Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590):

A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction:

Australia is one of the most popular destinations for international students seeking high-quality education and a multicultural experience. However, for younger students or those who require additional support during their studies, the presence of a guardian can be essential. The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) offers a unique opportunity for parents, legal guardians, or relatives to stay in Australia and provide care and support to an international student during their academic journey. This visa plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of students who might otherwise struggle with the challenges of living and studying abroad.

If you need assistance with this profession such as EOI lodgement, skill assessment, PR application lodgement or would like to study courses related to Civil Engineering Draftsperson, we have all colleges and universities all over Australia. Contact us for more info and guidance.

Email: info@immiedu.com.au

Contact: 04 2626 3536.

Understanding the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) allows the guardian of an international student to reside in Australia for the duration of the student’s study program. This visa is specifically designed for parents, legal guardians, or relatives who need to accompany a student under 18 years old, though in some cases, it can also apply to students over 18 who require care due to special circumstances.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Accompanied Stay: The visa allows the guardian to stay in Australia while the student is enrolled in a full-time course. This ensures the student has a support system in place, which can be vital for their emotional and academic well-being.
2. Duration: The visa is typically granted for the duration of the student’s course or until the student turns 18, whichever comes first. Extensions are possible if the student continues to require support.
3. Work Limitations: While the primary purpose of this visa is to provide care, the visa holder is allowed to study an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) for up to 20 hours per week or another course for up to three months. However, work rights are generally not granted unless there is financial hardship.
4. Access to Healthcare: Guardians are eligible for Australia’s public healthcare system (Medicare) under certain reciprocal health agreements, or they can purchase private health insurance.
5. Multiple Entries: The visa allows for multiple entries into Australia, meaning the guardian can leave and return as needed without compromising their visa status.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590), applicants must meet several criteria:

1. Relationship to the Student: The applicant must be the parent, legal guardian, or a relative (such as a grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew) who is 21 years or older.
2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): Applicants must demonstrate that they intend to stay in Australia temporarily to fulfill their role as a student guardian. This includes proving ties to their home country and showing that they do not intend to overstay their visa.
3. Financial Capability: Applicants must show that they have sufficient funds to support themselves, the student, and any dependents while in Australia. This includes covering living expenses, accommodation, and travel costs.
4. Health and Character Requirements: As with most Australian visas, guardians must meet specific health and character requirements. This may involve undergoing a medical examination and providing police certificates from countries where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more.
5. Adequate Health Insurance: The guardian must maintain adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Australia. This can be through Australia’s Medicare system (if eligible) or through private health insurance.
6. Accommodation and Welfare Arrangements: Guardians must ensure that proper accommodation and welfare arrangements are in place for the student. This is particularly important for students under 18, where the welfare arrangements must meet the education provider’s requirements.

Application Process

Applying for the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) involves several steps:

1. Prepare Your Documents: Before applying, gather all necessary documentation. This includes proof of identity, evidence of your relationship to the student, financial evidence, and health insurance details. Additionally, you may need to provide documents proving your intention to return home after the visa period.
2. Lodge the Application: The visa application is submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. Ensure that all information provided is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.
3. Pay the Visa Fee: The visa application fee must be paid at the time of submission. The fee varies depending on the specifics of your situation, such as whether you are including dependents in your application.
4. Biometrics and Health Checks: After submitting the application, you may be required to provide biometric information (such as fingerprints and photographs) and undergo a health examination.
5. Wait for a Decision: Visa processing times can vary, but you can monitor the status of your application through your ImmiAccount. During this period, the Department of Home Affairs may request additional information or documents.
6. Receive Your Visa: If your application is approved, you will receive your visa grant number, the date your visa starts, and any visa conditions. Ensure you understand these conditions to maintain your visa status while in Australia.

Responsibilities of a Student Guardian

As a visa holder, the guardian has specific responsibilities:

1. Primary Caregiver: The guardian must provide primary care for the student. This includes ensuring their safety, well-being, and academic progress.
2. Stay Obligations: The guardian is expected to reside with the student and cannot leave Australia without making alternative welfare arrangements approved by the education provider.
3. Compliance with Australian Law: Guardians must comply with all Australian laws and visa conditions. This includes adhering to any restrictions on work and ensuring that the student also complies with their visa conditions.
4. Educational Attendance: While the guardian is not typically allowed to work, they can engage in limited study, such as taking an English course, but must not neglect their primary responsibility of caring for the student.

Dependents on a Student Guardian Visa

In certain circumstances, guardians may be allowed to bring other dependent children with them to Australia. However, this is subject to strict conditions:

1. Approval from the Department of Home Affairs: Dependents must be included in the original visa application or added later with approval. The guardian must demonstrate that bringing dependents is necessary and that they have adequate funds to support them.
2. Age and Dependency: Dependents must be under 6 years of age unless there are compelling reasons for older children to accompany the guardian. The dependency status must be proven, usually through financial and emotional dependency evidence.
3. Separate Schooling Arrangements: If the dependent child is school-aged, the guardian must arrange for their education in Australia, which may involve additional costs.

Extending or Changing Your Visa

Circumstances may change during your stay in Australia, requiring a visa extension or a change in visa type. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Visa Extension: If the student continues their studies beyond the initial visa period, or if they still require care after turning 18, the guardian may apply for a visa extension. This involves submitting a new application and meeting the current visa requirements.
2. Changing Visa Conditions: If your circumstances change, such as a need to work due to financial hardship, you can apply to change your visa conditions. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the specific circumstances and evidence provided.
3. Transitioning to Another Visa: In some cases, guardians may wish to transition to another visa, such as a visitor visa, if their role as a guardian ends but they wish to remain in Australia temporarily.

Challenges and Considerations

While the Student Guardian Visa offers significant benefits, it also comes with challenges:

1. Financial Burden: The visa does not grant work rights, which means guardians must have substantial savings or other income sources to support themselves and the student without employment.
2. Emotional and Social Challenges: Guardians may face isolation or emotional challenges, especially if they are away from their own support networks for extended periods.
3. Visa Compliance: Strict adherence to visa conditions is required. Failure to comply, such as working without permission, can lead to visa cancellation and impact future visa applications.
4. Limited Study Opportunities: While guardians can study part-time, the focus must remain on caring for the student, limiting their ability to pursue personal educational goals.

Conclusion

The Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590) is an essential tool for ensuring that young international students have the necessary support during their studies in Australia. While it provides the guardian with the opportunity to stay in Australia and care for the student, it also comes with specific responsibilities and limitations. Prospective applicants should carefully consider their ability to meet the financial, emotional, and logistical challenges of this visa before applying. With proper planning and adherence to visa conditions, the Student Guardian Visa can be a valuable asset in ensuring the success and well-being of international students in Australia.

For more resources: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

If you need assistance with this profession such as EOI lodgement, skill assessment, PR application lodgement or would like to study courses related to Civil Engineering Draftsperson, we have all colleges and universities all over Australia. Contact us for more info and guidance.

Email: info@immiedu.com.au

Contact: 04 2626 3536.