EMC Australia / Subclass 590
Stay with a student who is under 18 — not a work visa.
590 is for a parent or guardian who needs to stay in Australia because of a student who is under 18 (or in limited other cases). It is tied to the student’s enrolment and welfare. It is not a work visa and not a partner visa.
Last reviewed:
Official source: Department of Home Affairs – Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
Call +61 3 9069 3284 or WhatsApp · Weekdays 9:00am–5:00pm AEST
Who We Assist
Who We Assist
- Your child has a student visa and needs a guardian in Australia
- You were told to apply for 590 instead of a parent or visitor visa
How it works
What this visa asks of you
These are the parts of this visa, in the order they usually matter.
Student first
Tied to the 500
The student’s enrolment and welfare
If the student cannot stay, the 590 usually cannot stay.
Welfare arrangements and who is allowed to be the guardian are set by the student visa rules.
In or from outside Australia
The 590 visa
You are coming to be the guardian, not to work.
Work rights are not the point of this visa. Parent visas and 870 are different products.
Read about The 590 visa
How EMC works
How we help
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590, 870 or a parent visa
A guardian visa is for the student’s welfare. A long stay for a parent is often 870 or a permanent parent visa. We name the one that matches the family.
What to Prepare
What to Prepare for Your Consultation
- The student’s CoE and visa
- Your relationship to the student
- Who else could be the guardian
Before you apply
Important Considerations Before Applying
- 590 ends when the student’s need ends.
- Working on a 590 is usually the wrong plan.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a guardian visa, not a work visa. If you need to work, we will say which other visa is honest — often none, while you are here as a guardian.
Start with your situation.
You do not need to memorise the subclass. Book a consultation, or send a short note. MARN 1800335 · Level 14, 333 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Other work
This page is general information, not advice about your circumstances. Australian migration law changes. You should consult a Registered Migration Agent before you apply. EMC Australia is OMARA-registered (MARN 1800335).