Study · Subclass 590
Student Guardian visa
A parent or eligible relative coming to care for a student under 18.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
Who it is for
A parent, custodian or relative aged 21 or older, nominated in writing by a parent or custodian, who will care for a Student visa holder under 18.
Key eligibility
- Be a parent, custodian or eligible relative (parent or step-parent, grandparent, sibling, aunt or uncle).
- A genuine temporary stay, and good compliance with previous visas.
- Enough money for the stay, health insurance, health and character.
- Accommodation and welfare arrangements for the student.
- Children under 6 can be included only in compelling and compassionate circumstances.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
The 2 October 2026 rules also apply: most temporary visa holders must apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia at grant. Current Student Guardian visa holders can still apply for a further Student Guardian visa in Australia. Ideally lodge at the same time as the student's application.
Your journey, step by step
First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
Free first call, then a consultation
The first 15 minutes are free and general. A longer consultation is quoted in writing before it starts.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains your honest options, risks, costs and timing.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence
Relationship documents, the parental nomination, financial evidence, police certificates and health insurance.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares the relationship evidence and coordinates it with the student's application.
Lodge with the student
Lodge online at the same time as the student's Student visa where possible.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent checks the location rules for both applications.
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
Decision and stay
Live with and care for the student. You cannot work, and study is limited.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains the conditions, including no work.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$2,500 |
| Child under 18 | A$500 |
| Subsequent temporary application charge, if applying in Australia | A$700 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Not a qualifying relative.
- Doubts about a genuine temporary stay.
- Not enough money.
- The guardian appears to have another purpose, such as work.
- A weak accommodation and welfare plan.
- Character.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
Most applicants must apply from outside Australia. Current Student Guardian visa holders can still apply in Australia.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Related
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.