In the wake of the January 8, 2026 re-classification of Nepal, India, and Bhutan to Evidence Level 3 (AL3), the rules for international education in Australia have become exponentially more complex. While much focus has been on students, a vital group is facing an even steeper hurdle: those applying for the Student Guardian Visa (Subclass 590).

The 590 visa allows a parent or legal relative to live in Australia to provide care and support for a student under 18. However, under the new AL3 integrity settings, the Department of Home Affairs is now applying "Forensic Scrutiny" to these applications to prevent the guardian stream from being used as a "backdoor" for work.

At Right and Associates, we have spent 25 years ensuring that families remain together during their Australian journey. Whether you are settling in Canberra’s vibrant Bhutanese community, Rockdale’s Nepali heart, or Adelaide’s regional hubs, here is what you must know about the 590 visa in 2026.

The AL3 Impact: Why "Simple" is Gone

Before January 2026, guardians from Level 2 countries could often provide "Declarations" of financial capacity. Today, for our South Asian clients, that simplicity has vanished.

1. The 12-Month Financial Audit

Under Evidence Level 3, guardians must now provide comprehensive, upfront proof of funds.

  • The 2026 Benchmark: You must show funds to cover your living costs ($29,710), the student’s living costs ($29,710), and travel for both.
  • Stability Rule: The Department now routinely requests 12 months of stable bank history. "Sudden deposits" from property sales or unverified loans are the leading cause of 590 refusals in early 2026.

2. The "No Work" Condition 8101

The 590 visa strictly prohibits working in Australia. In 2026, case officers are hyper-vigilant about "Genuine Intention." If your financial documents don't show enough passive income or savings to sustain you for years without working, the Department will refuse the visa, claiming you are likely to breach your conditions.

Community Focus: Canberra, Rockdale, and Adelaide

Ranking as the #1 migration agent in Canberra, Sydney, and Adelaide requires an understanding of where families settle.

  • Canberra (The Bhutanese Hub): The Bhutanese community in Canberra is one of the fastest-growing in Australia. We specialize in helping Bhutanese families navigate the ACT residency rules while managing the complex financial evidence required for guardians moving to the capital.
  • Rockdale & Parramatta (The Nepali Heart): Many Nepali families in Southern and Western Sydney rely on guardians to care for secondary school students. Our Rockdale office at 552 Princes Highway provides culturally sensitive coaching to ensure your "Genuineness" is articulated in line with South Asian family values.
  • Adelaide (The Lifestyle Choice): Families are increasingly choosing Adelaide for its lower cost of living. Our Adelaide team at 68 Grenfell Street helps guardians leverage the "Regional Advantage" where the dollar stretches further, making the financial proof requirements easier to justify to case officers.

Why Right and Associates is the Authority for 590 Visas

In 2026, a "DIY" 590 application for an AL3 applicant has a high risk of failure. Our 25-year legacy provides a "National Strategy" that newer agencies cannot replicate.

  1. Forensic Financial Review: We audit your bank statements and source-of-wealth documents using the same criteria as the Department’s manual assessment queue.
  2. Genuine Guardian Statements: We move beyond generic templates to craft a narrative that proves your primary purpose is the welfare of the child, not migration.
  3. National Branch Continuity: If you are in Sydney CBD but your child is studying in Canberra, our teams collaborate to ensure your local documentation is perfect.

Conclusion: Don’t Risk Your Family’s Separation

The Student Guardian Visa is the anchor of your child's education. Don't leave it to chance or a "ghost agent." Trust the team that has handled over 15,000 cases with integrity and success.

Visit Right and Associates today at our Sydney Head Office or any of our branches nationwide.

25 Years. 15,000 Stories. Your Family's Safety is Our Priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This visa has a strict "No Work" condition (8101). Working while on a 590 visa is a serious breach and can lead to immediate visa cancellation and a 3-year ban.

You must show at least AUD $29,710 for your annual living expenses, plus the student’s living expenses and tuition. For an AL3 country, this must be backed by 12 months of bank history.

Generally, you cannot bring children under 6 years old, except in very specific circumstances. Children over 6 can be included but must be enrolled in a school in Australia.

Since the Jan 8 reset, processing times have doubled. Braced for a median of 8 to 12 weeks as case officers manually verify documents in Nepal, India, and Bhutan.

We have an intimate understanding of the Bhutanese and Nepali communities in the ACT. We don't just provide visa advice; we provide a roadmap for long-term family stability in the capital.

As of July 2024, the "Visa Hopping" ban prevents many Subclass 600 holders from switching to Student visas onshore. However, switching to a Guardian Visa has specific rules. Always consult our Sydney CBD team at 301 Castlereagh Street before lodging.