Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

The Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) is a temporary visa that allows an individual to travel to Australia to provide support and care for a student who is under the age of 18 or older due to exceptional situations, care for more than one student, study ELICOS for less than 20 hours per week, or any other study or training for less than 3 months. The length of the visa is determined by the residence and age of the student visa holder.

The visa holder will remain in Australia until the date indicated on the visa grant letter, which is usually determined based on the length of stay of the student visa holder or when the student turns 18 years old. If the visa holder wishes to stay longer, they can apply for an additional Student Guardian Visa.

To be eligible for the visa, the Guardian must be able to provide the student with housing, general welfare, and support. Family members can be included in the visa application, but if a member of the family unit is not six years old, the visa cannot be denied except for compelling and compassionate reasons. Children who are six years old or older must apply for their own student visa to travel with the Guardian.

It is important for the visa holder and any accompanying family members to comply with the same health requirements and have health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. The visa holder is also not permitted to work while in Australia, except in limited circumstances, such as volunteer work.

The Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) is designed to provide support for international students who require additional care and assistance during their studies in Australia. It allows individuals to travel to Australia and provide crucial support to students while also having the opportunity to study or train for a limited period of time.

Eligibility Requirements for Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

To be eligible for this visa, you must fall into one of the following categories:

  • You are the parent of a student visa holder.
  • You are a person who is under the custody of a student visa holder.
  • You are a relative of a student visa holder who is 21 years of age or older and has been nominated in writing by the parent or person in custody of the student.

The purpose of this visa is to provide care and assistance to either:

  • A student visa holder who is under 18 years of age.
  • A student visa holder who is 18 years of age or older and requires care and assistance due to exceptional circumstances.

A relative for the purposes of this visa includes:

  • A parent or step-parent.
  • A grandparent or step-grandparent.
  • A sibling or step-sibling.
  • An aunt, uncle, step-aunt, or step-uncle.
  • A niece, nephew, step-niece, or step-nephew.
  • A partner.
  • A child or step-child.

To be granted the visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover:

  • Travel costs for yourself and the student visa holder(s).
  • 12 months of course fees for the student visa holder(s).
  • 12 months of living costs for yourself and the student visa holder(s) and any accompanying family members.
  • School fees for any school-aged children accompanying you.
  • The 12-month living costs are AUD 21,041 (approximately USD 16,327) for students or guardians and AUD 3,152 (approximately USD 2,446) for children under 6 years of age.

If you are including school-aged children in your application, you must also include schooling costs of at least AUD 8,296 (approximately USD 6,438) per year per child. The costs of education may vary depending on the state, territory, and school in Australia.

You should allow USD 2,000 per person for travel costs.

If someone else is providing you with funds, you must provide proof of your relationship with them, their identity records, and a description of the source of the deposit.

Required Documents for Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

To apply for an Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590), you will need to provide a number of important documents. Here's a comprehensive list of the required documents:

Passport: A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your stay in Australia, signed by the bearer and issued within the last 10 years. The passport should have at least one or three free visa pages and undamaged pictures securely affixed.

Photo: A passport-sized photograph in JPG or PNG format, with a minimum of 10 KB and maximum of 1 MB. The photo should have equal height and width, present a full face, front view, with eyes open and without spectacles. The head should be centered within the frame and present a full head from the top of hair to the bottom of the chin. The background should be plain light-colored or white, with no shadows on the face or the background. Clear facial features and eyes should not be covered by hair or glasses frame.

ID Card Copy: If you have changed your name, provide evidence such as a marriage certificate, a divorce certificate, or change of name documents from the relevant authority.

Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if applicable): A copy of your residence permit/visa if your country of residence and citizenship are different.

Photocopies: Copies of the main page of your passport and previous visas.

Student Custody Documents: Form 157N - Student Guardianship Arrangements.

Health Insurance: Evidence of an adequate health insurance policy, covered by the Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC) premium or a similar health insurance plan from Australia or your home country.

Proof of Financial Means: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself or that your spouse or de facto partner (who is not traveling to Australia) will have an annual income of AUD72,592 or more in the 12 months before you apply. Provide official government personal income records, such as tax assessments, within the last 12 months. Bank statements or documentation from your employer will not be considered.

Character Documents: An Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be asked to provide an Overseas Police Certificate from any country where you have spent a total of 12 months or more since you turned 16.

Evidence of the Genuine Temporary Entrant: Evidence of immediate family members in your home country, your visa or residency status in your home country and the right to return, evidence of properties or other substantial assets in your home country, an air ticket return, and an employer's letter acknowledging your leave.

For Dependants (under 6): Present compelling and compassionate circumstances or provide written support from your home country government or a letter of support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Copies of birth certificates or family books indicating the names of both parents of both dependent children and copies of adoption papers, if necessary.

Parental Consent: If you have a child under the age of 18 included in your visa application and one or both parents (or legal guardians) do not apply for an Australian visa, both parents will need to complete and sign Form 1229 – Consent form to grant an Australian visa to a child under the age of 18. If you have sole custody of a child, provide evidence such as a court order.

To apply for the Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590), you can apply online through the official governmental website or through embassies and consulates in your country that accept visa applications.

Where to Apply for Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) Application?

The Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) is a visa category designed to allow eligible individuals to provide care and support for international students studying in Australia. If you are interested in applying for this visa, you can do so either online or through your nearest embassy or consulate that accepts visa applications.

To apply for this visa online, you must visit the official Australian government website and follow the step-by-step instructions provided. You will need to create an account, fill out an application form, and submit all of the required documentation, such as proof of identity, proof of relationship to the student, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay in Australia. You will also need to pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on your location and the duration of your stay.

If you prefer to apply for the Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) through your nearest embassy or consulate, you will need to contact them directly to find out what the application process entails. In general, you will need to provide the same documentation as you would if applying online, and you will also need to pay the visa application fee in person.

Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, you will need to wait for the Department of Home Affairs to process your visa. The processing time may vary depending on your individual circumstances, but it generally takes several weeks to several months.

If your application is approved, you will be granted a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) that allows you to live in Australia for the duration of your student's study program. During your stay, you will be responsible for providing care and support for the student, and you will need to abide by all of Australia's immigration laws and regulations.

The Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) is a valuable option for individuals who wish to support international students studying in Australia. By following the application process outlined above, you can take the first steps towards securing your visa and providing the necessary care and support to help your student succeed in their studies.

How to Apply for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

If you are planning to apply for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590), you can follow these steps:

Check your eligibility: Before applying for a visa, it is important to make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be able to provide support and care for a student who is under the age of 18 or older due to exceptional circumstances, care for more than one student, or be enrolled in an ELICOS course for less than 20 hours per week or any other study or training for less than 3 months.

Gather your documents: To apply for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590), you need to provide various documents, including your passport, a completed visa application form, evidence of your relationship with the student, proof of your financial capacity to support yourself and the student, and health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.

Lodge your application: Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs website. You will need to pay the visa application fee at the time of submission.

Wait for a decision: After submitting your visa application, you will receive a confirmation of receipt. You can track the progress of your application online. The processing time for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) varies and can take several weeks or even months.

Provide additional information: During the visa processing, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional information or documentation. It is important to respond promptly to any requests to avoid delays in the processing of your visa application.

Receive your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will receive a visa grant letter that specifies the conditions of your visa, including the length of your stay in Australia and your work and study restrictions. You can enter Australia on or after the start date of your visa and must comply with the conditions of your visa throughout your stay.

Applying for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) can be a complex process, so it is recommended that you seek professional advice or assistance if you have any questions or concerns.

Processing Time & Fee for Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

The processing time and fee for an Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) can vary based on various factors such as the completeness of your application, the number of applications being processed at the time of your submission, and the country from which you are applying. Here is an overview of the processing time and fee:

Processing Time: The processing time for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) varies and can take several weeks or even months. The Department of Home Affairs provides an estimated processing time on its website, which can give you an idea of how long it may take to process your application.

Visa Application Fee: The visa application fee for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) is AUD 620 (about 482 USD). This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. In addition to the visa application fee, there may be other costs associated with your visa application, such as health examinations or police certificates.

It is important to note that the visa application fee is subject to change at any time, so it is recommended that you check the current fee before submitting your application.

If you want to expedite your visa application process, you may be eligible for priority processing. Priority processing is available in certain circumstances, such as if you need to travel to Australia urgently for medical treatment or if you are a government official traveling on official business. However, priority processing is not guaranteed, and you will need to provide evidence to support your request.

Benefits of a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

Here are some of the benefits of holding a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) in Australia:

Support for underage students: As a Student Guardian Visa holder, you are allowed to accompany an underage student to Australia and provide them with support and care during their stay. This can be beneficial for parents who want their children to study in Australia but are unable to accompany them due to work or other commitments.

Flexibility: The Student Guardian Visa allows you to engage in a range of activities while in Australia, including caring for more than one student, studying ELICOS for less than 20 hours per week, or any other study or training for less than 3 months.

Extended stay: With the Student Guardian Visa, you can remain in Australia until the date indicated on your visa grant letter, which is usually determined by the length of stay of the student visa holder or when the student turns 18 years old. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension of your visa.

Inclusion of family members: You can include your family members in your visa application. Children who are six years old or older can also come with you, but they must apply for their own student visa.

Work rights: As a Student Guardian Visa holder, you are not allowed to work in Australia unless you have been granted work rights as part of your visa conditions. However, if you are granted work rights, you can work for up to 40 hours per fortnight while your visa is valid.

Access to healthcare: You are entitled to access Australia's public healthcare system, Medicare, if you are from a country that has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia. If your country does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you will need to purchase health insurance for the duration of your stay.

Overall, the Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) offers flexibility and support for students who require assistance while studying in Australia, and for their guardians who want to accompany them.

Limitations of a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

While the Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) offers several benefits, there are also some limitations that applicants should be aware of:

Limited work rights: While you can work up to 40 hours per fortnight if you are granted work rights, this may not be enough for some applicants who require full-time work to support themselves and their family.

Limited study options: If you want to study a course that is longer than three months, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, as the Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) only allows you to study for less than three months.

Age limitations: The Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) is only available to applicants who are accompanying students who are under 18 years old or who have exceptional circumstances. If you are not accompanying a minor or you are over 18 years old, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.

Financial requirements: Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves and their family during their stay in Australia. This can be challenging for some applicants, especially if they have multiple dependents or if they are unable to work.

Health and character requirements: Like all Australian visas, the Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) requires applicants to meet certain health and character requirements. If you have a medical condition or a criminal history, this may affect your eligibility for the visa.

No pathway to permanent residency: Unlike some other visas, the Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) does not offer a pathway to permanent residency in Australia. This means that applicants who want to stay in Australia permanently will need to explore other visa options.

Overall, while the Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) offers several benefits, it is important to carefully consider the limitations before applying. Applicants should ensure that they meet all the requirements and have a clear understanding of the visa conditions before submitting their application.

Extending a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590)

If you want to extend your stay in Australia as a Student Guardian, you will need to apply for a new Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) before your current visa expires. You can apply for the new visa either in Australia or from overseas.

To be eligible for a new Student Guardian Visa, you must continue to meet the requirements of the visa, including:

  • Providing support and accommodation to the student you are accompanying
  • Meeting the health and character requirements
  • Maintaining adequate health insurance coverage
  • Having sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your stay in Australia

You should apply for a new visa at least two months before your current visa expires. If your current visa expires before your new visa is granted, you will need to leave Australia and apply for the new visa from overseas.

When you apply for a new Student Guardian Visa, you will need to provide evidence that you have been fulfilling your obligations as a student guardian and that you continue to meet the visa requirements. You will also need to pay the visa application fee, which is subject to change.

It is important to note that the Department of Home Affairs may take several months to process visa applications, so it is advisable to apply as early as possible.

Frequently Asked questions

The visa is available to applicants who are accompanying a student who is under 18 years old or who has exceptional circumstances. The applicant must also be able to provide accommodation, general welfare, and support to the student.

Yes, if you are granted work rights, you can work up to 40 hours per fortnight while on a Student Guardian Visa.

Yes, you can study English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for less than 20 hours per week or any other study or training for less than 3 months.

Yes, you can apply for an additional Student Guardian Visa before your current visa expires.

Yes, you can include your family members on your application. However, if a family member is under 6 years old, they cannot be denied a visa unless there are compelling and compassionate reasons.

No, the Student Guardian Visa does not offer a pathway to permanent residency in Australia.

Applicants must meet certain health and character requirements. This may include undergoing medical examinations and obtaining police clearance certificates.

If the student turns 18 years old, you can still remain in Australia on your Student Guardian Visa until the date indicated on your visa grant letter.

Yes, you can apply for a different visa while on a Student Guardian Visa if you meet the eligibility criteria for the other visa.

 

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