Child Student Visa
The Child Student Visa (formerly the Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa) is for children between the ages of 4 and 17 who wish to pursue their education at an independent school in the UK. Parents can join their children for the duration of their studies if they meet the requirements of the Parent of a Child Student visa.
How long a visa will be granted will be in line with the duration of the course.
The Student route does not lead to settlement in the UK. Once an applicant has completed their studies, in order to remain in the UK, they will be required to switch to another visa category.
How can we help?
We have extensive experience of preparing successful Child Student visa applications on behalf of our clients. We pride ourselves on the presentation of our applications to the Home Office. You can be assured that your application process will be managed in timeously and with expertise.
Child Student Visa FAQs
What are the requirements for the child student visa?
You can apply for the Student visa if you meet the following requirements:
- Are between the ages of 4 and 17 years old
- You have a place at an independent school with an unconditional offer
- You can demonstrate that you have enough money available to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK
- Have the consent of your parents or guardians.
Do you need to be enrolled on a course to apply for a student visa?
Yes. You will need an unconditional offer for a place at a course in an independent school.
Do I need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?
Yes. Your education provider will send you a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies that you will need to enter on your visa application.
Can the application be submitted from overseas?
Yes, this application can be submitted either in the UK or from overseas. You can apply 6 months before the start of your course.
How long does it take to get a decision on a child student visa?
You should get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks for an application submitted in the UK or within 3 weeks of applying from overseas. Please note, these timeframes are a guideline, and some applications do take longer to receive a decision.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need:
- A valid passport
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider
- Written consent from your legal guardian
You might also need:
- proof that you meet the financial requirements and can support yourself
- proof of consent from your parent or guardian if you are under 18
- proof of your relationship with your parent or guadian if consent is required
- tuberculosis test results if you are from a qualifying country
- written consent from your financial sponsor if you have received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs
If you need to receive consent from your parent or guardian if you are under 18, it needs to include:
- their consent for your visa application
- your living and care arrangements while studying in the UK
- your travel to the UK (flights, for example)
- copy of your birth certificate showing the names of your parents
How much does the visa cost?
The fees charged by Home Office can be found on their official website here.
Do I need to pay the healthcare surcharge?
Yes. You will need to pay £1,035 per year that that the visa is valid for. You need to pay the full amount at once.
What are my financial requirements?
You will need to show that you have enough money available to you to pay for your studies and support yourself.
Money to Support Yourself
If you will live with your parents:
Your parent must have a Parent of a Child Student Visa, however, if you are over 12 then your parent is not eligible unless you have a sibling under 12 also applying for a Child Student Visa.
- You will need enough money to pay for your first academic year (9 months)
- You will need £1,560 per month for you and your parent for the 9 months of the academic year
For each additional child living with your parent on a Child Student visa, you will collectively need an additional £625 per month.
If you are at a boarding school
You will need to pay your course fees and boarding fees for the first academic year.
If you will live with a close relative or a foster carer
You will need enough money to your course fees for the first academic year.
Your carer will need to confirm they have at least £570 per month for your care. They must also be a British citizen or have settled status in the UK.
If you are 16 or 17 living independently
You will need enough money to pay your course fees for the first academic year.
You will also need:
- If studying in London, £1,334 per month for 9 months
- If studying outside of London, £1,023 per month for 9 months
Can I extend my visa?
If you wish to pursue tertiary education, you will need to apply for a Student Visa.
How long can I stay in the UK on this visa?
You can stay for the duration of the course.
If you are under 16 years old when you apply, you can stay for the course length of up to 6 years plus 4 months afterwards. If you are 16 or 17 when you apply, you can stay for the course length of up to 3 years plus 4 months afterwards.
You can swap to a Student Visa if you are pursuing tertiary education in the UK afterwards.
Do I need to have my biometric information taken?
Yes. You will need to prove your identity by either:
- having your fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application centre
- use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document
Can I work while studying?
You can legally work from 16 years old. If you are 16 or over you can work:
- 10 hours per week / part-time during term time
- full time during holidays
- on a work placement if it is part of your course
What are the limitations of this visa?
You will not be able to:
- study at an educational institution that is authority-funded
- have access to public funds/benefits
- take on full-time work or be self-employed
- work as a pro sportsperson or entertainer
- apply to settle
- bring family members unless your parent applies for the Parent of a Child Student visa
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