Official form guide
Form 157N: Nomination of a student guardian in Australia
This form, the Nomination of a student guardian in Australia (Form 157N), officially tells the Department of Home Affairs who is responsible for a student while they are studying here. You use this when a designated person needs to be formally recognized as the student's guardian.
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Form Overview
Home Affairs Form 157N - Nomination of a student guardian in Australia
This form, the Nomination of a student guardian in Australia (Form 157N), officially tells the Department of Home Affairs who is responsible for a student while they are studying here. You use this when a designated person needs to be formally recognized as the student's guardian.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Don't forget to include the full details of the student! Incorrect name spelling is a common pitfall.
- 2Not nominating an appropriate guardian.
- 3Missing the required signature from the nominated person.
- 4Using old contact details for the guardian.
- 5Failing to specify the relationship between student and guardian.
Plain English
Basically, you are telling the government who has legal responsibility for a student in Australia. This document confirms that specific person acts as their guardian during their study period. It helps keep things official with Home Affairs.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You should file this when a change in guardianship occurs or before the student arrives if the guardian is already set up.
- 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
- When you need to officially name someone as the primary carer/guardian for a student under your visa.
- Use this when the existing nominated guardian needs to change or be added.
- This is required if the student's parents are not able to act as the official guardian.
- It formalises responsibility with the Department of Home Affairs, often linked to their ImmiAccount.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Student has a parent/legal guardian already registered
Use this if you are only changing details on an existing nomination.
✓ Check the original submission date.
Student is applying for their visa now
You submit both together to establish guardianship from day one.
✓ Ensure the names match exactly across both documents.
Form 1419 (or relevant application form) + 157N
Guardian needs to be nominated specifically for a student visa subclass
This links directly to your specific student visa stream requirements.
✓ Not confirmed in official source (specific subclass check needed).
Student is moving from one state/territory to another while studying
While not always mandatory, it's best practice to update when location changes.
✓ Check if the receiving institution requires this update.
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed deadline, but it should be submitted before any major event, like course enrolment or visa application submission.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure all sections are fully completed—no blanks left intentionally.
- 2Sign and date the form where indicated by the Department of Home Affairs.
- 3Attach supporting evidence proving the nominated person's relationship (e.g., birth certificate copy).
- 4If applicable, ensure your student ID number is clearly written on Form 157N.
- 5Check that the student’s passport details match perfectly with the form entries.
- 6Verify you have selected the correct nomination type (e.g., Parent Guardian vs. Other Relative).
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required sections of Form 157N clearly and legibly.
- 2Gather supporting documentation that verifies the relationship between the student and the nominated guardian.
- 3Sign and date the form according to the instructions provided on the document.
- 4Submit the completed form and evidence through your ImmiAccount or via the designated online portal.
- 5If submitting physically, ensure you receive a receipt number from the Department of Home Affairs.
Known limitations
- 1Submitting this form does not automatically guarantee visa approval; it only confirms guardianship status.
- 2The nomination may need to be updated if the student changes their course or educational institution.
- 3Not confirmed in official source: There might be specific subclass limitations on *who* can be nominated (e.g., spouse vs. sibling).
- 4If you are applying through a third-party agent, they must submit it correctly to avoid delays.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 157N is the standard document used to nominate a guardian for a student studying in Australia. Check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest version date.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the date printed on the form header.
- Check for any new required fields related to digital identity or myGov linkage.
- Confirm if there are specific sections dedicated to 'Overseas' vs. 'Domestic' guardianship.
- See if the instructions have updated terminology (e.g., using 'Nominee' instead of 'Guardian').
- Not confirmed in official source (check for changes regarding digital signature requirements).
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm Name: Nomination of a student guardian in Australia
- SRCAgency: Department of Home Affairs (HOME_AFFAIRS)
- SRCForm Number: 157N
- SRCContext: Formal recognition of responsibility for a studying student.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific submission portal requirements (e.g., must be via ImmiAccount).
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current required supporting document list.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Guardian' with 'Parent': A guardian can be a grandparent, aunt, or other relative, not just a parent.
Thinking it’s only for international students: While common, domestic students may also need this if their parents are overseas.
Mistaking the role: The form nominates *who* is responsible; it doesn't automatically grant them financial sponsorship status (though they often accompany it).
Not updating when circumstances change: Many people submit it once and forget to update it later.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Australian Government Forms
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