student Guardian Visa. This is a temporary visa that allows the parents to stay with their children during their studies in Australia. 

 

However, to apply for the Student Guardian visa, you’ll need to meet certain requirements and follow certain guidelines for successful approval of your visa application. Read this blog post to learn all about the Student Guardian visa, its requirements, document checklist, and application process.

 

What is a Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) in Australia?

A Student Guardian visa allows the parents or guardians of student visa holders who are under 18 to come to Australia to provide them with support and care. The guardian can provide care and support to more than one student visa holder. 

With a 590 visa, you can study an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for less than 20 hours a week. However, you can also study any other course or do training for 3 months. 

Keep in mind that you cannot work under a Student Guardian visa!

 

Who can apply for a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)?

 

To be eligible to apply for a subclass 590 visa, you must be 21 years of age or older. Moreover, you must be: 

 

• A student’s parents.
• A student’s custodian.
• A student’s relative.

 

How long can you stay under subclass 590?

It depends on the terms and conditions of the student visa holder. The guardian visa holder is permitted to stay for the same amount of time as the student they are caring for. However, if their visa expires and they wish to remain in Australia, they will be asked to apply for a new Student Guardian visa.

 

What is the processing time for a subclass 590?

Below is the processing time for a student guardian visa in Australia:

• 50% of applications are processed within 55 days.
• 90% of applications are processed within 6 months.

The processing time varies depending on individual circumstances. Therefore, it is better to check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. 

What is the visa cost for subclass 590?

The visa cost for subclass 590 is AUD 1,600 for the main applicant. However, if you want to include your family members, you will have to pay the additional charges. Moreover, you will also have to pay for a medical examination, a police clearance certificate, and biometrics. 

Can I bring other dependents with a Guardian Visa to Australia?

Yes, you can bring other dependents to Australia with a Student Guardian visa. But if your dependents are under six years of age, you will have to demonstrate compelling reasons why you want to bring them. You may be asked to attach a written statement outlining your reasons for bringing a young dependent with you to your visa application. 

If you are leaving dependents younger than six behind, you will need to provide evidence that you have provided adequate care for them. 

 

What are the Eligibility Requirements for Subclass 590?

Check the following eligibility requirements to apply for a subclass 590 in Australia: 

 

• You must be financially stable enough to support yourself and the student visa holder during your stay in Australia.
• You must be a genuine temporary entrant who will stay in Australia for a temporary time period.
• You and your family members who are applying for this visa are required to meet certain health requirements set by the Australian Government.
• You must not have been found guilty of a criminal offense in the past. In order to get approval for your visa, you must have good moral character.
• You and your family members must not owe any debts to the Australian Government.
• You must not have had a visa canceled or refused in the past. 
• You must have adequate health insurance to cover your medical expenses during your stay in Australia. 
• You must be a parent, custodian, or relative of the student visa holder.

 

Step-by-step Process to Apply for a Student Guardian Visa

Follow these steps to apply for a Student Guardian visa in Australia:

• Step 1: Check your eligibility.
• Step 2: Gather your documents.
• Step 3: Apply for the visa.
• Step 4: Wait for the Visa Outcome

 

Below is the detailed procedure to submit an application for subclass 590.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Check your eligibility before submitting an application for the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590). Before you apply for the visa, you might need to undergo a medical examination. Moreover, if you are looking for someone to help you with your application, keep in mind that person must be: 

• Registered migration agent
• Legal practitioner
• An exempt person.

 

Schedule an online appointment now and discuss your case with our registered migration agents to get professional help at affordable prices.

 

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Gather and organize all the required documents. See below the checklist for a student Guardian visa application:

Identity Documents

• Current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.
• A national identity card.
• Evidence of any change of name (if applicable).

Guardianship Documents

• Provide a completed Form 157N, Student guardianship arrangements (291KB PDF).
• If you do not submit the full Form 157N, your application will be rejected.

Genuine Temporary Entrant Documents

• Proof of immediate family members in your country of residence.
• Residence status in your home country.
• Evidence of property or other significant assets in your home country.
• A letter from your company confirming your leave.

Other documents

• Police clearance certificate.
• Medical examination.
• Health insurance certificate.
• Polio vaccination certificate.
• Financial stability documents

 

Step 3: Apply for the Visa

• Create an online account on the ImmiAccount website. 
• Download the application form.
• Fill out the application form carefully.
• Attach the required documents.
• Pay the application fee and submit the form.

 

Remember that providing incorrect or misleading information will result in visa rejection!

 

Step 4: Wait for the Visa Outcome

Once you have submitted your visa application, wait for the outcome patiently. The Department of Home Affairs will notify you about your visa grant number, visa issuance and expiration dates, and visa conditions. In case your application is refused, the department will inform you about the reasons for the refusal and whether you can review the decision or not.

Therefore, if you are planning to support a student visa holder under 18 and are confused about the application process, schedule an online consultation now.

 

FAQs

Can I bring my parents to Australia on a student visa, subclass 500?

Yes, you can bring your parents to Australia on a student visa, subclass 500. The Australian Government offers three subclasses of student visas to international students, which are subclasses 500, 590, and 407. Under subclass 500, students are permitted to bring their immediate family members (dependants) to Australia.

What is the student visa 590 in Australia?

Student Visa 590 is designed for the parents of student visa holders in order to provide support and care. The parent or guardian can offer care and support to more than one student.

Can the guardian of a student visa work in Australia?

No, under a Guardian student visa (subclass 590), you are not allowed to work in Australia. However, you can study or do training for 3 months in Australia.

Can I extend a Student Guardian visa in Australia?

No, you cannot extend a Student Guardian visa in Australia. However, if you want to stay longer, you must apply for a new Guardian visa.