Child Student visa

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Child Student visa

You can apply for a Child Student visa to study in the UK if you are aged between 4 and 17 and you have been offered a place to study at an independent school in the UK. The school must be listed on the register of licensed Child Student sponsors.

This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa.

If you are an overseas student wanting to study in the UK, the earliest you can apply for a Child Student visa is 6 months before you start your course.

If you are already in the UK and want to remain in the UK to study or want to extend your Child Student visa, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts. You must apply before your current visa expires.

How long you can stay in the UK depends on your age on the date you apply and the length of your course.

This is a points-based application. To apply, you need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 4 and 17 years of age at the time of application;
  • Have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent UK school, which is a licensed Child Student sponsor;
  • Have a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) including a CAS number from your course provider (sponsor);
  • Meet minimum financial requirements to live, pay tuition, and cover other expenses during your stay in the UK;
  • Have the consent of your parent(s) or guardian to study in the UK – you’ll need to show proof of this with your application;
  • Provide tuberculosis test results if applicable.

You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.

If you’re 18 or over, you should apply for a Student visa instead.

A person who wants to study a course for 6 months or less without a student sponsor but with an accredited provider should apply for the Visitor route.

Our team of immigration lawyers has vast experience in assisting with Child Student visas. For assistance, please contact our experienced immigration lawyers today on 07429429892, 02038563516 or info@dmlawpractice.com

With a Child Student visa you can:

  • Study at an approved independent school in the UK;
  • If you’re 16 or over, you can work part-time during the term for up to 10 hours per week, full-time during vacations, and on a work placement as part of your course (but not for more than 50% of your course);
  • Travel abroad and return to the UK during the visa validity period;
  • You may be able to extend your Child Student visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK, or to switch to a Child Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK. This includes if you currently have a Tier 4 (Child) student visa.

With a Child Student visa you cannot:

  • Study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school) or further / higher education institution;
  • Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the State Pension;
  • Take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed;
  • Work as a professional sportsperson (for example a sports coach) or entertainer;
  • Apply for settlement in the UK;
  • Bring family members (‘dependants’). If a parent wants to accompany you, they’ll need to apply for a “Parent of a Child Student visa”.