Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

If your child is under 18 and planning to study in Australia, you may want to be there to support them in person. The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows a parent or eligible guardian to live in Australia and take care of a student who holds a Student Visa (Subclass 500) or Student (Temporary) Visa.

At Gemini Education & Migration, we regularly support families navigating the 590 visa alongside their child's 500 student visa application. 

Who Is the Subclass 590 Visa For?

The Subclass 590 visa is designed for:

• Parents of students under 18 years old who are studying in Australia

• Eligible non-parent carers (e.g., grandparents or relatives) who are approved by the student's school

• Guardians travelling to be the formal carer of a school-age student

Note: This visa is not for spouses/partners of adult students; that category is covered as a dependent on the Subclass 500 itself.

Key Features at a Glance

Eligibility Requirements

• You must be the parent or an eligible relative/carer of the student

• The student you are supporting must hold a current Subclass 500 student visa

• You must be approved by the student's education provider to act as guardian

• You must satisfy health and character requirements

• You must demonstrate financial capacity to support yourself (and the student, if applicable) in Australia

• You must hold appropriate health insurance for the entire stay

Work Rights: Important for Families to Know

The Subclass 590 visa does not grant work rights. Guardians cannot work in Australia while on this visa. This is a critical planning consideration for families, as one parent must typically remain employed in the home country to fund the student's education and the guardian's living costs in Australia.

If your financial situation requires income from Australia, speak with our migration team about alternative arrangements before applying.

Duration and Conditions

The Subclass 590 visa is granted for the same period as the student's Subclass 500 visa. If the student extends their studies and receives a new 500 visa, the guardian must apply for a new 590 visa to continue staying in Australia.

Visa conditions include:

• Maintaining the guardian role for the duration of your stay

• not undertaking work or extended study

• notifying the Department of Home Affairs of any changes in circumstances

Application Process

1. Confirm the student's Subclass 500 visa is approved or in progress.

2. Obtain a letter of support or approval from the student's CRICOS-registered institution confirming the guardian arrangement.

3. Gather documents: passport, birth certificate (proof of relationship), financial evidence, health cover documents.

4. Apply online via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.

5. Undergo health examinations and provide biometrics if required.

6. Await visa decision. It is advisable to apply simultaneously with or shortly after the student's Subclass 500 application.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Apply at the same time as the student's Subclass 500 application where possible

• Ensure the school has formally approved and documented the guardian arrangement

• Provide clear financial evidence, such as bank statements, salary slips, or loan documentation

• Book health examinations early, as HAP-linked clinics can have waiting times

• Work with a registered migration agent to avoid document errors that cause delays

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while on a 590 visa?

No. The Subclass 590 does not grant any work entitlements. If this is a concern for your family's finances, discuss alternatives with our registered migration agents.

What if my child turns 18 while in Australia?

Once the student turns 18, the guardian arrangement may change. The 590 visa may cease, and the student can manage their own visa as an adult. 

Can I study while on the 590 visa?

You may undertake courses of up to 3 months' duration only. A longer study requires a separate student visa.