Child Student Visa

The Child Student Visa allows children between the ages of 4 and 17 to come to the UK to study at an independent school. This visa is designed for children who wish to pursue their education in the UK at a recognized institution. It is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and provides the opportunity for children to study in a safe and supportive environment.

The Child Student Visa can lead to further study opportunities or work-related visas as the child progresses in their education.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Child Student Visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

You are aged between 4 and 17.
You have been offered a place at a registered independent school in the UK.
You can prove that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
You have parental consent to study in the UK.
You have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
You meet the English language requirement, if applicable.
You are applying for a course that meets the eligibility criteria.

Duration of Stay

You can stay in the UK with a Child Student Visa for:

The duration of your course, depending on the course level and the age of the child.
If you are aged 4 to 15, you can stay for the length of your course plus additional time, up to a maximum of 6 years.
If you are aged 16 or 17, you can stay for the duration of your course or up to 3 years, whichever is shorter.

Extensions are available, but you will need to continue meeting the eligibility requirements.

Application Process

Timeline

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your course start date in the UK. As part of your application, you will need to:

Prove your identity.
Provide the required documents, including your CAS and financial evidence.
You may need an appointment to complete this process, which can add time to your application. You will be informed if an appointment is necessary.

Decision Timeframe

3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.

Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do:

Study at a registered independent school in the UK.
Work part-time if you are aged 16 or 17 (up to 10 hours per week during term time, and full-time during holidays).
Travel abroad and return to the UK.

What You Cannot Do:

Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the state pension.
Change schools or courses without updating your visa.
Work full-time during term time unless you meet the requirements.
Apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK directly.

Get in touch with us now at Squadlead to make your Child Student Visa application process seamless and stress-free!