Child Student Visa

You can apply for a child student visa if you are between 4 and 17 years old and want to study at an independent school in the UK. IN order to do so the criteria to fulfill are as follows:

o You must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school
o Be able to show you have access to enough money to support you in the UK and pay for your course
o You have the consent of your parents or guardian to study in the UK and this must be proven when you apply

When can you apply for a child student visa?

If you are applying from outside the UK the earliest time you can apply is 6 months before you start your course of study and decisions are made in 3 weeks of the application.

If you are applying from inside the UK, you can apply 3 months before your course starts. It is important to apply before your current visa expires and your course must start within 28 days of your current visa expiring. You will receive a decision within 8 weeks.

How long can you stay in the UK?

Age when you apply How long you can stay
Under 16 Course length (up to 6 years) plus 4 months afterwards
6 or 17 Course length (up to 3 years) plus 4 months afterwards

What are the immigration Fees?

The fees for the application is £363 to apply for a child student visa from outside the UK and £490 to extend or switch to a child student visa from inside the UK. In addition to the above the healthcare surcharge needs to be paid.

Can I come with a parent under this category?

In order for a parent to join a child student they must make an application under the Parent of a child student visa. The parent can apply if they are the parent of a child student visa if the child has or is applying for a child student visa or if they have a Tier 4 (Child) visa. The child must be between the ages of 4 and 11 when you apply and be attending an independent school in the UK.
Under this category you must be the only parent accompanying the child and have enough money to support yourself and your child in the UK and maintain your main home outside the UK and plan to leave when you visa expires.

Can I bring other family members under the Parent of a Child Student Visa category?

To be eligible for a parent of a child student visa you must be the only parent accompanying your child in the UK. The child’s other parent must live abroad and cannot apply to join you in the UK. However, you can also bring your other child with you if they are also applying for the Child student visa.

Although you cannot bring other family members with you on this visa you can apply to come to the UK on a short term visit visa. The length of you stay cannot exceed the date the child’s visa expires or soon as they turn 12 which ever date happens first. Such visa can be extended in country as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

What you cannot do?

While you’re in the UK on a Parent of a Child Student visa, you cannot:
• do paid work
• study
• start a business
• make the UK your main home
• apply for benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
• bring other family members with you
• switch to a different type of visa

Advantage Solicitors is here to assist you with obtaining a UK child student visa for your child’s educational needs. Our knowledgeable team of immigration experts can provide tailored advice and support to ensure that your child’s application is successful. From preparing the necessary documentation to navigating the application process, Advantage Solicitors has the expertise to help your child study in the UK. Don’t hesitate to call us for a reliable and efficient service that you can trust.