Child Student Visa

The Child Student Visa UK, previously known as the Tier 4 Child Visa, is designed for children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at a UK independent school. Before applying, ensure your child has an unconditional offer from a licensed independent school.

Application Timing
Outside the UK: Applications can be submitted up to 6 months before the course starts.
Inside the UK: Applications can be submitted up to 3 months before the course starts.

Note: Applicants aged 18 or over should apply for a UK Student Visa instead.

Parent Visa

Parents of Child Student Visa holders can apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa to stay in the UK for the same duration as their child.

UK Child Student Visa Requirements

To apply successfully, your child must:

Be aged between 4 and 17.
Have an unconditional offer from a UK independent school.
Have sufficient funds to cover living costs and tuition fees.
Have parental or guardian consent to study in the UK, with sufficient proof.
Unconditional Offer

Your child must have an unconditional offer from a UK independent school that holds a Child Student sponsor licence. The school must issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to prove this.

Suitable Course

The course must adhere to one of these academic standards:

National Curriculum
RQF Level 3 or lower
Independent school education inspection standards

Courses must be approved by one of the following bodies:

Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
Education Scotland
Estyn (Wales)
Education and Training Inspectorate (Northern Ireland)

The course duration must be at least 6 months. For shorter courses, a UK Visitor Visa may be more appropriate.

Financial Requirements

Proof of sufficient funds is necessary, depending on the child’s living arrangements:

With Parent or Guardian: The parent or guardian must have a Parent of a Child Student Visa (for children up to 12). They must show evidence of sufficient funds for at least one academic year’s tuition, £1,560 per month for living expenses (up to 9 months), and £625 per month for each additional child.
Boarding School: Must show funds for tuition and boarding fees for at least one academic year.
With a Foster Carer or Relative: The carer must be a British citizen or hold a UK settlement visa. They must show funds for tuition and £570 per month for support.
Living Independently (16 or 17 years old): Must show funds for tuition and £1,334 per month for living costs in London (£1,023 outside London).

Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application.

Parental Consent

Applicants must provide written consent from parents or legal guardians, including:

Proof of the relationship.
Consent for the visa application.
Consent for living and care arrangements in the UK.
Consent for travel to and reception in the UK.

The letter must be signed by both parents or guardians, unless one has sole legal responsibility.

Points Requirement

The Child Student Visa operates under the UK’s points-based system. The child must accumulate the following points:

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): 10 points
Eligible Course: 10 points
Eligible Independent School: 10 points
Age (4-17 years): 10 points
Parental Consent: 10 points
Financial Requirements: 20 points
Documents Checklist

Supporting documents for the application may include:

Child’s passport
Valid CAS
Parental consent letter
Proof of funds (e.g., bank statement)
Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate)
Relevant qualifications
Tuberculosis test results, if applicable
Application Process

Steps to apply for the UK Child Student Visa:

Complete the Application Form: Depending on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK.
Pay Fees: Application fee (£490) and the immigration healthcare surcharge.
Biometric Appointment: Schedule and attend an appointment for fingerprints and photo.
Submit Documents: Upload required documents.
Interview: Attend an interview, if required.
Extending the Visa

The Child Student Visa is typically granted for up to 6 years (for those under 16) or up to 3 years (for those aged 16-17), depending on the course length. For extension:

The child must be in the UK on a Child Student Visa.
They must have an unconditional offer for a suitable course from a licensed sponsor.
They must continue to meet the existing requirements.

Extension applications cost £490 plus the healthcare surcharge. The Child Student Visa does not lead to permanent settlement, so the child must switch to another visa type to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).