Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa
Parents or legal guardians coming to care for a student under 18 (or a student needing care) studying in Australia.
The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) is an Australian student & graduate visa. This guide covers who the 590 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025-26 cost (~$1,985) and processing time (~1-3 months), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions.
Who the 590 visa is for
Parents or legal guardians coming to care for a student under 18 (or a student needing care) studying in Australia.
No (temporary) - a care visa tied to the student's enrolment.
Subclass 590 eligibility criteria
- You are a parent, legal guardian, or eligible relative of the student
- The student holds (or is applying for) a student visa
- Sufficient funds to support yourself and the student
- Adequate accommodation and welfare arrangements
- Meet health and character requirements
Subclass 590 cost & processing time (2025-26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) is ~$1,985, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months. Figures are for 2025-26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore or offshore |
| Length of stay | Aligned to the student's visa / until they turn 18 |
| Work rights | No work permitted |
| Study rights | Limited (up to ~20 hours/week of English, or 3-month course) |
| Government charge | ~$1,985 |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months |
| Pathway to PR | No (temporary) - a care visa tied to the student's enrolment. |
Pathway & next steps
No (temporary) - a care visa tied to the student's enrolment.
Many applicants also compare the 500 (Student visa), the 600 (Visitor visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 590 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 590 visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 590 visa cost?
The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) base application charge is ~$1,985. Government charges are indicative for 2025-26 and usually change on 1 July - always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 590 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 590 visa lead to permanent residence?
No (temporary) - a care visa tied to the student's enrolment.
Can I work on the subclass 590 visa?
Work rights on the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590): No work permitted.
Who can apply for the 590 visa?
Parents or legal guardians coming to care for a student under 18 (or a student needing care) studying in Australia.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change - confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) - official Australian immigration authority