Child Student Visas

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Child Student Visas

A Child Student visa permits a child aged between 4 and 17 years to come to the UK to study at an independent school. Parental consent is required to apply for the visa, and there are minimum financial requirements, meaning the individual must show that sufficient funds are in place to pay for their school place and their living expenses in the UK.

IBB Law’s expert visa and immigration solicitors frequently apply for Child Student visas, enabling children from around the world to benefit from a UK education. We have exceptional knowledge and understanding of the visa application process and a sound track record of success in securing this type of visa for our clients.

We can advise you as to whether this is the best immigration route and ensure that your application is as strong as possible. We understand how important it will be to you to obtain the visa that you and your family need. We will provide guidance and support throughout and ensure that we are available to answer your questions as they arise.

We represent clients from a wide range of countries, providing proactive assistance in respect of their immigration needs. Our bespoke advice will be tailored to your unique circumstances, and we have the experience to deal with complex applications as well as visa rejections, should you have been turned down.

We can advise you whether a UK Child Student visa is the right choice for your situation. If not, we also deal with all other types of UK visas.

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Complete support for UK Child Student visa applications

We can deal with all of your immigration and visa needs, including the following:

  • Checking your eligibility for a UK Child Student visa and advising you of any other possible options
  • Preparing your UK Child Student visa application
  • Putting together the right documents in support of your UK Child Student visa application
  • Dealing with UK Child Student visa rejections and refusals
  • Renewing your UK Child Student visa

For more information regarding our UK visa services, see Immigration Services for Individuals.

Why choose IBB Law for help with applying for a Child Student visa?

At IBB Law, our expert UK immigration solicitors offer:

  • In-depth knowledge of UK Immigration laws, policies and procedures.
  • Hands on support from experts who keep up-to-date with developments in the law so that you always receive practical and accurate advice.
  • A cost-effective and timely service with great attention to detail.
  • Independently accredited immigration expertise with our team being ranked by leading client guide, the Legal 500 for Immigration Law.

Looking for immediate help with a UK Child Student visa application?

If you need assistance in making an application for a UK Child Student visa, our expert visa and immigration team will be happy to give you help and advice.

To discuss your situation with our industry-leading immigration solicitors, you can call us on 03456 381381 or email immigrationteam@ibblaw.co.uk.

How to apply for a Child Student visa for the UK

Set out below is key information in respect of Child Student visas in the following areas:

Making a UK Child Student visa application

A UK Child Student visa application can be made up to six months before the start of the education course if the application is made from outside of the UK. Where the application is being made from within the UK, it can be made up to three months before the start date.

If you already hold a UK visa, you should apply for the UK Child Student visa before your existing visa expires. The new course should start within 28 days of the expiry date of the existing visa.

UK Child Student visa refusals and rejections

If your application is not accurate and complete or if some of the required information or documents are missing, then you are likely to have it refused or rejected. Our team can advise you on your best course of action if you have had your application turned down.

Where possible, we will put forward a fresh application on your behalf. On occasion, it may be possible to overturn a decision if an error has been made by UK Visas and Immigration.

Alternatively, there may be a case for an administrative or judicial review in certain situations. We will go through your case with you and let you know what options are available.

Renewing a UK Child Student visa

If you have reached the end of your initial visa term, but you will be continuing your studies in the UK, you can apply to extend your visa. This includes those who are currently in the UK under a Tier 4 (Child) Student visa.

You will need to have an unconditional place to study, and if you have been in the UK for less than twelve months, you will also need to satisfy the minimum financial requirement.

You should apply to extend your visa before your current visa expires, but no earlier than three months before the start date for your course.

Alternatives to a UK Child Student visa

There may be other options available, depending on your circumstances. These include:

UK Student visa – for those aged 16 or over

Standard Visitor visa – if you will be in the UK for less than six months

Short-term Study visa – for English language courses of six to eleven months in length

Family visa – for those coming to the UK to join an eligible family member

UK Child Visa Fees

If you will be applying for a Child Student visa from outside of the UK, the fee is £348. If you are already in the UK when you apply, or you will be extending your visa, the fee is £475.

You will also be required to pay the healthcare immigration surcharge of £470 for each year of your stay.

What rights does a UK Child Student visa give you?

A UK Child Student visa gives you the right to study at an independent school, but not at a state school. If you are under 16, you can stay for the duration of the course, up to six years, plus four months. If you are aged 16 or 17, you can stay for the length of your course up to three years plus four months.

If you are aged 16 or over, you are allowed to work part-time during term-time for up to ten hours per week and full-time during the holidays. You can also work on a work placement as part of your course for up to 50% of your course.

You will not be entitled to claim benefits or public funding, nor will you be able to work full-time in a permanent position or be self-employed.

You are not permitted to work as a professional sportsperson or coach or as an entertainer.

The visa is not a route to settlement, and you will not qualify to bring family members with you. If a parent wishes to come to the UK with you, they will need to apply for a separate Parent of a Child Student visa.

UK Child Student visa requirements

To qualify for a UK Child Student visa, you must be aged between 4 and 17 and have been offered an unconditional place at an independent school. The school will need to be a licensed Child Student Sponsor.

You will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK. This includes having enough money to pay for the course as well as living expenses. The amount required will depend on where and with whom you will be living. We can advise you as to how much your parent or guardian will need to confirm is available.

You also need the consent of your parent or guardian to you coming to the UK to study.

Supporting documents for a UK Child Student visa application

You will need to supply a range of documents as proof that you are eligible for a UK Child Student visa, including the following:

  • Your current passport or other valid travel and identification document
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies form (CAS) from your course provider
  • Written consent from your parent or guardian to your visa application, your proposed living arrangements in the UK and your travel to the UK
  • Evidence that adequate finance is in place to pay for your course and support you
  • Your birth certificate or other document showing your legal relationship to your parent or guardian
  • Copies of your qualifications where these were a condition of being offered a place on the course
  • Tuberculosis test results where required
  • Written consent from the person who will be sponsoring you financially

You will also need to provide certified translations of your documents if they are not in English or Welsh. Your passport or travel document must have a blank page available for the visa to be added.

Additional information may also be required, for example, if you will be living with a relative or carer. Our team will ensure that you include sufficient information to provide all of the evidence required to accompany your visa application.

How long does it take to get a UK Child Student visa?

UK Visas and Immigration will usually provide their decision within three weeks of receiving your application and all necessary documentation.

Get immediate expert advice on applying for a UK Child Student visa

If you need expert advice and support with a UK Child Student visa application, our highly experienced immigration team will be happy to assist.

To discuss your situation with our industry-leading immigration solicitors, you can call us on 03456 381381 or email immigrationteam@ibblaw.co.uk.

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