Subclass 590
The Subclass 590 visa is the essential pathway for parents and guardians to provide care and welfare for students under 18 years in Australia.
The 590 Student Guardian Visa
The Subclass 590 is a temporary visa that allows a parent, custodian, or eligible relative to live in Australia to provide care and welfare for a Student Visa (Subclass 500) holder who is under 18 years of age.
Unlike other skilled or regional pathways, this visa is strictly focused on guardianship. It does not provide work rights and requires a clear demonstration of financial self-sufficiency.
Key Factors:
- Guardian Status: You must be the parent, legal custodian, or a nominated relative (aged 21+).
- Welfare: You must provide accommodation and support; you cannot leave Australia without the student unless alternative welfare is formally approved.
- Financials: You must prove access to sufficient funds for yourself, the student, and any dependents.
- GTE Requirement: You must demonstrate a genuine intent to stay temporarily to support the student and return home afterward.
Parent or Legal Custodian
What it is for: Biological or legal parents and individuals with court-ordered custody.
What it allows: Live in Australia to provide welfare; travel in and out of the country (subject to welfare rules).
Key Requirements:
- Proof of relationship (Birth Certificate or Legal Custody documents).
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.
- Hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
Work Rights: No work allowed.
Length of Stay: Until the student turns 18 or their visa expires.
Nominated Relative Guardian
What it is for: Relatives (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles) aged 21+ nominated by the parent.
What it allows: Temporary stay to act as the authorised guardian for the student.
Key Requirements:
- A written nomination from the student's parent or legal custodian.
- Proof of relationship.
- Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.
- Hold Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).
Work Rights: No work allowed.
Length of Stay: Until the student turns 18 or their visa expires.
Maintaining compliance
- No Work: You are strictly prohibited from working in Australia.
- Welfare: You must live with the student. You cannot leave Australia without the student unless you have made alternative welfare arrangements approved by the education provider.
- Departure: You must not depart Australia unless the student departs with you, except in compelling circumstances where the student's welfare is secured by an authorised third party.
- Health Insurance: You must maintain adequate OVHC for the entire duration of your stay.
The 590 Application Process
Preparation
Verify your relationship to the student and ensure the student is enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course.
Financial Audit
Calculate and gather evidence of funds covering tuition, travel, and 12 months of living costs for yourself and the student.
Health & Character
Complete medical examinations and provide police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more.
Lodgement
Submit the application via ImmiAccount. Immilex helps in assessing your GTE statement and welfare plans to ensure they are sound.
For 590 Visa Applicants
The Subclass 590 is a non-work visa. Immilex assists by assessing your financial records to prove you can support your stay without employment, preventing refusals based on financial risk or GTE concerns.
Furthermore, you must be aware of onshore application restrictions. You cannot apply for a 590 visa in Australia if you currently hold a Visitor (600), ETA (601), or Temporary Graduate (485) visa. These applications must be made from offshore.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can study for up to 3 months (ELICOS or short courses). Any study must be incidental to your primary role as a guardian.
Only if they are 6 years of age or older and apply for their own Student Visa. Children under 6 are generally not allowed to accompany a Student Guardian.
Your visa will generally expire when the student turns 18. If the student still requires care due to exceptional circumstances (such as a medical condition), you may be able to apply for an extension.
No. The 590 visa has a "No Work" condition. Engaging in any paid employment is abreach of your visa and may lead to cancellation for both you and the student.
Keep Your Family Together
The Student Guardian visa involves complex welfare and financial requirements. Contact us at Immilex for a consultation to ensure your guardian application is compliant with current GTE standards.