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Subclass 590 Student Guardian Visa Australia 2026: Requirements, Work and Welfare Rules
The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) allows an eligible parent, custodian or qualifying relative to provide care and support for an international student in Australia, usually where the student is under 18.
Who can be a Student Guardian?
For an under-18 student, a nominated guardian must generally be the student's parent, a person with custody, or an eligible relative aged 21 or older who is nominated in writing by a parent or custodian. Exceptional circumstances can support guardianship arrangements for some students aged 18 or older.
Official welfare source: Welfare and custody arrangements for students under 18.
Financial capacity, insurance and welfare
A Student Guardian applicant must demonstrate sufficient funds for the stay and appropriate arrangements for accommodation, support and welfare. Adequate health insurance is also required under the visa framework.
Official visa page: Student Guardian visa subclass 590.
Can a subclass 590 holder work?
Student Guardian visa holders are generally subject to condition 8101, which prohibits work in Australia. The actual conditions should always be checked in the visa grant notice and VEVO.
Read our Visa Condition 8101 — No Work guide.
Can a Student Guardian study?
The subclass 590 framework allows limited study. Home Affairs currently permits English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students below the specified weekly limit and other study or training for a limited period, rather than unrestricted full-time study as the primary purpose of the visa.
Travelling without the student
A guardian who wants to leave Australia without the student may need to establish alternative welfare arrangements for the student before departure. The welfare of a student under 18 remains central to the visa and student-visa framework.
For the student's visa, see Student Visa 500 Australia 2026.
For insurance obligations, see Visa Condition 8501.
