Parents or relatives of students who want to study abroad in Australia can apply as a guardian for a student who is under 18 years of age. There may also be special circumstances where a student over the legal age may still require a guardian, for instance for religious or cultural reasons. As such, subclass 580 or the Student Guardian Visa was created.

This Australian visa is for foreign nationals applying to stay in Australia as a student guardian. This allows the visa holder to live in Australia for the same length as the student visa holder or until he/she turns 18. Additionally, this also allows you to study abroad in Australia for up to three months. You may also bring dependent children who are under the age of six and meet eligibility requirements. This visa allows multiple entries to Australia.

Holders of this Australian visa are not allowed to work, but may do so on a voluntary basis. The main purpose of this visa is care and support for the student so any volunteer work must only be incidental to this. The volunteer work must also not be undertaken by an Australian resident and should be for a non-profit organisation. No remuneration must be received in return for the volunteer activities, although out-of-pocket expense reimbursement is allowed.

There is a nomination scheme for this Australia visa. The parent or legal custodian of the student must nominate you as the student guardian. If you are the parent or legal custodian, then you may nominate yourself.

You must also understand the assessment level of the student visa holder as this affect the student guardian visa application. The amount, type and source of funds that are required as well as the lodging process and length of application all depend on the student visa assessment level.

Aside from guardianship eligibility, you must also be at least 21 years of age to be eligible for this Australian visa. You should also be able to provide accommodation, general welfare and support to the student. There are more eligibility requirements related to this Australia visa. Health insurance is among these. It is required that you hold an Overseas Visitor Health Cover for yourself and any dependent children for at least your first year of stay in Australia.

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