Student visas
Subclass 590
Student Guardian visa
Live in Australia with your child while they study, and give them the care and support they need.
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About the Student Guardian visa
The 590 visa is for a parent, custodian or eligible relative who will live with and care for an international student under 18. You're responsible for the student's accommodation, support and welfare.
Applications need strong financial evidence and a clear plan for the student's care, so they're best prepared together with the student's own application.
Key requirements
- Be the student's parent, custodian, or an eligible relative aged 21 or over
- The student holds, or is applying for, a Student visa and is under 18
- Enough money to support yourself and the student
- Health insurance for your stay
- Genuine intention to stay temporarily as a guardian
- Health and character requirements
What this visa lets you do
- Live in Australia with the student
- Study for up to 3 months, or English courses part-time
- Travel in and out of Australia
- Bring children under 6 in limited circumstances
How to apply
- 01
Step 1
Confirm the student's enrolment and visa plan
- 02
Step 2
Prepare relationship, financial and accommodation evidence
- 03
Step 3
Arrange health insurance
- 04
Step 4
Lodge online and complete any health checks
- 05
Step 5
Respond to any requests and wait for a decision
Common reasons applications fail
- Not enough evidence of funds to support both of you
- Relationship to the student not clearly proven
- Doubts about your intention to stay temporarily
- Guardian and student applications that don't line up
Download PDF
Student visa checklist
Free PDF checklist. Print it or save it to your phone before your consultation.
Download PDFGovernment fees
What Home Affairs charges, current as at 1 July 2026. These are not our professional fees.
Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
| Fee | Amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $2,500 |
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a consultation and we'll map out your options.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Student Guardian visa (590)?
A parent or legal custodian of a student under 18 can apply. In some cases, a relative aged 21 or over who is nominated by the student's parents can apply instead. The guardian must provide accommodation, support and welfare for the student while they are in Australia.
Can I work on a Student Guardian visa (590)?
No. The Student Guardian visa does not allow you to work in Australia. You can study for up to 3 months, or longer if it is an English language course to support your stay. You must show you have enough money for your stay.
Can I bring my other children on a 590 visa?
Generally, only children under 6 can come with you, and only in limited circumstances. Older children usually need their own visa, such as a student visa. Ask us about your family before you apply.
Can I apply for the Student Guardian visa (590) from inside Australia?
Usually not. From 2 October 2026, most people in Australia on a temporary visa can no longer apply for a Student Guardian visa onshore. They must apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted. Limited exemptions apply. Check with us before you lodge.
What happens to the 590 visa when the student turns 18?
The Student Guardian visa is generally granted until the student turns 18 or finishes their course, whichever comes first. Plan ahead: if the guardian wants to stay longer, they will need a different visa.
General information only, not migration advice. Visa rules change often. We'll confirm what applies to you in a consultation. Last reviewed October 2026 by SavieMEC's registered migration agents.