157N Form Australia
Form 157N Australia: Complete Guide to the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)
Introduction
For younger international students—especially those under the age of 18—Australia requires that a responsible adult accompany or care for them while they study. That’s where Form 157N and the Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) come into play.
Form 157N is the official application for the Student Guardian visa, which allows a parent, legal guardian, or relative to stay in Australia to support and care for a minor international student. This document is essential for ensuring the student’s safety and compliance with Australia’s strict immigration regulations.
This article provides a detailed explanation of Form 157N, who needs it, how to complete it, eligibility criteria, responsibilities of the student guardian, common pitfalls, and how it fits into the broader student visa process.
What Is Form 157N Australia?
Form 157N is the Application for a Student Guardian Visa (subclass 590). It is used by individuals applying to come to Australia to accompany and provide care for a minor international student holding a Student visa (subclass 500).
This form is part of Australia’s commitment to protecting international students, particularly those who are not yet adults. The guardian visa ensures that these students have an adult nearby who can support their well-being, safety, and integration into life in Australia.
What Is the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590)?
The Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) allows the holder to stay in Australia as the guardian of an international student under the age of 18 (or older if exceptional circumstances apply). This visa:
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Is temporary and lasts for the same duration as the student’s visa or until the student turns 18
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Does not allow work in Australia
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Requires holders to maintain adequate health insurance
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May permit study for up to 3 months
Who Should Use Form 157N Australia?
You should use Form 157N if you are:
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A parent or legal guardian of an international student under 18 years old studying in Australia
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A relative over 21 years old who has been nominated by the student’s parent or guardian to care for the student in Australia
Eligibility Requirements: 157N Form Australia
To be eligible for a Student Guardian visa through Form 157N, applicants must:
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Be over 21 years old
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Have sufficient financial means to support themselves and the student
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Have health insurance during their stay
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Be of good character and health
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Not bring family members under 6 years old, unless there are compelling reasons approved by the Australian government
Who Qualifies as a "Relative"?
The Department of Home Affairs defines a “relative” as:
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Parent or step-parent
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Grandparent
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Sibling or step-sibling
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Aunt or uncle
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Niece or nephew
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Partner (spouse or de facto)
The chosen guardian must reside with the student and be committed to the student’s care full-time.
Structure of Form 157N Australia
Form 157N is a lengthy, official government form that includes multiple sections. Below is a breakdown:
1. Personal Details
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Full name, date of birth, sex
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Passport and travel document information
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Country of citizenship
2. Details of the Student
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Full name and visa application number (if already applied)
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Relationship to the student
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Intended educational institution and location
3. Family Composition
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Names and details of all family members
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Information on dependents not included in the application
4. Financial Support: 157N Form Australia
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Declaration of funds available
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Sources of financial support (employment, savings, sponsor)
5. Health and Character: 157N Form Australia
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Details about health conditions
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Past criminal convictions or visa refusals
6. Accommodation and Welfare Arrangements
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Where the guardian will live in Australia
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How the applicant intends to supervise the student
7. Declarations and Signatures
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Confirmation of truthfulness
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Consent for background checks
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Signature of the applicant
Required Supporting Documents
When submitting Form 157N, applicants must also provide:
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Certified copy of passport bio-data page
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Evidence of financial capacity, such as:
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Bank statements
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Employment letters
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Tax documents
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Proof of health insurance coverage
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Evidence of accommodation and welfare arrangements
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A copy of the student’s Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
Application Process Using Form 157N Australia
Step 1: Complete Form 157N Australia
Download and complete the form carefully. Use clear, accurate, and complete information.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Collect all supporting documents mentioned above. Documents not in English must be translated.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit the completed form either online through an ImmiAccount or by paper to the Department of Home Affairs (for applicants who meet specific criteria).
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
Fees may vary. Payment is typically made online or through bank methods indicated by the Department.
Step 5: Wait for Decision
Applicants may be asked to provide biometrics, undergo a health examination, or attend an interview.
Rights and Responsibilities of a Student Guardian Visa Holder
Rights
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Travel in and out of Australia
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Study in Australia for up to 3 months
Responsibilities
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Live with the student and ensure their welfare
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Notify immigration of any changes (address, school, etc.)
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Not work under this visa (working is prohibited)
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Maintain health insurance coverage
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Leave Australia once guardianship ends or the student turns 18
Financial Requirements: 157N Form Australia
Applicants must prove they can financially support:
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Themselves
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The student
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Any dependents included in the application
Evidence of savings, income, or support from another party is required. This ensures the guardian will not rely on public funds in Australia.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants must:
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Complete a health examination if requested
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Obtain a police clearance certificate
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Be of good moral character and truthfully disclose all criminal records
What Happens if the Guardian Can’t Stay?
If the guardian must leave Australia temporarily:
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Another adult (aged 21+) must be nominated
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Approval from the Department of Home Affairs is required
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A formal welfare arrangement must be in place
Failure to notify or arrange suitable care can result in visa cancellation for both guardian and student.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: 157N Form Australia
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Incomplete form or missing documents
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Inadequate financial documentation
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Omitting dependents or past visa refusals
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Filing without understanding the commitment involved
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Leaving the student unattended during the visa period
Extending the Guardian Visa: 157N Form Australia
A Student Guardian visa can be extended if:
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The student extends their study program
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The student remains under 18
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The guardian continues to meet eligibility criteria
To extend, you must file a new Form 157N, pay the fee, and resubmit all documents.
Comparison With Other Visa Options
The Student Guardian visa is not a work or general visitor visa. It differs from:
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Visitor Visa – Doesn’t allow full-time care responsibilities
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Student Visa – Designed for students, not guardians
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Working Holiday Visa – Not applicable for child guardianship
Only the 590 subclass is appropriate for those accompanying minor students.
Provincial and Institutional Requirements: 157N Form Australia
Some schools in Australia may have additional policies regarding student guardians. For example:
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Schools may require guardians to attend orientation
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Some institutions maintain a list of approved custodians
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Boarding schools may offer internal guardianship services, removing the need for a separate visa
Always confirm with the student’s school and state education authority.
After the Student Turns 18
When the student reaches the age of majority:
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The guardian’s obligation ends
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The visa may expire unless extended for other valid reasons
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The guardian must either leave the country or apply for a different visa
Summary Checklist: 157N Form Australia
Here’s a summary checklist for applying using Form 157N:
✅ Verify relationship to student
✅ Ensure applicant is over 21
✅ Complete all sections of Form 157N
✅ Provide certified documents and English translations
✅ Show financial capacity and health insurance
✅ Arrange accommodation and declare it
✅ Submit form online or by paper
✅ Monitor application status and respond to requests
Conclusion
Form 157N is the critical pathway to obtaining a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) in Australia. For parents, guardians, and relatives who wish to accompany a minor student, understanding this form and its requirements is essential for a successful immigration journey.
From establishing eligibility and gathering documentation to navigating financial and legal obligations, Form 157N is more than just paperwork—it is a declaration of care and responsibility. Done correctly, it allows families to ensure the safety, education, and well-being of their child in one of the world’s most respected academic environments.
For those seeking help with Form 157N, professional migration agents or education consultants can provide guidance tailored to specific family needs.
In case, if you need help with 157N Form Australia, Homestay and Guardianship for minor students, please fill in application below or contact The Custodian Australia.