Welfare Arrangements (Under 18)

Official Definition

For a student under 18: either a parent, legal custodian or eligible relative over 21 coming to Australia as their guardian, or the education provider's confirmation of appropriate accommodation and welfare (CAAW), with the parents' consent.

What Officers Look For

A Student visa applicant under 18 must have appropriate welfare arrangements for their stay until they turn 18. There are two ways. A parent, legal custodian or a relative aged over 21 of good character stays in Australia as the student's guardian, on a Student Guardian visa (subclass 590) nominated with Form 157N. Or the education provider approves the accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements and issues a confirmation of appropriate accommodation and welfare (CAAW).

In either case the parents or custodians must consent to the arrangements. A CAAW letter should cover the dates of the stay, and a nominated guardian's relationship to the student should be shown, for example by a birth certificate.

Evidence Strength

Common Refusal / Processing Triggers

Tips for Strengthening Your Evidence

Relevant Document Types

Typical uploads: the provider's CAAW letter, Form 157N nominating a student guardian, parental consent, and a birth certificate showing the relationship.