Student Guardian Visa Australia (Subclass 590)

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590 Visa

Snapshot

The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) lets a parent, legal guardian or close relative (18 +) live in Australia to provide day-to-day care for an international student aged under 18—or over 18 with support needs. It is a temporary visa and carries strict work limits and financial thresholds.

Who Can Apply?

You are the student’s parent, legal guardian, or relative (brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, step-equivalent) aged 21 or older.
The student holds, or is applying for, a Student visa (subclass 500).
You have genuine intent to provide support
You meet health, character and insurance requirements.
You can show at least AUD 29,710 to cover 12 months of living costs for you and the student (higher if additional children travel).

Length of stay & conditions

Granted up to the student’s course end date (maximum 5 years per grant; extensions possible).
No work rights. You may study an English course up to 20 hours per week or any study up to three months.
You must live with the student or nominate an alternative carer when you need to leave Australia temporarily.
You cannot bring other family members unless they are younger than six years (very limited exemptions).

Fees & processing times

Item	Amount / timeframe*
Base VAC (primary applicant)	AUD 2,000 since 1 July 2025
Processing (median)**	50 % in ~29 weeks; 90 % in ≤ 5 months

Application Steps

Gather evidence – passports, birth or custody certificates, Form 1229 (consent), OSHC or equivalent insurance, bank statements covering AUD 29,710+.
Set up ImmiAccount and choose Student Guardian visa (590).
Complete online form – address Genuine Support questions thoroughly.
Attach documents in colour PDF; translate non-English materials.
Pay VAC online (AUD 2,000).
Biometrics & health exams – book quickly when prompted.
Monitor requests – respond to s56 information letters promptly; most refusals stem from missing funds or unclear intention.

. Common pitfalls—and how to avoid them

Pitfall	Prevention tip
Undershooting living-cost evidence	Show cash savings plus recent pay slips or support letter from sponsor.
Child-care gaps when guardian travels	Lodge Form 157N to nominate an alternate carer before leaving.
Mixing study and care	Limit study to the allowed hours and keep attendance records.
Inconsistent statements	Align answers across your 500 and 590 applications and family members’ forms.

Why choose Jade Immigration Lawyers

We regularly secure 590 visas for parents worldwide.
End-to-end help – from Genuine Support statements to extension strategies when your child shifts to high school or university.
Fixed fees, clear timelines – no surprises.

Need expert help?

Book a 30-minute consultation with Jade Immigration Lawyers for $250. If you proceed with us, your consultation fee will be credited towards your legal fees. We assist clients Australia-wide and internationally.

📅 Book a Consultation Now

Let us handle the paperwork — so you can focus on your future.

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FAQ

Get answers to frequently asked questions about our immigration services and processes. For additional assistance, please reach out to us.

How early should I lodge my 590 application?

Send it at least two months before the course starts so biometrics and medicals don’t delay the grant.

Can I bring my 4-year-old with me?

Only if you can prove “compassionate and compelling” reasons. Otherwise, children under 6 normally stay home or later get their own Student visa.

Do I need private health insurance?

Yes. Every guardian (and any child you add) must hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the whole visit.

Can I work in Australia while caring for my child?

No. The Student Guardian visa comes with zero work rights; you may do only short study (e.g., English up to 20 hrs/week).

Is it possible to extend my Guardian visa?

Yes. If your child changes school or starts a new course, you can apply for another 590 so your stay keeps matching their studies.