Process

To apply for the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590), you must meet certain criteria and follow a specific process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate through the application process:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before you apply, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa. You must:

• Be the parent, custodian, or relative of a student visa holder who is under 18 years old or over 18 years old due to exceptional circumstances.
• Have enough financial resources to support yourself and the student during your stay in Australia.
• Be able to provide accommodation, welfare, and other necessary support for the student.

Step 2: Gather Documents

Collect all the required documents to support your visa application. These may include:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Completed Form 157N - Student guardianship arrangements
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia
• Evidence of health insurance coverage for yourself and any accompanying family members
• Proof of your relationship to the student visa holder
• Evidence of your ability to provide accommodation and support for the student

Step 3: Apply Online

Submit your visa application online through ImmiAccount. Make sure to attach all the required documents and pay the application fee.

Step 4: Health Examinations

You may be required to undergo health examinations as part of the visa application process. We will inform you if this is necessary.

Step 5: Biometrics

In some cases, you may be asked to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photo. We will notify you if this is required.

Step 6: Provide Additional Information

If you did not attach all the necessary documents when you applied, you may be asked to provide more information. Make sure to provide any requested documents as soon as possible.

Step 7: Stay Lawful

While your application is being processed, make sure to maintain lawful status in Australia by holding a valid visa. If your current visa expires before a decision is made on your application, a Bridging visa A (BVA) will be granted to allow you to stay in Australia.

Step 8: Visa Outcome

Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you will be notified in writing. If your visa is granted, the notification will include your visa grant number, the start date of your visa, and any conditions attached to the visa. Keep a copy of this notification with you while in Australia.

Step 9: Travel and Visa Expiry

You are allowed to travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want while your visa is valid. However, you cannot leave Australia without the student visa holder unless alternative welfare arrangements have been made. The time spent outside Australia does not extend the validity of your visa.

It's important to note that this visa is temporary, and the length of your stay will be determined by the student visa holder's stay or when they turn 18. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a further Student Guardian visa.

Remember to always comply with the visa conditions and Australian laws during your stay in Australia.

What You Can Do on this Visa

With the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590), you have certain privileges and restrictions. Here is what you can and cannot do on this visa:

You Can:

• Come to Australia to provide care and support for a student visa holder who is under 18 years old or over 18 years old due to exceptional circumstances.
• Care for more than one student.
• Study an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for less than 20 hours per week, or any other study or training for no more than 3 months.

You Cannot:

You are not allowed to work while on the Student Guardian visa. This visa is specifically for providing care and support to the student visa holder.

How Long You Can Stay

The Student Guardian visa is a temporary visa, and the length of your stay will be determined by the student visa holder's stay or when they turn 18. You must leave Australia on or before the date specified on your visa grant letter. To check your visa expiry date, you can use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) tool.

Staying Longer

If you wish to stay longer in Australia as a Student Guardian, you can apply for a further Student Guardian visa. This will allow you to extend your stay and continue providing care and support to the student visa holder.

Traveling on Your Visa

You are allowed to travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want while your visa is valid. However, you cannot leave Australia without the student visa holder unless alternative welfare arrangements have been made.

Proving You Have a Visa

To prove that you have a valid Student Guardian visa and to show your visa conditions to relevant authorities, you can use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) tool. This will provide you with an official record of your visa status and conditions.

Leaving Australia

Before leaving Australia, make sure you have a valid passport or travel document. You will need this to exit the country. When departing from an Australian airport, you can use the automated SmartGate system to expedite the departure process.

After leaving Australia, you can request your international movement records to obtain proof of your travel in and out of the country.

Remember to comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws throughout your stay in Australia.