Student Guardian Visa — Subclass 590
Student Guardian Visa for Australia
The student guardian visa (subclass 590) allows a parent or relative to accompany a student visa holder to Australia to act as a guardian. It is available where the student is under 18 years of age or where the student's CRICOS provider has determined that a guardian is required for welfare reasons.
Who the subclass 590 is for
The subclass 590 is granted to a parent or eligible relative of a student visa holder who needs a guardian present in Australia. The primary applicant for the student visa must be under 18, or the CRICOS provider must have formally required a guardian as a condition of the student's enrolment.
The guardian visa is tied to the student's enrolment. If the student's visa ceases or the student departs Australia permanently, the guardian visa is affected. The guardian must remain in Australia to fulfil the guardianship role for which the visa was granted.
The subclass 590 does not permit the guardian to work in Australia. It does not lead to permanent residence. The guardian is expected to depart when the student's studies are complete or when the guardianship requirement ceases.
Key conditions
Linked to student enrolment
The subclass 590 is granted for the duration of the student's enrolment. Changes to the student's course, provider, or visa status directly affect the guardian visa.
No work rights
The guardian visa does not permit paid employment in Australia. The guardian must not work during their stay.
Genuine temporary entrant
The guardian must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant intent. The Department assesses whether the applicant genuinely intends to return home when the guardianship role ends.
No pathway to permanent residence
The subclass 590 does not provide any pathway to permanent residence in Australia. It is a temporary visa linked entirely to the student's circumstances.
590
Visa subclass
Under 18
Primary eligibility trigger
No work
Work not permitted
Temporary
No PR pathway
Why instruct Visa Plan?
Eligibility assessment
The subclass 590 has specific eligibility criteria tied to the student's age and enrolment conditions. We confirm eligibility before any application is prepared.
Coordinated application with student visa
Guardian and student applications are often lodged together or in close sequence. We coordinate both applications to avoid gaps in status or misaligned grant periods.
Condition compliance
Guardian visa holders must not work and must remain in Australia to fulfil the guardianship role. We advise on condition compliance throughout the duration of the visa.
Student guardian visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Eligibility criteria and conditions are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.