Study & Graduate
Student Guardian · 590
Live in Australia to care for and support a student visa holder who is under 18.
Overview
The Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa lets a parent, legal guardian or approved relative live in Australia to care for and support a student visa holder who is under 18 — or, exceptionally, a student aged 18 or over who needs care. The guardian must provide accommodation, welfare and support, hold adequate health cover, and prove financial capacity. The guardian cannot work in Australia and may study only very limited hours.
| Subclass | 590 |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Temporary |
| Stay | Up to 5 years, typically until the student turns 18 or completes study |
| Base application charge | AUD 2,000 (from 1 July 2025) |
| Work rights | None — no work permitted |
| Study rights | Limited — up to 3 months general study, or ELICOS up to 20 hrs/week |
| Points tested | No |
| Leads to PR? | No |
Who it's for
- A parent or person with custody of the student, or a relative aged 21 or over nominated by a parent or custodian.
- The student must hold (or be applying for) a Subclass 500 Student visa and be under 18 — or 18+ only in exceptional or compassionate circumstances where care is needed.
- The guardian must be able to provide accommodation, financial support and general welfare for the student.
- The guardian must be a genuine applicant who will remain with the student until the student turns 18.
- Adequate health insurance for the visa period (the guardian is not eligible for OSHC).
Cost & timeline
Government charge
The base application charge is AUD 2,000 for the primary applicant (from 1 July 2025), plus additional applicant charges for any accompanying dependent children.
Processing time
Processing times broadly track the linked student visa and the country and provider profile — commonly several weeks to a few months — with no guaranteed median.
How to apply
- 1
Confirm the student's status
Confirm the student's Subclass 500 application or CoE and that the student is under 18 (or qualifies under exceptional circumstances).
- 2
Establish guardianship
Establish guardianship or, if not a parent, a formal custodian nomination.
- 3
Arrange health insurance
Take out adequate health insurance for the guardian and any accompanying dependents.
- 4
Compile evidence
Gather financial-capacity evidence and accommodation and welfare arrangements for the student.
- 5
Lodge online
Lodge the Subclass 590 application via ImmiAccount, usually alongside or after the student's 500, and pay the AUD 2,000 base charge.
- 6
Complete checks and comply
Complete health examinations and biometrics if requested, then comply with conditions — no work, limited study, and remaining with the student.
Recent changes (2024–2026)
Figures and lists are indicative and change frequently — always verified against homeaffairs.gov.au before we advise you.
Frequently asked
Can a Student Guardian work in Australia?+
Who can be a Student Guardian?+
Can the guardian leave the student alone in Australia?+
Does the 590 lead to permanent residence?+
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