Student and Graduate Visa
Student and graduate visas provide pathways for international students to study in Australia, receive family support where needed, and remain temporarily in Australia after graduation to gain work experience.
2. Guardian Visa Subclass 590
The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows a parent, custodian, or eligible relative to travel to Australia to provide care and support for an international student who holds a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
This visa is commonly used when the student is under 18 years of age, although in certain circumstances it may also apply to students over 18 who require additional care and support.
The Student Guardian visa is a temporary visa, and the duration of stay is generally determined based on the length of the student’s visa or until the student turns 18 years old.
What You Can Do with a Student Guardian Visa
With a valid Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590), you may travel to Australia to provide care and support for an international student, stay in Australia for the duration of the student’s visa (or until the student turns 18), travel in and out of Australia while the visa remains valid, study an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for less than 20 hours per week, or undertake other short courses for up to 3 months.
However, Student Guardian visa holders are not permitted to work in Australia.
Key Eligibility Requirements
• Eligible Guardian: The applicant must be the parent of the student visa holder, or a custodian, or an eligible relative aged 21 or older nominated by the student’s parent or legal guardian. Eligible relatives may include grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or other specified family members.
• Providing Care and Welfare: The guardian must be able to provide appropriate accommodation, general welfare, and support to the student during their stay in Australia. The purpose of this visa is to ensure that younger international students have responsible adult supervision while studying in Australia.
• Financial Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves, the student, and any accompanying family members during their stay in Australia. Financial evidence may include bank savings, loans from financial institutions, scholarships, or sponsorship support.
• Health Insurance: Student Guardian visa holders must maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. This insurance helps cover medical expenses while living in Australia.
• Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate that they intend to stay in Australia temporarily and will comply with the conditions of the visa. Immigration authorities may consider the applicant’s personal circumstances, immigration history, and ties to their home country when assessing this requirement.
• Visa Conditions: Student Guardian visa holders must comply with several visa conditions while in Australia. Common obligations include providing appropriate care and support to the student, maintaining adequate health insurance, complying with Australian laws and visa conditions, and ensuring appropriate welfare arrangements if leaving Australia temporarily. Guardians are generally expected to remain in Australia with the student unless alternative welfare arrangements are approved.
Family Members
In limited circumstances, family members may be included in the visa application. However, special rules apply for children, particularly those under six years of age. Applicants must ensure that appropriate welfare arrangements are made for any dependent children who are not travelling to Australia.
Applicants are encouraged to lodge their visa application well before the student’s course commencement date.