In this article, we will guide you through the ins and outs of the Australia Student Guardian Visa, shedding light on its importance, application process, and responsibilities. if you’re considering Australia as a guardian supporting your loved one’s educational journey, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the vital role the Student Guardian Visa plays in ensuring a seamless transition to Australia.
What Does the Australia Student Guardian Visa Stand For?
Imagine the excitement of your child starting on a totally new life-changing journey to study in Australia. Now, picture yourself playing the role of a sidekick or a guardian on this journey. Mind you, it’s not just about parenthood, it’s a role that requires a special visa – the Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590).
The Australia Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) was designed for individuals who wish to accompany international students studying in Australia. Be you their parents or legal guardians, this visa allows you to accompany, and provide care and support to a student who is under 18 years of age or who has special needs, while they pursue their education in Australia.
Bear in mind that this visa is only for a limited time(temporary), and how long you can stay depends on the student visa holder’s age and their stay in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for Australia Student Guardian Visa
First things first; The eligible individuals for this visa include:
- The parent of the student visa holder.
- A person who has legal custody of the student who is strictly under 18 years of age or over 18 but has special needs.
- A relative of the student, aged 21 years or older, who has been formally appointed in writing by a parent or legal guardian of the student.
Next,
- You must plan your stay in such a way that it aligns with temporary entry into Australia, which means, you plan to stay in Australia for a limited period and that you will engage only in activities permitted by this visa and nothing else.
- As a beneficiary of this visa, you must have enough capacity to take care of the student in question as you are primarily responsible for the student’s welfare and living arrangements. Also, you are not allowed to work while in Australia, and the visa is generally granted with a “no work” condition.
- You will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Australia, including expenses for yourself, any accompanying family members, and as the case may be, the student visa holder.
- If granted this visa, you are responsible for all your healthcare expenses during your stay in Australia. You will need medical insurance in order to minimize your financial burden and this insurance should cover all necessary medical treatments, including transportation.
- You and all family members included in the application must meet health and character requirements. This may involve undergoing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates.
- ⦁ When making a decision on your application, your immigration history is often considered, therefore if you have had a visa revoked or refused, you may be ineligible for this visa. So, it’s best to make sure that your visa has not been revoked or an application denied in the past.
- ⦁ You owe nothing to the Australian Government and If by any chance you or any family members owe money to the Australian Government, you must have paid it back or made arrangements to do so.
Further information is available on the Department of Home Affairs website
Application Process
The Department of Home Affairs accepts applications online. Just be sure you take your time to put together all of your documents and paperwork in order to kickstart your visa application. Click here for more information on the documents needed for the Australian student guardian visa application.
Cost and Processing Time
From the official website of The Department of Home Affairs, the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) application fee is AUD710.00. It can take up to four months to be processed but it is advised that you verify the processing times here.
*Prices are accurate as of October 2023.
In conclusion, successfully applying for the Australian Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) involves careful planning, attention to detail, and adherence to the specific requirements outlined by the Australian government. To increase your chances of a smooth and efficient visa application process, please make sure you stick to every specified rules.
Remember that the Student Guardian Visa was designed to facilitate the support and care of international students studying in Australia, but this visa not only benefits the student but also allows you as a Guardian to experience the cultural diversity and beauty of Australia.
FAQ on Australia Student Guardian Visa
Q: Can I work while holding the Student Guardian Visa?
A: No, this visa typically comes with a “no work” condition. You are primarily in Australia to provide care and support for the student, not to work.
Q: How long can I stay on the Student Guardian Visa?
A: The duration of this visa is usually aligned with the length of the student’s course of study in Australia. It allows you to stay for the same duration as the student visa held by the student you are guardian for.
Q: Can I extend my Student Guardian Visa if needed?
A: Extensions are possible in some circumstances, such as if the student you are guardian for extends their course of study. You will need to apply for an extension before your current visa expires.
Q: Can I study while holding the Student Guardian Visa?
A: In most cases, you can undertake short-term courses while on this visa, but they should not lead to a formal qualification. If you plan to pursue a formal course of study, you may need to apply for a different type of visa.
Q: Is the Student Guardian Visa a multiple-entry visa?
A: Yes, the Student Guardian Visa is typically issued as a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to enter and exit Australia as needed during the visa’s validity period.
Q: Can a non-biological legal guardian apply for the Student Guardian Visa, or does it require a biological parent?
A: Yes, a non-biological legal guardian can apply for the Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590) as long as they have the legal authority and responsibility for the international student under 18 years of age. This can include legal guardianship through court orders or other recognized legal arrangements.
Q: Is there a minimum financial threshold that must be met to apply for the Student Guardian Visa?
A: There is no fixed minimum financial threshold specified by the Department of Home Affairs for the Student Guardian Visa. The financial requirement is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the cost of living in Australia, the duration of stay, and individual circumstances.