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Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) lets a parent, custodian or relative aged 21 or older live in Australia to care for a student visa holder who is under 18, or older in exceptional circumstances. You must show enough money to support yourself and the student, hold adequate health insurance and provide accommodation and welfare. You cannot work, and you can only do limited study. From 2 October 2026, most temporary visa holders in Australia cannot apply onshore, but current 590 holders can still apply for another 590 in Australia. The charge is AUD 2,500.
Student Guardian Visa (590) at a Glance
| Visa type | Temporary, usually linked to the student's visa or until the student turns 18 |
|---|---|
| Who can apply | The student's parent, a person with custody, or a relative aged 21 or older nominated in writing by a parent or custodian |
| Student | A student visa holder under 18, or 18 or older with exceptional circumstances |
| Funds | Travel, 12 months of course fees and living costs: AUD 29,710 for you and AUD 4,449 per accompanying child |
| Work | Not allowed |
| Study | ELICOS under 20 hours a week, or any other study for up to 3 months |
| Family | Children under 6 only in compelling and compassionate cases. Older children need their own Student visa |
| Government charge | AUD 2,500 main applicant, AUD 500 per child (from 1 July 2026). Some onshore applicants also pay a AUD 700 subsequent temporary application charge |
Who Can Be a Student Guardian
- The student's parent, or
- A person who has custody of the student, or
- A relative aged 21 or older nominated in writing by a parent or custodian: a step-parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew (including step-relatives).
You must provide accommodation, welfare and other support for the student, and complete Form 157N (Student guardianship arrangements). Without Form 157N your application is not valid. Home Affairs recommends applying at the same time as the student.
Changes From 2 October 2026
The Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 (F2026L01347) and LIN 26/102 changed who can apply for a Student or Student Guardian visa in Australia. You cannot apply for a 590 in Australia if you hold one of these visas: 400, 403 (Domestic Worker stream), 407, 408, 417, 457, 462, 482 (Skills in Demand or Temporary Skill Shortage), 485, 600, 601, 602, 651, 771, 988 or 995 (primary holder). Home Affairs also lists secondary holders of a Student visa (500). If you cannot apply onshore, you must apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
Current Student Guardian visa holders can still apply for another 590 in Australia while the student continues to study. The new limits on including partners and children in Student visa applications apply to the Student visa (500), not to the guardian's own 590 application.
Money You Need to Show
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Living costs for you (12 months) | AUD 29,710 |
| Living costs for each child with you | AUD 4,449 |
| Schooling for each included child | At least AUD 13,502 a year |
| Course fees for the student | 12 months, or pro rata |
| Travel | About AUD 2,000 per person as a guide |
As an alternative, you can show that your spouse or de facto partner who is not travelling earned at least AUD 102,500 in the 12 months before you apply, using official government documents such as tax assessments. Estimate your total with our student visa funds calculator.
Family Members
Home Affairs will not grant the visa if any member of your family unit is under 6, unless there are compelling and compassionate reasons or it would significantly benefit relations with another government. This applies even if the child is not travelling. A child under 6 who is granted the visa can stay only until their 6th birthday. Children 6 or older can come with you but need their own Student visa. You must also show suitable care arrangements for any children under 18 staying behind.
Conditions on the Visa
- No work (condition 8101).
- Study limited to ELICOS under 20 hours a week, or other study or training for no more than 3 months.
- Keep adequate health insurance, such as Overseas Visitors Health Cover, for your whole stay (condition 8501).
- You cannot leave Australia without the student unless you have made alternative welfare arrangements.
How to Apply
- Check you are eligible to be the guardianConfirm you are a parent, custodian or relative aged 21 or older nominated in writing.
- Check where you can applyIf you are in Australia, check your current visa is not on the list that blocks onshore applications from 2 October 2026.
- Prepare funds and insuranceCollect evidence of living costs, course fees and travel, and buy adequate health insurance.
- Complete Form 157NAttach the student guardianship form, consent for any child under 18, police certificates if you are a relative, and evidence of temporary stay.
- Apply online with the studentLodge in ImmiAccount, ideally at the same time as the student's visa application.
- Renew while the student studiesApply for a new 590 before your visa ends if the student continues studying in Australia.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We check whether you can apply in Australia under the October 2026 rules, prepare the guardian and student applications together, and make sure the funds evidence, Form 157N and welfare arrangements are complete. We also advise on options for younger children.
Free tools for this visa
Related visas
Every case is different. Talk to a Registered Migration Agent about your Student Guardian Visa (590) before you lodge.
Book a consultationSources: Home Affairs: Student Guardian visa (590) · Home Affairs: Changes to Student visa application rules (500 and 590) · Migration Amendment (Student Visa Reform) Regulations 2026 (F2026L01347) · LIN 26/102: Student visa applications to be made from outside Australia (F2026L01348) · Welfare arrangements for students under 18 · Study Australia: Student visa changes October 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Who can apply for a Student Guardian visa?
The student's parent, a person with custody of the student, or a relative aged 21 or older who is nominated in writing by a parent or custodian. The student must hold a student visa and be under 18, or older in exceptional circumstances.
Can I work on a 590 visa?
No. The Student Guardian visa does not allow any work in Australia.
Can I study on a Student Guardian visa?
Yes, but only an English course (ELICOS) of less than 20 hours a week, or any other study or training for up to 3 months.
How much money do I need for a 590 visa?
You need funds for travel, 12 months of the student's course fees and 12 months of living costs: AUD 29,710 for you and AUD 4,449 for each accompanying child, plus at least AUD 13,502 a year for each included child's schooling.
Can I apply for a 590 while in Australia after 2 October 2026?
Only if you hold an eligible substantive visa. Holders of visas such as visitor (600), ETA (601), eVisitor (651), Working Holiday (417, 462), Skills in Demand (482) and Temporary Graduate (485) must apply from outside Australia. Current 590 holders can still apply for another 590 in Australia.
Can I bring my younger children?
Children under 6 are only allowed in compelling and compassionate cases, or where it would significantly benefit relations with another government, and only until their 6th birthday. Children 6 or older need their own Student visa.
How much does the Student Guardian visa cost?
From 1 July 2026 the charge is AUD 2,500 for the main applicant and AUD 500 for each child, with lower rates for eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Some applicants in Australia also pay a AUD 700 subsequent temporary application charge.
How long can I stay on a 590 visa?
Home Affairs sets the end date based on the length of the student's visa or when the student turns 18. If the student keeps studying, you can apply for another Student Guardian visa.
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