Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) is a temporary visa that allows you to live in Australia to care for an international student under 18. You must submit your application online through the Australian government's digital portal. It is highly recommended that you submit your application at the same time the student applies for their visa.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the relationship requirements. You must be the student’s parent, legal custodian, or a relative aged 21 or older who has been nominated in writing by the parent or custodian. Eligible relatives include grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or step-equivalents.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You will need digital copies of the following:

• Identity Documents: Your passport bio-data page, national ID card, and proof of any name changes.
• Guardianship Proof: A completed Form 157N (Student Guardianship Arrangements).
• Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement: A written personal statement in English explaining your ties to your home country and your intent to return home after the visa expires.
• Health Insurance: Evidence of Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) or a reciprocal healthcare agreement.
• Financial Evidence: Proof that you have at least AUD 29,710 for your first 12 months of living costs, plus funds for travel and the student’s tuition. Alternatively, provide official tax assessments showing a spouse/partner (who is not traveling) earns at least AUD 102,500 annually.

Note: All non-English documents must be translated by a NAATI accredited translator.

Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount

All applications must be lodged through ImmiAccount. Create an account, start a new application for the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590), and upload your scanned documents.

Step 4: Pay and Submit

Pay the Visa Application Charge using a credit card or PayPal through the portal. Your application will not be processed until the payment is confirmed.

Step 5: Health Exams and Biometrics

After submitting, check your ImmiAccount regularly. The Department of Home Affairs may send you a "Requirement to Provide Biometrics" letter or instructions for a health examination. You must visit an authorized clinic or visa application center to provide your fingerprints and photo.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

The Department will notify you in writing of their decision. If granted, you will receive a visa grant number and the specific conditions of your stay.

Item	Cost
Base Application Charge	AUD 2,000
Pacific Island & Timor-Leste Citizens	Reduced Rate (Check ImmiAccount for specific discount)
Health Examinations	Approx. AUD 300 – AUD 500
Biometrics Collection	Varies by location

Total Estimate: Approximately AUD 2,350 – AUD 2,600 for a single applicant. Note: This does not include costs for police certificates, document translations, or professional migration advice.

Processing times vary based on the volume of applications and whether you have provided all required evidence.

• Fastest Cases (25%): 21 to 42 days.
• Average Cases (50%): 45 to 68 days.
• Complex Cases (90%): Up to 9 months.

Document Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay. Police certificates and health exams are generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Important Condition: This visa includes Condition 8101, which strictly prohibits you from working in Australia. Additionally, under Condition 8538, you cannot leave Australia without the student unless you have made alternative welfare arrangements approved by the student's school.