590 Visa

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows you to accompany and care for an international student on a student visa in Australia. This typically applies to students under 18, but exceptions can be made for special circumstances involving older students. While you won't be authorized to work as a guardian under this visa, there are some permitted activities. Let's explore the entitlements, obligations, and other details of the Subclass 590 visa.

What are the Permissible Uses of the 590 Visa?

While you won't be authorized to work as a guardian under this visa, you do have some permitted activities. These include:

• Arriving in Australia and providing care for multiple student visa holders (your family members).
• Enrolling in an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students for fewer than 20 hours per week.
• Undertaking any other training or educational program for a maximum of three months.

The duration of your stay is determined by the Department of Home Affairs and is typically linked to the student's visa or their 18th birthday. You can extend your stay by applying for another Student Guardian Visa if needed.

How much time does the Department of Home Affairs typically take to process a 590 Guardian Visa?

While the processing times for the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) can vary, Australian authorities aim to finalize:

• 25% of applications within 23 days
• 50% of applications within 46 days
• 75% of applications within 3 months
• 90% of applications within 5 months

It's important to remember that these are general benchmarks. Incomplete applications or complex situations may cause delays. Ensure you submit all required documents accurately to avoid processing holdups.

Student Guardian Visa 590 Requirements

• If your age is under 18 at the time of applying, the Department of Home Affairs may not approve the visa if it deems it not in your best interest. Like other visas, you need to satisfy various requirements for the student guardian subclass 590.
• Some items on the 590 visa checklist may apply generally to all Australian visas, but there are specific requirements for this one.
• The Department of Home Affairs provides comprehensive guidelines outlining everything you will need when submitting your application. We recommend reviewing this information and reaching out to us for assistance with your application.

Can your family members be included in your 590 Guardian visa application?

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) is generally not available for applicants with a family member under 6 years old. Exceptions can be made in rare situations if:

• There are strong and compelling reasons to grant the visa, such as significant benefits to Australia's relationship with another country.
• You and your child meet the same health requirements and maintain health insurance throughout your stay, as mandated by Australian regulations.

It's important to note that children under 6 cannot be included on your application. However, children 6 years and older can accompany you on a separate student visa.

How Much Will the Visa Cost?

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) incurs an application fee of $710 or higher for the main applicant. Additional fees apply for each accompanying relative submitting their application at the same time. There may also be extra expenses for police certificates, biometrics, and health assessments. The Visa Pricing Estimator can provide an initial estimate of the visa cost, but it excludes these additional charges.

How Do I Apply for a Student Guardian Visa?

Applying for the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) requires submitting your application through ImmiAccount at least six weeks before the student's course starts. Prior to application, ensure you and any accompanying family members complete health examinations and gather all necessary documents.

The Department of Home Affairs will require documentation verifying your identity, character, student guardian status, adequate health insurance, temporary entrant status, and financial capacity to support yourself, any accompanying family members, and the student visa holder.

Applying for the subclass 590 student guardian visa necessitates:

• To apply for the visa, a family member must be either the student's parent, step-parent, grandfather, step-grandfather, grandmother, step-grandmother, sibling or step-sibling. Other eligible relatives include uncle, aunt and their respective stepsiblings as well as niece or nephew and their corresponding stepsibling. Finally, partners are also eligible to apply.
• Be able to provide students with necessary accommodation, support, and overall welfare.
• Have sufficient funds for your living expenses in Australia and for any accompanying family members.
• Arrange suitable welfare, support, and accommodation for family members who do not join you in Australia or are under 18 years old without a student visa.

If your children, who are between 6 and 18 years old, will be living with a relative aged 21 or older, a different custodian, or another parent, the Department of Home Affairs would consider that you have made suitable arrangements for the children.

• You should possess and maintain appropriate health insurance for the duration of your stay in the country if your visa is approved. To determine what meets the criteria for adequate 590 visa health insurance in Australia, you can reach out to any of our migration agents.
• Demonstrate that you intend to stay temporarily in the country by providing information about your personal situation in your home country, your planned situation in Australia, and also by showcasing a positive immigration history.
• Fulfill all requirements related to character and health as specified by the Department.
• Agree to comply with Australian laws and embrace their way of life through a signed statement.
• Ensure there are no financial obligations owed to the government of Australia.
• Avoid having had a previous visa canceled or an application refused while being present in Australia.