Child Student Visa
The Child Student Visa UK enables students from specific countries to study at institutions in the United Kingdom.
If you’re seeking expert guidance with your child’s student visa application, the experienced immigration attorneys at Immigration Solicitors UK are here to help. Our team is committed to supporting you through every stage of your application to ensure a smooth and successful process.
Contact us at +442080162308 for professional assistance and personalised advice. We’re here to make the process easier for you.
Child Student Visa UK
If you’re between 4 and 17 years old and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you can apply for a Tier 4 (Child) student visa. To qualify, you must have a confirmed place at a school, permission from your parent or guardian, and enough money to pay for your course and living costs. You must also be from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Who is Eligible for a Tier 4 UK Child Student Visa?
UK Visas and Immigration has established the following criteria for children to enrol in a private or independent school in the United Kingdom:
- You are between the ages of four and seventeen.
- An independent school (also known as a private school) with a valid student sponsor licence and an approved course of study has offered you an unconditional place.
- The UK has adequate arrangements for your care and reception.
- You will not require government assistance to cover your tuition and living expenses.
- Your parent(s) or guardian(s) have permitted you.
Enrolling in an independent school in the United Kingdom as a minor may be necessary to satisfy specific criteria. The specifics of these requirements will be contingent upon your circumstances. You should consult with an immigration attorney for professional advice.
To apply for a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa, you must have a clear offer of enrolment in a course at a licensed Tier 4 sponsor school. You also need enough money to cover your course fees and living expenses, though the exact amount depends on your situation.
You can take a course that follows the national curriculum, the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), or meets the education standards for independent schools. It’s also acceptable if your course is considered equal in level by one of the UK’s education oversight bodies, such as Ofsted in England, Estyn in Wales, HM Inspectorate of Education in Scotland, the Education and Training Inspectorate in Northern Ireland, or the Inspectorate of Independent Schools.
You can take a short preparatory course, like a pre-sessional study, to prepare for your main course. However, you cannot take a foundation course to prepare students for direct entry into higher education.
Once you’ve been offered a place, your school will give you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. You’ll need to include this in your visa application. The CAS can cover both your main course and the pre-sessional course. Apply for your visa within six months of receiving your CAS.
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To receive admission to the United Kingdom as a minor student, the child must satisfy the following criteria:
Point Types | Needs | Number of Points |
Research (all prerequisites must be satisfied) | – Evidence of acceptance for academic pursuits |
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Proof of parental consent |
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Eligible course |
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Eligible independent school |
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Between the ages of 4 and 17 | Fifty (50) |
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Financial | Complete financial obligations | Fifteen (15) |
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To obtain a Child Student Visa in the United Kingdom, you must demonstrate to UK Visas and Immigration that you have sufficient funds to cover your course fees and independent living expenses.
Course Fees
Unless you are a member of one of the special categories listed below, you must demonstrate that you have the financial resources to cover all your course fees for a single academic year.
Cost of Living
Proof of your ability to fund your living expenses in the United Kingdom will be required, unless you are a member of one of the categories listed below.
The quantity you require will be contingent upon your circumstances:
Living Arrangement | Required Monthly Funds | Duration |
Boarding at a residential independent school | Full boarding fees for one academic year | The entire academic year |
Living with a private foster carer (part-time or full-time) | £570 per month | Up to 9 months |
Living with a parent/guardian holding a Parent of Child Student Visa | £1,560 per month | Up to 9 months |
● For each additional child with the same parent | £625 per month | Up to 9 months |
Applicants aged 16 or 17 living independently |
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● In London | £1,265/month (or £1,334 from 01/12/2020) | Up to 9 months |
● Outside London | £1,015/month (or £1,023 from 01/12/2020) | Up to 9 months |
Specialised Categories
Automatically, the financial requirements for a Child Student Visa UK will be satisfied by the following categories of applicants:
Applicants who are British nationals (overseas) or reside in one of the countries or territories listed as having a “differential evidence requirement”
(UKVI can still ask these applicants to prove they have the necessary funds, so they should still have enough on hand)
And whose legal status in the UK extends back at least twelve months from the date of their Child Student Visa application, which is the due date.
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If you are 16 or 17, you must satisfy the criteria for a legitimate student. Assume you are interested in legally pursuing your education in the United Kingdom. In that event, the Home Office will evaluate:
- Your immigration and educational backgrounds
- The program you are interested in
- The location of your intended school
- The reason for your desire to study in the UK
- Your post-graduation aspirations
- Your personal and financial circumstances
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If you’re granted a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa, you can study at an independent school in the UK, apply from outside the country, and even request an extended stay if needed.
If you’re 16 or 17, you can work part-time for up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during school holidays. You may take part in a work placement if it doesn’t exceed 50% of your course. Additionally, you can work as a student union sabbatical officer for up to two years.
However, there are some restrictions you need to be aware of. You cannot attend a state-funded school or a further education college and are not eligible for public funds. Taking a full-time permanent job or being self-employed is also not permitted. The visa does not allow you to work as a professional athlete, entertainer, or as a doctor or dentist in training. Importantly, this visa does not lead to permanent residency in the UK.
You also cannot bring dependents with you. If your parents wish to stay in the UK while you study, they must apply separately for a Parent of a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa.
If you need help with your application or understanding the rules, our team of experienced immigration solicitors UK is here to support you. Contact us today.
Processing time for a child student visa UK
The earliest date for applying for a visa is three months before the commencement of your course. Within three weeks, you will typically receive a decision regarding your visa.
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The length of your stay in the UK on a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa depends on your age and course duration. If you are under 16, you can stay for the length of your course (up to six years), with an additional four months after it ends. If you are 16 or 17, you may stay for the course duration (up to three years), plus four extra months.
You can arrive in the UK up to one week before your course starts if it lasts six months or less, or up to one month before if your course is longer. If you need expert help with your visa application, our experienced immigration solicitors UK are ready to guide you.
UK Extension of Child Student Visa
You may be eligible to petition for an extension of your stay in the United Kingdom under a Tier 4 (Child) visa. It is imperative that you:
- Satisfy the eligibility criteria for this visa.
- Presently situated in the United Kingdom.
- Receive sponsorship from an independent educational institution
Application Timing
You must apply within six months of receiving confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS). Additionally, you must register before the expiration of your current visa, but no later than three months before the course’s start date specified on your CAS.
You may remain in the United Kingdom until you receive a decision.
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Transitioning from an alternative visa to a Tier 4 (Child) visa may be feasible.
Application Timing
You are required to apply:
- Within six months of receiving confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)
- No later than three months before the commencement of the course on your CAS
- Before the expiration of your current visa date
You may remain in the United Kingdom until you receive a decision.
What is to follow?
For instance, if your application is intricate and will require an extended time, you will be contacted.
- Verification of your supporting documents is required.
- You are required to participate in an interview.
- Regarding your circumstances (e.g., a criminal conviction),
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In what ways can immigration solicitors UK assist?
At Immigration Solicitors UK, we understand the importance of quality education for your child and are dedicated to helping you secure the correct visa. The Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa process can be complicated and time-consuming, but our experienced immigration lawyers are here to guide you every step of the way.
With the support of one of our expert solicitors, you’ll have help gathering the required documents, confirming the accreditation of your chosen school, and maintaining communication with the Home Office throughout the process.
We’ll also coordinate with your Sponsor and prepare a strong Letter of Representation. This letter outlines your application’s strengths and refers to relevant UK immigration laws to support your case. Your application will be completed accurately and to the highest standard with our professional assistance.
Contact our immigration attorneys by submitting an online form or calling +442080162308.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the financial requirements for a Child Study Visa?
Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough funds to cover their tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of their course. The specific amount depends on the school’s location and whether the child is living independently or with a guardian.
Can my child work while on a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa?
Children aged 16 or 17 can work part-time during term time (up to 10 hours per week) and full-time during holidays, provided this is by the rules set by the Home Office.
Do I need a sponsor for my child’s education in the UK?
Yes, the school your child will attend must be a licensed Tier 4 sponsor to issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) as part of the visa application process.
Can my child bring dependents with them to the UK?
No, a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa child cannot bring dependents with them. However, if the parents wish to join, they can apply for a Parent of a Tier 4 (Child) Visa.
How long before my child’s course starts can they arrive in the UK?
If the course lasts more than six months, the child can arrive up to one month before the course starts. For courses six months or shorter, the arrival time is up to one week before the course begins.
What documents are needed to apply for a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa?
You will need your child’s CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), proof of sufficient funds, proof of parental consent, and any additional documents requested by the UK Home Office.
Can a child apply for a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa if they are already in the UK on another visa?
If your child is already in the UK on a different visa and meets the eligibility criteria, they may apply to switch to a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa.
