UK Child Student Visa

What is UK Child Student Visa?

The UK Child Student Visa allows children aged 4-17 to study at an independent school in the UK. This visa category replaced the Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa and is specifically designed to cater to young students pursuing their education in the UK. Applicants must have an unconditional offer from a licensed Tier 4 sponsor institution and meet other eligibility criteria.

UK Child Student Visa Requirements

To be eligible for a UK Child Student Visa, applicants must:

• Be between 4 and 17 years old.
• Have an unconditional offer from an independent school that holds a Tier 4 sponsor license.
• Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs.
• Have parental or guardian consent to study in the UK.

UK Child Student Visa Financial Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate they have enough funds to support themselves and pay for their course. This includes:

• Tuition fees for one academic year.
• Living costs, which vary by location (e.g., £1,334 per month if living in London, £1,023 per month elsewhere).

Bank statements or financial sponsorship letters can be used to prove sufficient funds.

Read More: UK Student Visa

The Application Process for UK Child Student Visa

Step 1: Gather Necessary Documents

Before starting the application process, ensure you have all required documents, including:

• A valid passport or travel document.
• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen school.
• Evidence of financial support.
• Parental consent.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).

Step 2: Submit the Online Application

The application must be completed online through the UK government’s official website. During the application process, you will need to:

• Provide personal and travel details.
• Submit the necessary documents.
• Pay the application fee (£490).

Step 3: Prove Your Identity

Depending on your country of residence, you may need to:

• Have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center.
• Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document.

Step 4: Pay the Healthcare Surcharge

You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The surcharge is £624 per year for students.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Decisions on applications submitted outside the UK typically take about three weeks. 

Step 6: Duration and Conditions of Stay

The length of stay granted under the Child Student Visa depends on the age of the student and the duration of their course:

• Students under 16 can stay for the length of the course (up to 6 years) plus 4 months.
• Students aged 16 or 17 can stay for the length of the course (up to 3 years) plus 4 months.

Visa holders can arrive in the UK up to one month before the course starts. They are allowed to study at their chosen independent school but cannot attend publicly funded schools or further/higher education institutions.

Conclusion

Applying for a UK Child Student Visa involves several steps and requirements, but with careful preparation and understanding of the process, it can be a smooth journey. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help parents and students successfully navigate the application process and embark on their educational adventure in the UK. For detailed and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK government website or consult an immigration expert.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Child Student Visa