The Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa allows parents or legal guardians to live in Australia while accompanying a student under 18 years old (or older in special circumstances) who holds a Subclass 500 Student Visa.
Key Features of the 590 Visa
✅ Stay in Australia for the duration of the student’s course
✅ Care for the student (must be a parent, custodian, or relative over 21)
✅ Work is normally not permitted — condition 8101 (no work) or 8106 (work limitation) may be attached to this visa. Check your grant letter or VEVO for the conditions actually imposed on you
✅ Multiple entries allowed
✅ Limited study permitted — an ELICOS English course of less than 20 hours per week, or any other study or training for no more than three months (condition 8201)
Eligibility Requirements
For the Guardian
✔ Must be a parent, legal custodian, or relative over 21
✔ Must not bring family members (except in exceptional cases)
✔ Must have enough funds to support stay in Australia
✔ Must meet health and character requirements
For the Student
✔ Must hold a Subclass 500 Student Visa
✔ Must be under 18 (or over 18 with special needs)
✔ Must be enrolled in an approved Australian course
Required Documents
📌 Proof of relationship (birth certificate, custody papers)
📌 Student’s visa and CoE (Confirmation of Enrollment)
📌 Financial evidence (bank statements, sponsor letters)
📌 Health insurance (OSHC for the student, private insurance for guardian)
Application Process & Timeline
- Student must first obtain a Subclass 500 visa
- Guardian applies for Subclass 590 visa (onshore or offshore)
- Processing times vary – check the Home Affairs processing time guide
- Visa grant (valid until student’s course ends or turns 18)
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Official Resources
Home Affairs – 590 Visa
Document ChecklistNote: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Key questions answered
Short, self-contained answers to the questions we are asked most often about the subclass 590 Student Guardian visa. All charges below were checked against the Department of Home Affairs on 14 September 2026.
How much does the subclass 590 Student Guardian visa cost?
The base application charge is AUD 2,500. An additional applicant under 18 included in the application is AUD 500. If you are already in Australia when you lodge, a subsequent temporary application charge of AUD 700 may also be payable. The base charge is not payable if you are applying for a new subclass 590 because of an education provider default.
Who can apply for a subclass 590 Student Guardian visa?
You must be the student’s parent, custodian, or a relative who is 21 years or older. You must show evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and the student, hold adequate health insurance, and be able to provide accommodation, welfare and other support. If you are in Australia when you apply, you must hold an eligible substantive visa.
How long is a subclass 590 Student Guardian visa granted for?
It is a temporary visa. The Department of Home Affairs determines the length of the visa by reference to the student visa holder’s stay and their age, rather than a fixed period. It is granted to allow you to provide care and support for a student visa holder who is under 18, or who is older where exceptional circumstances apply.
Can I bring a younger child with me on a Student Guardian visa?
You can include a child who has not turned six in your application. Home Affairs requires that compelling and compassionate circumstances be established for that child to be eligible. Documentary requirements apply, and this is one of the more commonly refused elements of a subclass 590 application, so it is worth preparing carefully.
Can a Student Guardian visa holder work or study in Australia?
Work is normally not permitted: condition 8101 (no work) or 8106 (work limitation) may be attached to a subclass 590 visa. Study is limited rather than banned — you may study an ELICOS English course of less than 20 hours per week, or any other study or training for no more than three months, under condition 8201. The conditions actually imposed are set out in your grant letter and in VEVO.
Related Immigrad pages
Read about the student visa pathways the guardian visa attaches to, consider the subclass 600 Visitor visa for a shorter stay, or contact Immigrad to discuss your family’s situation.
General information only, current as at 14 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice and does not take your circumstances into account. Charges and requirements change; always confirm current figures with the Department of Home Affairs. Complex cases should be discussed with a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd. Gaurav Duggal, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1805710.