This visa subclass provides for parents, persons with custody of a nominated student or some other relative to accompany the overseas student whilst they study in Australia to ensure their care and wellbeing.
In most circumstances, the overseas student is a minor, but in some circumstances (generally for religious reasons) someone over 18 years may be required to be accompanied.
This visa is usually granted for the time necessary to provide care and welfare to the student (up to their 18th birthday or the period of study, whichever is sooner) and requires the guardian to remain living with the student in Australia. The guardian cannot leave Australia without the student unless acceptable alternative arrangements have been made.
Relatives eligible to obtain a subclass 580 visa are:
- The spouse or de facto partner of the person; or
- A child, parent, brother or sister of the person; or
- A step-child, step-brother or step-sister of the person; or
- A grandparent, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew, or a step-grandparent, step-grandchild, step-aunt, step-uncle, step-niece or step-nephew
The guardian must be nominated by a parent or person with custody of the student. They must be 21 years or over and not intending to bring any dependent family members of their own unless under 6 years of age (and in limited circumstances) and be able to provide for the student in terms of accommodation, general welfare and other support.
There generally cannot be more than one student guardian visa holder per student visa holder.
