Studying And Training Visas
Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
The Subclass 590 visa allows a parent, legal custodian, or close relative to accompany and provide care and support for an international student visa holder who is under 18 years of age (or over 18 but requires care due to compelling circumstances). This visa is tied directly to the student's visa and provides a safe, structured environment for minors studying in Australia. Crucially, the holder of this visa has no work rights and must ensure adequate accommodation and welfare for the student.
The Visa at a Glance
Primary Purpose
Welfare and Care
The visa holder’s sole purpose is to provide care and support to the student visa holder, ensuring their physical and emotional well-being while studying in Australia.
Work Rights Restriction
No Work Rights
The visa holder is not permitted to work in Australia. Limited study (e.g., an English language course for less than three months) may be permitted.
Applicant Eligibility
Parent or Close Relative
The applicant must be a parent, legal custodian, or a relative (who is at least 21 years old) nominated in writing by the student's parent or custodian.
Financial Responsibility
Sufficient Funds Required
You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of all accompanying family members (yourself and any other children) for the duration of the intended stay.
The 5 Critical Stages We Manage for You
Relationship & Nomination Verification
We ensure the applicant's relationship to the student is correctly documented and, if the applicant is a relative, that the written nomination from the student's parents is legally sound and complete.
Compliance Focus: The DHA rigorously checks the relationship and the legal custody arrangements to protect the minor student's welfare.
Financial Capacity Evidence
We advise on the acceptable financial evidence required to cover the living costs and associated expenses for both the guardian and the student for the intended duration of the stay.
Accuracy: Since the guardian cannot work, the evidence of support must be meticulous and fully compliant with DHA's current living cost estimates.
Accommodation and Welfare Plan
We assist in preparing the statement detailing how the visa holder will provide suitable accommodation, general welfare, and support for the student in Australia.
Welfare Requirement: We ensure the proposed arrangements fully satisfy the DHA that the student's welfare will be maintained at all times.
Character and Health Checks
We manage the coordination of mandatory police clearance certificates and medical examinations for the guardian and any other accompanying children.
Decision-Ready Application: Pre-emptive management of these mandatory checks prevents common delays in the visa processing timeline.
Visa Condition Clarity
We provide a detailed briefing on the strict visa conditions, particularly the 'No Work' condition and the requirement that the guardian must remain in Australia with the student at all times.
Risk Management: Misunderstanding the conditions can lead to visa cancellation; we provide absolute clarity on all obligations.
What to Expect in Your Consultation
📞 Book Your Subclass 485 Strategy Session
Securing the Subclass 590 is about proving genuine care and financial commitment. Book a consultation to ensure your application protects the minor student's study plan.
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Financial Strategy: A formal review of your financial documents to ensure compliance with the specific support thresholds for all family members.
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Relationship Documentation: Guidance on the legal documents required to establish the relationship (birth certificates, custody orders, or parental nomination).
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Condition Briefing: A clear explanation of the no work and must remain with the student conditions, including permitted travel scenarios.
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Full Cost Breakdown: A transparent quote covering the government Visa Application Charge (VAC), required Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) (if applicable), and our fixed professional service fee.