Worried about navigating the complex process of securing a Child Student visa for your child? The Child Student UK visa allows eligible overseas children to study at accredited UK educational institutions, but the application can be challenging.
Our expert immigration lawyers at Rees Clayton are here to simplify the process and provide comprehensive support. Contact us at 02033939272 for immediate advice and assistance with your visa application. Let us help ensure a smooth and successful journey for your child’s education in the UK.
If your child is between the ages of 4 and 17 and wants to attend a private or independent school in the U.K. recognised as an approved student sponsor by the Home Office, you may be eligible for a UK Child Student Visa.
Applying for a Student Visa is the better option if you are 18 or older and want to attend a university or college in the United Kingdom. You have two options when applying to an independent school as a Child Student or a Student if you are 16 or 17 years old and wish to study a course at or above Level 3 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework.
The Child student visa UK eligibility age is 4 to 17 years old. To get entrance clearance, one must meet the strict requirements associated with this immigration category. Applicants should check if the following is relevant to their case:
There are strict requirements for the kinds of approved courses, and only specific educational institutions may issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to school visa applicants.
Contact our Student Visa solicitors at 02033939272 or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation with an immigration barrister to assist you with your UK Child Student Visa application.
The following courses are eligible for Child Student Visa applicants:
In case you are accepted into a recognised academic program at a private or independent school in the United Kingdom, the institution will provide you with a CAS reference number.
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies must be granted by a student sponsor, which is an independent school with a current licence. Your Child Student visa application needs to be submitted no later than six months after you receive your CAS.
You can’t use the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies in an application that was already approved or rejected, and the school can’t have revoked its offer either.
Details of the intended term of study estimated housing costs, total tuition and fees, and any payments made must all be included in the CAS.
A child needs to achieve certain milestones before they can apply to study in the UK:
Points Type | Requirements | Number of Points |
Study | – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies – Eligible course – Eligible independent school – Aged between 4 and 17 years old – Parental consent confirmed | 50 |
Financial | – Met financial requirements | 20 |
You must prove to UK Visas and Immigration that you can afford to study in the UK and live comfortably while you’re there if you want to study as a child.
On their application, children must show that they have sufficient cash to cover their course expenses.
Students cannot work under any circumstances until they are 16, and even then, there are restrictions.
You will be required to provide proof that you can cover your living expenses in the UK unless you belong to one of the exceptions mentioned below. Your living situation will determine the amount you require:
Must make sure that the required funds have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the submission of the Child Student Visa UK application.
Applicants that fall into the following categories will be considered to have met the financial criterion for the Child Student Visa:
To qualify as a genuine student, especially if you’re aged 16 or 17, you must meet specific criteria. The Home Office will assess various factors to verify your student status, including your immigration history, educational background, chosen course, intended school and study location, reasons for studying in the UK, post-study plans, and your personal and financial circumstances.
To increase your chances of success while applying for a UK Child Student Visa, you should prepare well before submitting your application.
If you have any concerns about application process you can consult our experienced immigration solicitor for guidance.
Here is how to apply for a UK child student Visa
Your application’s chances of success will be greatly improved if you make sure to:
If your child already holds or is planning to apply for a UK Child Student Visa, you may also be eligible to apply for a Parent Visa.
To qualify, the following conditions must apply:
You may stay in the UK until your child’s visa expires or they turn twelve whichever comes first. If you meet the requirements, you may request an extension of your visa.
If your child continues studying in the UK beyond the age of twelve, you must ensure arrangements are in place for their ongoing care.
Please note, while in the UK, you are prohibited from:
The UK cannot be your primary place of residence during this period.
Some of the following papers are needed to be submitted to the Home Office to apply for the UK Child Student Visa.
Depending on your situation, you may need to gather a few more papers. A full suite of documentation will be needed to prove your eligibility for the visa.
For a UK Child Student Visa application made outside the UK, the typical processing time is three weeks.
If you’re applying from within the UK, you can expect to receive an update on your child’s student status within eight weeks of submission.
You are allowed to travel to the UK up to one month before the commencement of your study if your application for a Child Student Visa is approved. If the course start date is less than one month away, the duration will be reduced to seven days.
The applicant’s age and the duration of their intended course of study determine whether they are eligible for a child student visa.
If the child is 16 or 17 years old and their course of study exceeds the maximum allowed three years, they will need to reapply before their stay expires.
In order to continue their studies in the UK, international students who are 18 years old or older must apply through the Student Visa route.
Usually, the time you stay in the UK on a Student Visa or Child Student Visa does not count towards getting Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
At Rees Clayton Immigration Solicitors, we understand how important education is, and we’re here to help ensure your child has access to it. The application process for this visa can be long and complex, but our team of immigration attorneys is ready to guide you every step of the way, increasing your chances of success.
One of our dedicated solicitors will assist you by:
For professional assistance, get in touch with one of our immigration solicitors at 02033939272 or send an online inquiry.
International students from the ages of 4 to 17 who are not residents of the United Kingdom or Ireland are eligible for the UK Child Student Visa, which supersedes the older Tier 4 Student (Child) Visa.
Children who meet the requirements may study in the UK for a certain period with this kind of visa. Students with valid visa may only enrol in private, for-profit institutions.
Financial support to pay for tuition and living costs throughout the academic year is one of several requirements.
The UK is home to over 25,000 foreign students. Just over £15,000 per year goes towards the cost of an independent school for day pupils, and £36,000 per year goes towards the cost of boarders.
Those with a visitor visa may enter the UK for a limited time and for certain reasons. A short-term study visa is one option among several travel visas.
This opens the door for people to pursue 11-month courses that are typically focused on English language skills. These courses are not eligible for degree credit.
The majority of overseas students who want to attend a private, fee-based school in the UK apply for a child student visa and fill out all the necessary paperwork.
All applicants must provide proof of enrollment in a course at a private, tuition-based institution. Additionally, written consent from a parent or legal guardian is required.
The visa application must be submitted by the country of residence of the minor.
Ensure you have sufficient funds to support your child’s education in the UK if they are under 18. Along with the application, you’ll need to submit identification and complete a detailed form.
This type of visa allows students to attend any independent school in the United Kingdom. However, the visa holder is not eligible to enroll in a public, private, or academy-run school.
Our experts are here to guide you through the Home Office’s policies and procedures for child study visas. They can provide you with all the information you need about what your child can do with this visa.
It is common practice to allow minors to stay in the UK for the duration of their program.
Upon completion of their training, they will be granted permission to remain for four months. Unless they have requested an extension or changed their immigration category, they will be required to depart the UK after this.
A child visitor visa is required if your child’s study abroad program will last less than six months.
