Subclass 590 — Student Guardian visa

Who the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) is generally for

General information only — not immigration assistance or legal advice. In broad terms, the subclass 590 Student Guardian visa is a temporary visa for a parent, legal custodian, or an eligible relative who comes to Australia to provide care and support to an international student. It is most commonly associated with caring for a student who is under 18, although there are limited circumstances where it can relate to an older student who needs care for special reasons. The relationship to the student and the caring arrangement are central to this visa, so applicants typically need to show how they are connected to the student and how the welfare and accommodation arrangements will work. A defining feature of this visa is that the holder generally cannot work in Australia — the visa exists for guardianship and care, not employment. Because of that, applicants are usually expected to demonstrate genuine access to enough money to support themselves, the student, and any accompanying family members without relying on a job here. Study is also typically limited, with only short or limited courses generally permitted. Other common threads for temporary Australian visas usually apply as well, including health requirements, character (police clearance) requirements, adequate health insurance for the relevant period, and a demonstrated genuine intention to stay temporarily. Eligibility rules, age thresholds, who counts as an eligible relative, and the exact conditions change over time and depend heavily on individual circumstances. This snapshot is generic and identical for every reader. Check the official Department of Home Affairs page for the current requirements, and a registered migration practitioner can advise on how the criteria apply to your specific situation.

What it typically costs

General information only — not immigration assistance or legal advice. The main government cost for this visa is the Visa Application Charge (VAC), which is a charge payable to the Australian Government. As a guide, the base VAC for the primary applicant is indicated to be around $2,000 (from 1 July 2025). Government charges are reviewed and change over time, so this figure should be confirmed against the official Department of Home Affairs estimator before relying on it. Beyond the base charge, there are typically additional costs. Where family members are included in an application, extra government charges generally apply per additional applicant, and the amounts differ depending on the person — the official estimator is the place to confirm these. Applicants also commonly incur ancillary costs that are not part of the VAC, such as health examinations, police clearance certificates, document translations, and overseas health insurance. These vary by provider, country, and circumstances. Importantly, the government Visa Application Charge is separate from, and additional to, any platform fees or fees charged by a registered migration practitioner for professional advice or assistance. Those are different categories of cost. For the current government charge, use the official Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator, and a registered practitioner can help you understand the full cost picture for your circumstances.

Common questions