Most applicants must apply from outside Australia. Current Student Guardian visa holders can still apply in Australia.
Visa file / Study and graduate visas
Student Guardian visa 590
A parent or eligible relative coming to care for a student under 18.
Changing
File: 590
Main chargeA$2,500
Information checked22 October 2026
Personal adviceRegistered agent only
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.
Published 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 you apply from
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.
Related
From first enquiry to grant and after.
The usual steps, and where a registered migration agent can help at each one. Immi Worldwide gives general information and settlement support, never advice about your visa.
- 01
First enquiry
You tell the registered migration agent your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
Where a registered migration agent can helpIdentifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk.
- 02
Free first call, then a consultation
The first 15 minutes are free and general. A longer consultation is quoted in writing before it starts.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains your honest options, risks, costs and timing.
- 03
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
Where a registered migration agent can helpSets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
- 04
Evidence
Relationship documents, the parental nomination, financial evidence, police certificates and health insurance.
Where a registered migration agent can helpPrepares the relationship evidence and coordinates it with the student's application.
- 05
Lodge with the student
Lodge online at the same time as the student's Student visa where possible.
Where a registered migration agent can helpChecks the location rules for both applications.
- 06
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
Where a registered migration agent can helpTracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
- 07
Decision and stay
Live with and care for the student. You cannot work, and study is limited.
Where a registered migration agent can helpExplains the conditions, including no work.
Charges and processing times.
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$2,500 |
| Child under 18 | A$500 |
| Subsequent temporary application charge, if applying in Australia | A$700 |
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026. Check the Visa Pricing Estimator before you rely on a figure.
| Stream | 50% decided within | 90% decided within |
|---|---|---|
| Student Guardian | 43 days | 8 months |
Home Affairs Global visa processing times, updated 29 September 2026 (applications finalised to 31 August 2026). Read 22 October 2026. Times change monthly and are not a promise. Global visa processing times.
Common refusal reasons
- 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. They are not Departmental statistics.
Document checklist
Identity and relationship
Support
Character
A general list. The Department's own document checklist for your application is the one that counts. Ticks stay on this page only.
What changed, and what people ask.
Sources
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your circumstances.
Where this becomes advice
How any of these rules applies to a particular person, which visa to choose, and any application are immigration assistance, given only by a registered migration agent.
Immi Worldwide does not give immigration assistance. For advice about your own situation, Immi Worldwide can refer you to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, of The Immigration Worldwide Pty Ltd, or you can choose any registered migration agent.
Ask for a referral to Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130 Ask for a call back about a referral
The referral form opens with the box to pass your enquiry to the registered agent already ticked. Immi Worldwide does not charge for a referral.