BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Child Student Visa UK

What is a Child Student Visa?

A Child Student visa allows children under 18 to study in the UK at eligible educational institutions. This visa category is specifically designed for international students aged 4-17 who wish to pursue their education at independent schools, colleges, or other approved educational establishments in the United Kingdom.

The Child Student visa route allows eligible overseas children to come to the UK for the purposes of studying at an eligible educational institution. This pathway provides young international students with the opportunity to receive a world-class British education while ensuring proper safeguarding measures are in place.

Child Student Visa Eligibility Requirements

• You must be under 18 years old when you apply
• You must be at least 4 years old to be eligible
• If you’re 16 or 17 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead of the standard Student visa

To qualify for a Child Student visa, you must:

• Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at a UK educational institution
• Have received a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen school
• Demonstrate that you have the academic qualifications required for your course
• Show that your studies represent academic progress from your current level of education

The financial requirements for a Child Student visa vary significantly depending on where and how the child will be living during their studies in the UK. The amount of money needed for living costs depends on the specific living arrangement, and you must demonstrate you have sufficient funds before applying. The amount to be shown depends on where the child will live:

• Demonstrate adequate English language proficiency for your age and course level
• This may be assessed through school interviews or standardised tests
• Some younger applicants may be exempt from formal English language testing

Key Changes to Child Student Visa Rules in 2025

From May 29th 2025, the UK Government introduced updated rules for Child Student Visas that directly affect international students and their families. These changes include:

Enhanced Safeguarding Measures

• Strengthened guardianship requirements for students without family in the UK
• Updates to better protect international students and bring guardianship arrangements in line with UK safeguarding expectations
• More rigorous vetting of accommodation arrangements

Documentation Requirements

• Additional documentation may be required to demonstrate proper care arrangements
• Enhanced verification of educational institutions' safeguarding policies
• Stricter requirements for parental consent and contact arrangements

Modern eVisa Update (2025)

• Starting July 15, 2025, the UK is transitioning to digital eVisas, replacing physical stickers.
• These eVisas will be digitally linked to your passport via your UKVI account.
• Make sure your information is registered correctly before travelling

Required Documents for Child Student Visa Application

Essential Documents

• Valid passport or travel document
• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed sponsor
• Proof of financial support (bank statements, financial sponsorship letters)
• Academic transcripts and qualifications
• English language test results (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs

Parental and Guardian Documentation

• Parental consent forms
• Birth certificate showing relationship to parents
• Evidence of guardianship arrangements (if applicable)
• Contact details for parents and UK-based guardians
• Proof of accommodation arrangements

Additional Requirements

• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if from certain countries)
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (for certain courses)
• Immigration Health Surcharge payment receipt

Child Student Visa Application Process

Step 1: Secure Your Place at a UK Institution

• Apply to and receive an offer from an approved UK educational institution
• Accept the offer and receive your CAS number
• Ensure you meet all academic and English language requirements

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

• Gather all required documents
• Complete the online visa application form
• Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
• Book your biometric appointment

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Attend your biometric appointment at a visa application centre
• Submit all supporting documents
• Attend an interview if requested
• Wait for the decision on your application

Step 4: Travel to the UK

• Receive your visa decision
• Make travel arrangements
• Prepare for arrival in the UK
• Report to your educational institution

Applying for the Visa

From Outside the UK:

• Apply up to 6 months before the course starts
• Decision typically within 3 weeks

From Inside the UK:

• Apply up to 3 months before the course starts and before the current visa expires. The new course should start within 28 days of expiry.
• Decision usually within 8 weeks.

Once approved, the child may enter the UK up to one month before the course starts (or 7 days if within one month).

Child Student Visa Fees and Costs

Application Fees

• Visa application fee: The fee is £524 for applicants, whether applying from inside or outside the UK.
• Immigration Health Surcharge: Varies by course length

Additional Costs

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Required for access to NHS healthcare
• Biometric services: Fees for fingerprint and photograph capture
• Document translation: If documents are not in English
• Legal assistance: Optional professional immigration advice

Financial Maintenance Requirements

You must demonstrate sufficient funds for:

• First year tuition fees (as stated in your CAS)
• Living costs based on your location in the UK
• Additional costs for books, materials, and school trips

How Long Does a Child Student Visa Last?

Visa Duration

• Under 16: Visa granted for the duration of the course (up to 6 years) plus 4 extra months.
• Aged 16–17: Visa granted for the course duration up to 3 years plus 4 months.

Extension and Renewal

• You can apply to extend your visa if continuing studies
• Must apply before your current visa expires
• New CAS required for extension applications
• Same eligibility criteria apply for extensions

Working Rights on a Child Student Visa

Employment Restrictions

• Child Visa Route holders who are 16 years or over may have limited working rights
• Younger students typically cannot work
• Strict limitations on types of work permitted
• Cannot be self-employed or engage in business activities

Work Study Balance

• Education must remain the primary purpose of your stay
• Any work must not interfere with your studies
• School approval may be required for work activities

Family Members and Dependants

Accompanying Family

• Child Student visa holders cannot usually bring dependants
• Parents cannot accompany children on this visa route
• Alternative visa routes may be available for family members

Visiting Family

• Family members can visit on standard visitor visas
• Long-term visiting arrangements may require separate applications
• Consider family reunion options for longer-term arrangements

Legal Guardians

• Under-18 students must have a UK-based legal guardian responsible for their welfare, decision-making, and emergencies.
• Guardians can be family friends or professionals accredited by bodies like AEGIS (Accreditation of Educational Guardianship for International Students).
• Consent from parents to appoint the guardian must be included in the application.

Switching from Child Student to Student Visa

Transition at Age 18

• Must switch to the Student visa route when you turn 18
• Can apply to switch while in the UK
• New application and documentation required
• Different eligibility criteria apply

Academic Progression

• Must demonstrate academic progress for visa switching
• New CAS required from the educational institution
• Financial requirements may differ for a Student visa

Common Challenges and Solutions

Application Delays

• Allow sufficient time for visa processing
• Consider priority services if needed
• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate
• Seek professional advice for complex cases

Financial Evidence Issues

• Maintain required funds for specified period
• Use acceptable financial documents
• Ensure bank statements show required amounts
• Consider financial sponsorship options

Guardianship Arrangements

• Arrange suitable guardianship before applying
• Ensure guardians meet UK requirements
• Maintain proper communication with guardians
• Update UKVI of any changes in arrangements