Visa Subclass 590 Updates, Visa subclass 590 is a vital tool in sponsoring international students below the age of 18 years studying in Australia. It allows for the sponsor to have an accompanying and cared-for parent, custodian, or family relative. Certain important changes have been made to this visa subclass 590 in 2025. They form part of Australia’s overall strategy to enhance its immigration system, increase the integrity of student programs, and make financial contributions.

This article spotlights the major updates in the subclass 590 visa, such as a change in fees, financial implications, guardianship conditions, and new migration policies affecting applicants and their relatives.

1. Visa Application Charge Increase

One significant adjustment is the increase in the visa application fee. Effective July 1, 2025, the regular application fee for the Student Guardian Visa has increased from AUD 1,600 to AUD 2,000. The move is part of the Australian Government’s effort to enhance the financing of the processing of visa services and make the overall immigration system more efficient. The increase in the fee is substantial and may affect families who are planning to submit applications in the near future.

Although some visa types were exempted from the increase—namely from a number of Pacific nations—most student guardian applicants will have to factor in this increased cost when applying.

Fees Table Of Visa Subclass 590 Updates

Applicant Type	Previous Fee	New Fee
Primary applicant	$1,600	$2,000
Secondary applicant (18+)	$1,190	$1,225
Secondary applicant (<18)	$390	$400

2. Greater Financial Capacity Requirements

As part of the comprehensive visa reforms, the financial conditions for Student Guardian Visa applicants have also been increased. Applicants must produce evidence of access to a higher minimum amount of money. The needed financial capacity of the guardian is now approximately AUD 29,710. This is claimed to be sufficient to cover the living costs in Australia for the duration of stay of the guardian.

The charge can vary based on the length of stay and whether or not there are any dependents who accompany the student. Proof of financial resources can be in the way of personal bank records, government documents of support or proof of income. This new development is to help ensure that the guardians can maintain themselves as well as the student without having to seek public assistance.

3. New Responsibilities of Guardianship

The Student Guardian Visa is issued based on the guardian providing adequate welfare and supervision to the student. On recent reforms, the Australian Government has made guardianship responsibilities clearer and tighter. The major conditions are:

• The guardian must be a relative, custodian, or parent who must be at least 21 years old.

• The guardian must remain in Australia for the full duration of the student’s visa or until he is 18 years old.

• If the guardian has to depart from Australia temporarily, backup provision for welfare must be approved by the Department of Home Affairs before he departs.

Where the guardian fails to advise the authorities or make appropriate arrangements for a temporary guardian, the visa is to be revoked. Such amendments underscore the requirement of the guardian’s presence and supervision in ensuring the protection and welfare of the student.

4. Restrictions on Study and Work

The holders of Student Guardian Visa are not permitted to work in Australia. They may be allowed to study up to three months, or 20 hours a week if they enroll in an English Language Intensive Course (ELICOS). The restrictions are placed to guarantee that the guardian’s primary focus is the well-being of the student.

Attempting to work or study outside of these limits is a breach of visa conditions and could result in the cancellation of a visa or rejection of future applications.

5. Priority Processing and Policy Direction

The other major adjustment affecting the subclass 590 visa includes priorities for visa processing. The Australian Government introduced a new policy that has greater priorities for student guardian visa applications linked to regional education institutions. This means that if the international student is in a regional school, their application and that of the guardian will be processed ahead of students who attend schools in urban areas.

It is one part of a broader policy program to bring greater students and families to the regions, enhancing population growth and local economies.

6. General Migration Reforms Affecting Guardians

The subclass 590 visa reforms are part of the government’s wider 10-year migration plan. This includes tougher vetting of applicants’ intent, tougher financial and character testing, and tougher English language tests for a large number of visa subclasses. While not all of these are specifically applicable to subclass 590 visa holders, they are a sign of a more stringent, better organized immigration policy.

Prospective applicants need to be prepared for increased processing times, additional document verification checks, and increased accountability for applying for any visa, such as the Student Guardian Visa.

Final Thoughts

Student Guardian Visa is a key safety net for international students in Australia, above all children who require care and supervision. But with the changes in 2025, applicants and their families must be better prepared than ever before. Increased visa fees, tougher financial requirements, tougher welfare obligations, and less study and work rights all become part of a more tightly controlled immigration setting. Here are the key areas for consideration:.

To families who are thinking about this visa, preparation is very important. Make sure you get good documentation, know your obligations, and follow all the monetary and character requirements. These changes are not made to discourage applications, but rather to ensure guardians are really committed to looking after students for the duration of their stay in Australia to be educated.

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