Australian employers regardless of size, turnover and business structure are able to sponsor a foreign worker to work in Australia. Employers can sponsor new or existing employees and there are temporary and permanent options.
There are four types of sponsorship available to Australian employers, subject to different requirements and eligibility:
Standard Business Sponsorship (Most common);
Accredited Sponsorship (Best for large corporations);
Temporary Activity Sponsorship (Typically for employers with the temporary need of foreign workers); and
The Subclass 600 visa is your gateway to visiting Australia for tourism, business activities, or spending time with family and friends. Whether you’re planning a holiday, attending business meetings, or reconnecting with loved ones, this temporary visa offers flexible options to suit your travel needs.
Key Features
Flexible stay periods from 3 months up to 12 months
Multiple entry options available for frequent travelers
Electronic visa linked directly to your passport
Various streams to match your specific purpose of visit
Apply online from anywhere in the world
Family applications can include spouse and dependent children
Study permitted for courses up to 3 months duration
Are You Eligible?
General Requirements (All Streams)
Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
Demonstrate genuine intention to visit Australia temporarily
Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay
Meet health and character requirements
Have adequate health insurance for your entire stay (mandatory from 2025)
No outstanding debts to the Australian government
Provide biometric data at approved collection centers (required from February 2025)
Purpose: Meetings, conferences, negotiations, site visits
Short-term business activities only
Stay duration: Up to 3 months typically
No paid employment permitted
Sponsored Family Stream
Purpose: Visiting family members in Australia
Requires sponsorship by Australian citizen or permanent resident
Stay duration: Up to 12 months
Must apply from outside Australia
Sponsor may need to provide financial security bond
Frequent Traveller Stream
Purpose: Regular business or personal travel
Mainly available to Chinese passport holders
Validity: Up to 10 years with multiple entries
Stay per visit: Up to 90 days
Approved Destination Status (ADS)
Purpose: Group tourism from specific countries
Organized tours only through approved operators
Stay duration: Up to 30 days
Limited to approved countries
Application Fees (as of May 2025)
Fees are subject to change and are non-refundable even if your application is refused
Watch Out For These Common Issues
Insufficient financial evidence: Provide comprehensive bank statements, payslips, and proof of funds covering your entire stay
Missing health insurance: Ensure your policy meets Australian requirements and covers your full visit duration
Incomplete travel plans: Show detailed itinerary, accommodation bookings, and return flight arrangements
Poor document quality: Use certified translations for non-English documents and ensure all copies are clear
Late application: Apply 3-4 weeks before intended travel to allow for processing delays
Visa condition breaches: Any previous overstays or condition breaches can seriously impact your application
Inadequate ties to home country: Demonstrate strong reasons to return home such as employment, property, or family commitments
Work restrictions: Remember that NO paid work is permitted on any Visitor Visa stream
How Riverwood Migration Can Help
Our experienced migration lawyers will:
Assess your eligibility across all streams to identify the best option for your circumstances
Prepare comprehensive applications with all required supporting documentation
Navigate complex cases involving health issues, character concerns, or previous visa refusals
Ensure compliance with the latest 2025 requirements including biometrics and health insurance
Handle Department correspondence and respond to any requests for additional information
Provide strategic advice on timing your application and building a strong case
Offer peace of mind with professional representation throughout the entire process
We understand that visiting Australia is important to you, whether for business opportunities, family connections, or the trip of a lifetime. Let our 20+ years of migration experience help make your Australian visit a reality.
This information is current as of May 2025. For personalised advice on your Subclass 600 application, speak with our registered migration lawyers.
What is the Subclass 500 visa?
The Subclass 500 visa is Australia’s main student visa for international students wanting to pursue full-time study at registered Australian education providers. This visa allows you to live, study, and work part-time in Australia while completing your course, with pathways to permanent residency after graduation.
Key Features
Study duration up to 5 years depending on your course length
Part-time work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during study periods
Unlimited workduring scheduled course breaks
Include family members in your application as dependents
Post-study work opportunities through Temporary Graduate Visa pathways
Pathway to permanent residency (PR)through skilled migration programs
Access to world-class education at CRICOS-registered institutions
Health cover included through Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Are You Eligible?
Essential Requirements
Age: Must be at least 6 years old (welfare arrangements required if under 18)
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): Valid electronic CoE from a CRICOS-registered Australian education provider
Genuine Student Requirement: Demonstrate genuine intention to study in Australia (replaced GTE in 2024)
English proficiency: Meet minimum English language requirements for your course
Financial capacity: Prove access to sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and travel
Health and character: Pass medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates
Overseas Student Health Cover: Maintain OSHC for entire stay duration
English Language Requirements
IELTS: Minimum 6.0 overall (varies by institution and course)
TOEFL: Equivalent scores accepted
PTE Academic: Alternative English test option
Exemptions: Citizens of certain English-speaking countries or previous English-medium study
Financial Capacity Requirements (2025)
Living expenses: Minimum AUD $29,710 per year (increased May 2024)
Tuition fees: Full course fees or first year payment
Travel costs: Return airfare to Australia
Dependent costs: Additional funds required for family members
Evidence: Bank statements, loan approvals, or financial guarantees
Application Fees (as of January 2025)
Fees are subject to change and non-refundable even if application is refused.
Work Rights During Study (2025)
Watch Out For These Common Issues
CoE timing: Don’t apply without a valid Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider
Financial evidence: Ensure funds are readily available and properly documented – AUD $29,710 minimum per year plus tuition
Genuine Student assessment: Clearly articulate your study plans, career goals, and reasons for choosing Australia
English test validity: Ensure your English test results are current and meet specific course requirements
Work hour breaches: Strictly adhere to 48-hour fortnightly limit during study periods – violations can lead to visa cancellation
Course progress: Maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance throughout your studies
OSHC coverage: Keep health insurance valid for entire visa duration
Address changes: Notify Department of Home Affairs of any changes to personal circumstances
Onshore application changes: New rules from January 2025 affect onshore applications – check current requirements
Assess your study goals and recommend the best course and visa strategy for your career objectives
Navigate complex requirements including the new Genuine Student criteria and increased financial thresholds
Prepare comprehensive applicationswith all supporting documentation and evidence
Manage CoE coordination with your chosen education provider
Plan your pathway from study to permanent residency (PR) through skilled migration options
Handle visa conditioncompliance advice to protect your student status
Provide ongoing support throughout your studies and post-graduation visa transitions
Maximise work opportunitieswithin visa conditions to support your studies
With over 20 years of migration experience, we understand the complexities of Australian student visas and can guide you from initial application through to permanent residency pathways.
This information is current as of May 2025. For personalised advice on your Subclass 500 application and study-to-PR pathways, speak with our migration lawyer.
Genuine Student Requirement – Critical Assessment for Student Visas
What is the Genuine Student Requirement?
The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is the key assessment criterion for all Australian student visa applications lodged from 23 March 2024 onwards. This requirement replaces the previous Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion and focuses on ensuring that your primary purpose for coming to Australia is genuine study, not just work or migration opportunities.
Key Features
Primary study focus– must demonstrate study is your main reason for coming to Australia
Targeted questioning replaces the previous 300-word statement format
This information is current as of May 2025. The Genuine Student requirement is complex and refusal rates have increased significantly. For expert assistance with your GS assessment, speak with our migration lawyer.
What is the Subclass 485 visa?
The Subclass 485 visa is Australia’s post-study work visa that allows recent international graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing their studies. This visa provides valuable Australian work experience and serves as a stepping stone to permanent residency, with special extended provisions for Hong Kong SAR and British National (Overseas) passport holders.
Key Features
Work anywhere in Australia without employer sponsorship requirements
Multiple visa streamsto suit different qualification levels and circumstances
Extended 5-year optionavailable for Hong Kong and BNO passport holders
Pathway to permanent residency through skilled migration programs
Australian work experienceto strengthen future visa applications
Are You Eligible?
General Requirements (All Streams)
Age: Under 35 years old (some exceptions for Hong Kong/BNO holders)
Recent graduation: Completed CRICOS-registered course within last 6 months
Study duration: Course must be at least 92 weeks (16 months) in Australia
Current visa status: Hold or recently held a student visa
English proficiency: Meet English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)
Health insurance: Maintain adequate health cover (OSHC or OVHC)
Character requirements: Provide Australian Federal Police check
Health requirements: Meet health standards for temporary visa
Stream-Specific Requirements
Graduate Work Stream
Qualification related to occupation on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Positive skills assessment in nominated occupation
Duration: Up to 18 months (5 years for Hong Kong/BNO holders)
Post-Study Work Stream
Bachelor, Masters, or Doctoral degree from CRICOS provider
Duration: Bachelor/Masters 2 years, PhD 3 years (5 years for Hong Kong/BNO holders)
No skills assessment required
Second Post-Study Work Stream
Previous study and residence in regional Australia
Additional 1-2 years beyond initial 485 visa
Must have lived and studied in designated regional areas
Replacement Stream
For those unable to use previous 485 visa due to COVID-19 travel restrictions
Duration matches original stream entitlement
Watch Out For These Common Issues
Application timing: Must apply within 6 months of course completion and while holding eligible visa
Study duration confusion: Course must be minimum 92 weeks – shorter courses don’t qualify
Skills assessment delays: Graduate Work Stream requires positive assessment before application
Health insurance gaps: Maintain continuous cover throughout application and visa period
Age restrictions: Must be under 35 when applying (stricter than previous requirements)
English test validity: Ensure test results are current and meet minimum requirements
Regional area verification: For regional pathways, ensure your study/work areas qualify as designated regional
Reduced durations: 2024-2025 changes significantly reduced visa lengths for most applicants
Previous 485 holders: Generally can only hold one 485 visa (except Replacement Stream)
Work rights misunderstanding: No work restrictions, but maintain health cover and comply with character requirements
How Riverwood Migration Can Help
Our experienced migration lawyers specialise in post-study visas and will:
Assess your eligibility across all 485 streams and determine the best option for your circumstances
Navigate complex timing to ensure applications are lodged within critical deadlines
Coordinate skills assessments for Graduate Work Stream applications efficiently
Maximise Hong Kong/BNO benefits and plan your 5-year pathway to permanent residency
Strategic planning for permanent residency pathways post-485 visa
Regional pathway guidance to access faster permanent residency options
Handle complex cases involving course changes, visa breaches, or previous refusals
Document preparation ensuring all evidence meets Department standards
Ongoing compliance advice throughout your visa period to protect future applications
We understand that your 485 visa is often the crucial bridge between study and permanent residency. Let our expertise help secure your post-study future in Australia.
This information is current as of May 2025. Recent changes have significantly impacted 485 visa eligibility and duration. For personalised advice on your post-study options and permanent residency pathways, speak with our migration lawyers.
What is the Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590?
The Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590 is an Australian visa that allows parents, legal guardians, or eligible relatives to accompany and care for international students under 18 years of age studying in Australia. This guardian visa ensures young students receive proper welfare, accommodation, and daily care while pursuing their education in Sydney, NSW, or anywhere in Australia.
Key Benefits of the Student Guardian Visa
Care for young students under 18 years studying in Australia
Live in Sydney or anywhere in Australia with full welfare responsibility
Visa durationaligned with student’s visa or until they turn 18
Limited study rightsup to 3 months or ELICOS courses in Sydney
Health insurance coverage through Overseas Student Health Cover
Family unity allowing guardian to stay with student throughout studies
Flexible eligibility for parents, guardians, and nominated relatives
Extension optionsavailable if continued care is required
Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590 Eligibility Requirements
Student age: Student must be under 18 years (exceptions for students over 18 with exceptional needs)
Nomination requirement: If not parent/legal guardian, must be nominated in writing by student’s parent/guardian
Genuine temporary entrant: Demonstrate intention to stay temporarily for student support purposes
Financial capacity: Prove sufficient funds to support yourself, student, and any dependents in Australia
Health and character: Meet health examinations and character requirements
Health insurance: Hold adequate OSHC for entire stay duration
No outstanding debts: No debts owed to Australian Government
Clean visa history: No previous visa cancellations or application refusals
Student Guardian Visa Financial Requirements 2025
Minimum capacity: 75% of national minimum wage (updated 2024)
Estimated annual costs: AUD $35,000 – $45,000 depending on location (higher for Sydney)
Sydney living costs: Additional considerations for higher accommodation and living expenses
Coverage includes: Guardian living expenses, student support, and dependent costs
Evidence required: Bank statements, income proof, financial guarantees
Student Guardian Welfare Responsibilities
Accommodation: Provide suitable housing for the student in Sydney or chosen location
Daily care: Ensure student’s welfare and wellbeing
Educational support: Assist with school-related matters and Sydney education system
Emergency care: Available for medical or other emergencies
Continuous presence: Remain in Australia with student unless approved departure
Student Guardian Visa Conditions & Restrictions
What You CANNOT Do on Subclass 590
Work prohibition: No employment permitted under any circumstances in Sydney or Australia
Extended study: Limited to 3 months total study or ELICOS under 20 hours/week
Leave without student: Cannot depart Australia without student unless pre-approved
Bring young children: Children under 6 generally not permitted except exceptional circumstances
Overstay: Must depart when visa expires or student turns 18
What You CAN Do on Student Guardian Visa
Short-term study: Up to 3 months total or English language courses in Sydney
Provide care: Full welfare and accommodation responsibilities
Travel within Australia: Domestic travel with student including Sydney attractions
Access healthcare: Through Overseas Student Health Cover
Student Guardian Visa Application Fees 2025
Applicant Type
Application Fee
Main Applicant
AUD $630
Additional Adult (18+)
AUD $315
Child Dependent (<18)
AUD $155
Student guardian visa fees are subject to change and non-refundable even if application is refused
Common Student Guardian Visa Application Mistakes
Financial evidence shortfalls: Ensure comprehensive proof of funds covering 75% national minimum wage threshold
Inadequate nomination: If not parent/guardian, ensure proper written nomination from student’s parent/legal guardian
Health insurance gaps: Maintain continuous OSHC coverage from arrival through departure
Work restriction breaches: Absolutely no work permitted – violations lead to visa cancellation
Departure without approval: Cannot leave Australia without student unless Department pre-approves alternative arrangements
Age confusion: Student must be under 18 or have exceptional needs requiring continued care
Bringing young dependents: Children under 6 generally cannot accompany unless exceptional circumstances
Welfare arrangement failures: Must maintain continuous care – any gaps can jeopardise visa status
Study limitations: Cannot exceed 3 months total study or breach ELICOS hour restrictions
Visa timing: Application must align with student’s visa validity and educational timeline
Student Guardian Visa Processing Times Sydney
Standard processing: 4-6 weeks for complete applications
Complex cases: May take longer if additional documents required
Sydney applications: No difference in processing times based on location
Recommendation: Apply 6-8 weeks before student’s course commencement
Student Guardian Visa Sydney: How Riverwood Migration Lawyers Can Help
Our experienced Sydney migration lawyers specialise in student guardian visa applications and will:
Assess family circumstances to determine Subclass 590 eligibility and best application strategy
Navigate complex relationships including nomination requirements for non-parent guardians
Calculate financial requirements specific to Sydney living costs and prepare comprehensive evidence
Coordinate with student visasto ensure aligned timing and conditions
Prepare detailed welfare plansdemonstrating commitment to student care in Sydney
Handle health and character requirementsefficiently including medical examinations
Plan for visa extensions if continued care is needed beyond initial grant period
Provide ongoing compliance advice to protect your guardian status throughout the visa period
Manage complex cases involving exceptional circumstances or previous visa issues
Sydney-specific guidance on accommodation, schools, and living arrangements
Frequently Asked Questions: Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590
How long does a Student Guardian Visa last?The Student Guardian Visa is generally granted for the same duration as the student’s visa or until the student turns 18, whichever comes first.
Can I work on a Student Guardian Visa in Sydney? No, Student Guardian Visa holders cannot work anywhere in Australia, including Sydney.
What are the financial requirements for Student Guardian Visa?You must demonstrate access to at least 75% of the national minimum wage, approximately AUD $35,000-$45,000 annually, with higher costs expected in Sydney.
Can I study while on a Student Guardian Visa?Yes, but only up to 3 months total or ELICOS courses under 20 hours per week.
Do I need health insurance for Student Guardian Visa?Yes, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the entire visa duration.
Why Choose Riverwood Migration for Your Student Guardian Visa Application?
Located in Sydney, Riverwood Migration understands the unique challenges families face when navigating student guardian visa applications. Our migration lawyers have extensive experience with:
Complex family visa situations
Sydney education system requirements
Local accommodation and welfare arrangements
Department of Home Affairs processes
Student visa coordination and timing
Ready to Apply for Your Student Guardian Visa?
Don’t let complex student guardian visa requirements delay your family’s educational plans. Our experienced Sydney migration lawyers will ensure your Subclass 590 application meets all requirements.
This information is current as of May 2025. Student Guardian Visa Subclass 590 applications require careful planning and comprehensive documentation. For personalised advice on your Sydney student guardian visa application, contact our migration lawyers at Riverwood Migration.
Fees are subject to change and non-refundable even if application is refused.
