Official form guide
Form 157N: Nomination of a student guardian in Australia
Form 157N is used to nominate a guardian for a student who needs supervision while studying in Australia. It is required when a student under a certain age cannot be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 157N - Nomination of a student guardian in Australia
Form 157N is used to nominate a guardian for a student who needs supervision while studying in Australia. It is required when a student under a certain age cannot be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Always confirm the proposed guardian is willing and able to take on this responsibility before nominating them.
- 2Incorrect or incomplete guardian details
- 3Missing signatures from all parties
- 4Not providing sufficient evidence of guardian relationship
- 5Submitting the form too late for visa processing
Plain English
This form helps you appoint someone to look after a student while they study in Australia. It's used when the student's usual guardian can't be with them during their studies.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form before the student commences their studies in Australia, or when a change of guardian is required during their studies.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when nominating a guardian for a minor student studying in Australia
- Use when the student's natural guardian cannot accompany them to Australia
- Use when you need to appoint or change a guardian for a student visa holder
- Use for both initial visa applications and subsequent changes to guardianship arrangements
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Minor student visa application
Required for students under 18 without a parent in Australia
✓ Check if your student is under 18 and needs a guardian
Change of school for a student visa holder
A new guardian may be required for the new school or location
✓ Confirm if the new school has specific guardian requirements
Student aged 18+
Students 18 and over generally don't need a guardian
✓ Verify the age requirements for your specific course
Permanent guardianship arrangement
For guardians who need to live in Australia long-term
✓ Check if the guardian needs their own visa
Deadline or filing window
Submit this form at least 6-8 weeks before the student's proposed course start date to allow sufficient processing time, especially during peak periods.
Before you submit
- 1All sections of the form completed accurately
- 2Student details (full name, date of birth, passport number)
- 3Current guardian's details and relationship to student
- 4Proposed guardian's full details and contact information
- 5Signed by both current and proposed guardians
- 6Supporting documents (birth certificates, relationship evidence)
- 7Payment of any applicable fees
How to file this form
- 1Obtain Form 157N from the Department of Home Affairs website
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information
- 3Gather supporting documents proving relationships
- 4Have both current and proposed guardians sign the form
- 5Submit through ImmiAccount or by mail to the department
- 6Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records
- 7Wait for confirmation from the Department of Home Affairs
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies to student visa arrangements
- 2The proposed guardian must be eligible to live in Australia
- 3The nomination does not guarantee visa approval
- 4Changes to guardianship may require additional visa applications
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
3 items
Your name exactly as shown in your passport.
Your date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY).
Passport number, country of issue, and expiry date.
Contact
1 items
Current residential address, postal address, email, and phone number.
Request
1 items
The visa, citizenship, or sponsorship request this form relates to.
Evidence
1 items
Certified copies of identity and other documents required for the request.
Declaration
1 items
Declare that the information is true and correct, then sign and date.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current version of Form 157N may have specific requirements for student visas post-COVID-19. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most recent version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if the form version matches the visa subclass you're applying for
- Verify if COVID-19 related requirements have been updated
- Confirm if character requirements for guardians have changed
- Check if additional documentation is now required
- Ensure contact details section reflects current requirements
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm 157N is issued by the Department of Home Affairs
- SRCThe form is used for nominating guardians for student visa holders
- SRCThe form is specific to Australian student visa arrangements
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact processing times
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific fees associated with the form
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact age requirements for needing a guardian
Common confusion points
Confusing the requirements for different student visa subclasses
Not understanding the difference between a guardian and a student visa holder
Assuming the proposed guardian needs a separate visa
Not realizing the guardian may need to meet health and character requirements
Unclear about the duration of the guardianship nomination
Source transparency
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