The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows a parent, legal guardian, or eligible relative to stay in Australia to care for an international student under 18 years old who is studying at a CRICOS-registered institution. It is also available in limited circumstances for students over 18 who require guardian support due to exceptional needs. This guide explains everything you need to know about eligibility, application steps, costs, conditions, and common pitfalls. HeadStart Academy is your free, independent resource for navigating Australian student pathways. Remember, all listed providers are CRICOS-registered, and data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026.
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The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) is a temporary visa that permits you to live in Australia to support an international student who holds a Student Visa (Subclass 500) and is under 18 years old. As the guardian, you are responsible for providing accommodation, general welfare, and financial support. The visa is linked to the student’s course duration and typically expires when the student turns 18 or finishes their studies, whichever comes first. You cannot work on this visa, and you can only study for up to three months. The visa is designed to ensure students have proper care while studying in Australia, in line with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act protections.
To be eligible for a Student Guardian Visa, you must be a parent, legal guardian, or a relative over 21 years of age (e.g., grandparent, sibling, aunt/uncle) who can demonstrate the ability to care for the student. The student must be under 18 and enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course. In some cases, the visa can apply to students over 18 if they have special needs (e.g., medical condition) and the Department of Home Affairs approves. You cannot bring dependent children under 6 years old unless exceptional circumstances apply, and any other family members must apply for their own visas. You also must meet health and character requirements and have no outstanding debts to the Australian government. The visa is typically granted for the same period as the student's visa, but no longer than five years.
The application process for a Student Guardian Visa is managed online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount. First, ensure the student has a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from a CRICOS-registered provider. Next, gather required documents: your passport, the student's CoE, proof of your relationship (birth certificate or adoption papers), financial evidence showing you can support both yourself and the student (e.g., bank statements, sponsorship letters), a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement explaining your intention to stay only as a guardian, police certificates from each country you've lived in, and health insurance documentation. You will also need to undergo a health examination and provide biometrics. Lodge the application, pay the fee, and then wait for processing. You can apply from within Australia or overseas, but if you hold a current visa you may need to check bridging visa options. Typical processing times: 50% of applications processed within 5 months, 90% within 10 months (as at April 2026).
The visa application charge for the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) is A$1,150 as at April 2026. This fee is non-refundable and applies per applicant. In addition, you should budget for health checks (approximately A$400 per person), police certificate fees (vary by country, around A$50-A$100), and biometrics collection (about A$85). While OSHC is not required for guardians, the student must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which costs roughly A$600–A$700 per year for a single student. If you choose to take out Overseas Visitor Health Cover for yourself, costs start around A$500–A$800 per year. All figures are indicative and subject to change; always confirm current charges on the Department of Home Affairs website.
The Student Guardian Visa comes with strict conditions. You are NOT permitted to work in Australia. You may undertake study for up to three months (or longer if the course is a prerequisite for childcare, but this is rare). You must maintain adequate accommodation for yourself and the student. You must live with the student and provide for their welfare. If you need to leave Australia for an extended period, you must make alternative guardianship arrangements approved by the Department. You also must comply with health and character requirements throughout your stay. Breaching these conditions can lead to visa cancellation and affect future applications. The ESOS Act protections apply to the student’s educational provider, ensuring they receive a quality education and consumer safeguards.
Many applicants fail because they provide incomplete financial evidence. You must show you have enough funds to support both yourself and the student for at least the first 12 months – typically 12 months of living costs plus tuition. Another common error is not clearly explaining your genuine intention to act as a guardian – the GTE statement must be detailed and specific. Some applicants submit a CoE that is not from a CRICOS-registered provider; always verify on cricos.teqsa.gov.au. Others apply too late, risking that the student’s visa will be processed before the guardian’s, leaving a gap in care. Also, failing to disclose other dependents or previous visa refusals can lead to immediate rejection. Finally, remember that you cannot work – do not include salary expectations in your financial evidence.
For personalised immigration advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) – you can find one at mara.gov.au. The Department of Home Affairs provides official guidance at homeaffairs.gov.au. Your intended educational institution’s international student support office can also assist with CoE and welfare arrangements. HeadStart Academy is NOT a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. We offer free, independent resources to help you understand CRICOS-registered providers and student pathways. Always double-check visa requirements with official sources.
Ready to get started? Use our free resources to find CRICOS-registered schools and learn more about the Student Visa (Subclass 500) before your guardian application.