Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) is a temporary visa designed for individuals who need to reside in Australia to provide care and support for an international student under the age of 18. In exceptional circumstances, such as a physical or cognitive disability, you may also qualify to be a guardian for a student over the age of 18.

This pathway is strictly for providing welfare; it is not a work visa or a general migration pathway. It is commonly confused with a "dependent" or "subsequent entrant" application on a student visa. While a student's partner or children can sometimes be included in a student visa, the Subclass 590 is a distinct visa for a designated guardian (usually a parent) who must live with the student to ensure their wellbeing.

The Subclass 590 visa is subject to strict conditions that, if breached, can lead to immediate visa cancellation.

• No Work Rights: You are legally prohibited from working in Australia. This is a non-negotiable condition (Condition 8101).
• The "No Further Stay" Rule: Most 590 visas are issued with Condition 8503. This means you cannot apply for most other Australian visas while you are in the country; you must depart before seeking a different status.
• Welfare Maintenance: You must live with the student. Under Condition 8538, you cannot leave Australia without the student unless you first obtain written approval from the student's education provider and make formal alternative welfare arrangements.

As a holder of a Subclass 590 visa, you are granted specific rights to facilitate your role as a caregiver:

• Residency Rights: You may live in Australia for the duration of the student’s visa or until the student turns 18 years of age.
• Travel Rights: You have multiple-entry rights, allowing you to travel in and out of Australia as often as you like, provided the student travels with you or approved welfare arrangements are in place.
• Limited Study Rights: You may study an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for less than 20 hours per week, or engage in any other type of study or training for a maximum of 3 months.
• Family Reunification: You may bring eligible children aged 6 and over as dependents on your application, provided they meet the same health and financial requirements.