Child Student Visa enables overseas children between the ages of four and 17 to come to the UK and study at an independent school.
Child Student Visa
To be eligible, you must:
- have an unconditional offer from an independent school
- demonstrate adequate finances to support yourself and cover your course fees
- written parental consent for application, living arrangements and care whilst in the UK and travel.
How long can I stay?
Generally, you can stay for the duration of your course length. If 18 or older, then a Student Visa application must be made. If your course lasts longer than your visa is valid for, then a new application is needed to be made.
How to apply?
You can apply online from both outside and within the UK. The earliest you can submit from outside the UK is up to six months prior to course commencement and a decision is made usually within three weeks. The earliest you can submit from within the UK is three months prior to course commencement and a decision will be reached within eight weeks.
After you apply, it is important to note that you may be contacted if you need to attend an interview due to your age, to verify supporting documents or due to your personal circumstances (if you have a criminal conviction for instance).
The fees are as follows:
- £363 from outside the UK
- £490 to extent or switch from inside the UK.
- You will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge which is due to increase.
How can we help?
At MSR Solicitors we pride ourselves in providing an excellent service. We understand thew importance of education and have become accustomed to making such application. We understand the route can be complex, stressful but we will be with every step of process.
Parent of a child on a student visa
If you are a parent of a child (4-11) who already has and is applying for a Child Student Visa then this visa is an option for you.
To be eligible, you must:
- be the parent of a child who is 4-11 who attends an independent school
- only parent accompanying the child. Other children can join you if they have a Child Student visa or are in the application process.
- demonstrate adequate finances to support yourself and cover your course fees which is typically £1,560 for each month for 9 months.
- demonstrate intention to leave the UK
How long can I stay?
Generally, you can stay until the expiration of your visa or until the child turns 12. You can apply for an extension if eligible which is £1,048 and includes the immigration healthcare surcharge. If you do leave the UK, then arrangements must be made for your child whether that be boarding or living with other family members.
Please note that you are prohibited from undertaking paid employment, claiming benefits and from bringing other family members. If family members want to join you, then they may apply for a short-term visit visas.
How to apply?
You can apply online from outside the UK. The earliest you can submit is up to six months prior to your travel to the UK and a decision will be made within three weeks. The fee is £516, and the healthcare surcharge fee (increasing).
How can we help?
We recognise the importance of education and accompanying a child to the UK, especially when they’re young. At MSR Solicitors we pride in providing an excellent service and have become accustomed to making such application. We understand the route is complex and we will support you with every step.
