International students under 18 years of age who come to Australia on a student visa (subclass 500) must have adequate welfare arrangements in place throughout their stay. The welfare arrangement requirement exists to ensure that minor students have appropriate care, accommodation, and supervision while they are in Australia without their parents. A student visa application from a minor will not be valid unless adequate welfare arrangements are demonstrated.

Welfare arrangements must be approved by the student's registered education provider (CRICOS-registered), which issues a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) as evidence that the arrangements have been assessed and approved. For current guidance, refer to the DHA welfare arrangements page.

• ESOS Act 2000 — the framework under which registered education providers have obligations in relation to the welfare of international students
• National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (National Code 2018) — Standard 5 sets out welfare obligations for students under 18
• DHA: Welfare and custody arrangements for students under 18 — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/welfare-under-18
• DHA: Form 157N — Student guardianship arrangements — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-157n

Who the requirement applies to

The welfare arrangement requirement applies to all international students who are under 18 years of age at the time of visa application and throughout their stay in Australia on a student visa. Exceptions apply to:

• Secondary exchange students: Students participating in a formal exchange program may have different welfare requirements set by the exchange program itself
• Foreign Affairs or Defence students: Students sponsored under arrangements with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or Department of Defence

The two main types of welfare arrangement

Option 1 — Parent or guardian in Australia on a subclass 590 visa: The most straightforward arrangement is for a parent (or a nominated guardian who is a parent or close family relative aged 21 or over) to travel to Australia on a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) to accompany and care for the student. The 590 visa allows the guardian to remain in Australia for the duration of the student's study.

Option 2 — Alternative welfare arrangement approved by the education provider: If no parent or guardian is travelling to Australia, the education provider can approve an alternative welfare arrangement. Under this arrangement, the provider takes responsibility for the student's accommodation and welfare. The provider must assess the arrangement and, if satisfied, issue a CAAW (Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare). The CAAW includes the start and end dates of the welfare arrangement, and must be included with the student visa application. Examples of approved arrangements include approved homestay accommodation providers or school-supervised boarding.

The CAAW and its importance

The CAAW is a document issued by the education provider that confirms:

• The accommodation provided for the student is appropriate
• The welfare supervision arrangements are in place
• The start and end dates of the welfare arrangement

A student visa application for a minor requires a current CAAW to be valid. Without a CAAW (or a parent holding a 590 visa), the application cannot proceed. The CAAW must remain current throughout the student's time in Australia — if welfare arrangements change, the education provider must be notified and a new CAAW may be required.

Changing welfare arrangements

Students under 18 cannot change their welfare arrangements without approval. If a guardian needs to leave Australia temporarily, they must provide evidence of a compelling and compassionate reason and ensure alternative welfare arrangements are in place before departing. The alternative arrangement must involve a person who is a parent or close family relative aged 21 or over. The education provider must be notified of any change in guardianship arrangements — Form 157N is used for guardianship notifications.

Consequences of non-compliance

If a student under 18 does not maintain adequate welfare arrangements, their student visa may be cancelled. Education providers also have obligations under the National Code 2018 to monitor compliance and report breaches to DHA. Both the student and the education provider face consequences for failing to maintain welfare arrangements.

The welfare arrangement requirement is separate from (and in addition to) the standard student visa requirements such as genuine student assessment and English language requirements. Parents or guardians considering accompanying a minor student to Australia should ensure the subclass 590 application is lodged at the same time as the student visa application — simultaneous lodgement is recommended. For the current subclass 590 eligibility requirements, refer to the Student Guardian visa page.