Parent of a Child Student Visa

Previously known as the Parent of a Tier 4 Child visa, the Parent of a Child Student visa allows one parent to accompany a child aged 4 to 11 who holds a Child Student visa and is attending an independent school in the UK. The holder of this visa can stay in the UK for the same duration as the child’s visa or until the child turns 12, whichever occurs first.

For parents who wish to join a child over 12 years old, other visa options include a Work visa, Business visa, or Visitor visa (valid for up to 6 months).

Parent of a Child Student Visa Requirements

To qualify for a Parent of a Child Student visa, you must:

Be the parent or guardian (with legal parental responsibility) of a child aged 4 to 11 attending an independent school in the UK on a Child Student visa.
Be the only parent coming to the UK on this visa (the other parent can visit on a short-term visitor visa).
Have sufficient funds to support yourself and your child during your stay in the UK.
Intend to maintain your main residence outside the UK.
Plan to leave the UK when your visa expires.
Financial Requirements

You need to prove to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you have adequate funds to support yourself and your child. The guidance specifies that you need at least £1,560 per month for up to 9 months (e.g., 9 months × £1,560 = £14,040).

If you are bringing another child (who must be a sibling of the Child Student visa holder), you need an additional £625 per month for their support.

The required funds must be in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before your application date.

How to Apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa

Here are the steps to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa:

Complete and submit the online application form (you must apply from outside the UK).
Pay the application fee of £516 and the immigration healthcare surcharge, which is £1,035 per year.
Book and attend a biometric appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) for identity verification, fingerprint scanning, and photo capture.
Upload the necessary documents to support your application.

A decision is typically made within 3 weeks. It is important to wait for a positive decision on your visa application before traveling to the UK.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Parent of a Child Student Visa

As a holder of a Parent of a Child Student visa, you can:

Join and care for your child in the UK.
Engage in voluntary work.

However, you cannot:

Undertake paid work.
Study.
Set up a business.
Apply for public funds (e.g., benefits or State Pension).
Bring other family members (except siblings of the Child Student visa holder).
Switch your visa type while in the UK.
Extending a Parent of a Child Student Visa

You can extend your Parent of a Child Student visa as long as you remain eligible. Your child must still be under 12 years old at the time of your application. Ensure you apply for the extension before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying.

Time spent in the UK on a Parent of a Child Student visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). If you wish to settle in the UK permanently, consider applying for a visa that leads to ILR, such as a UK Work visa or a UK Family visa, which typically allows you to apply for permanent residence after 5 years.