The UK Child Student Visa has taken the place of the former Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa.
The UK Child Student Visa is the visa category for those international students under the age of 18 wishing to study in the UK. Children who are citizens of a nation other than the UK or Ireland are eligible for the Child Student Visa. A Child Student Visa application can be made by a child between the ages of 4 and 17. If you are 16 or 17 years old and want to enrol in a course that is Level 3 or higher of the Regulated Qualifications Framework, you can apply as a Student or as a Child Student at an independent school.
Education is one of life’s most significant investments. Students who pick a schooling in the UK will be well on their way to a confident, fulfilling, and interesting future. International students can pursue a very competitive academic experience in the UK. Each one of the students receives the encouragement and room they require to be creative, ambitious, inquisitive, and successful, together with a world-class, structured curriculum based on the strongest historical precedents.
Eligibility Requirements
To acquire entry clearance under this immigration category, the following eligibility conditions must be met.
Must be a genuine student with a confirmed place at an independent fee-paying school
Application is submitted within the required timeframe
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) has been issued
Parental or guardian written consent has been confirmed
Suitable arrangements are in place for your care and reception within the UK
No record of overstaying a visa or breaching immigration rules
Adequate finances to pay fees and maintain themselves throughout the duration of the course
Financial Requirements
Children enrolled must be able to show on their application that they have the financial means required for supporting themselves during their studies. The following are the required funds depending on the type of living arrangement:
Living Arrangements
Required Funds
Independent Boarding school
Should have enough funds to pay the course fee and boarding fee for one academic year
Living with a close relative who is a British Citizen or having a settled status OR Living with a private foster carer
Should have enough funds to pay the course fee for one academic year + The carer or relative must have at least £570 per month for up to 9 months
Living with parents or legal guardian
Should have enough funds to pay the course fee for one academic year + If there are no other children to be cared by the parents, £1,560 per month for up to 9 months (this cost includes for child student and parents) If there are other children being cared, the parents will need additional £625 for each additional child
Living independently (Aged 16 or 17)
Should have enough funds to pay the course fee for one academic year + Will need £1,334 for each month (up to 9 months) if studying in London. Will need £1,023 for each month (up to 9 months) if studying outside London
Application Process
It is crucial to thoroughly plan before submitting your Child Student Visa application in order to maximise your chances of success.
Here is where you will have to start with:
Choose the most appropriate educational institution for your child and make an application to secure an admission
As an admission process, your child should receive unconditional offer and Confirmation of Acceptance number from the school
Book a TB test from the recognised centre by UKVI
Gather all relevant supporting documents with regards to financial requirements
Fill out the online application form
Pay the application fee and immigration health surcharge to the Home Office
Submit the application form and book biometrics appointment
Submit your biometric information such as fingerprints and photographs to get your Biometric residence permit
Once biometric information has been provided, you will have to wait for 8 weeks for a decision to be issued on the visa application.
4 Tips for a Successful Application
It is advised that you consult with an experienced UK Child Student Visa Consultant who can help you if you are unsure how to apply.
4 Tips to ensure a successful application:
Make sure you are eligible before progressing.
Put together your supporting evidence in advance.
Make sure that the format of your documents is proper.
Fill out each section of the application completely and fairly.
If you need assistance in assessing your documentations and to make sure they are all in the proper format and order before submission, you can contact our UK immigration consultants or book a consultation for an expert’s advice.
List of Supporting Documents
You will be required to submit the following documents:
Valid travel document i.e. current passport
CAS letter from the sponsored institution
Proof of consent from parents or guardian to study in the UK
Proof of sufficient funds to support your study costs and other expenses
Tuberculosis test results
Proof of any part payment made towards the tuition fee, accommodation fee, etc.
Note: Consent from both the parents is essential. You must provide parental (or guardian) consent that attests to their consent to:
Your visa application
Your accommodation arrangements
Your travel to the UK
Depending on your situation, extra documents might be necessary.
Parents Wishing to Accompany
The Parent of a Child Student Visa facilitates those parents if your child holds or is applying for a Child Student Visa. Under this Visa category you are permitted to stay in the UK until your child’s visa expires or until they turn 12 years of age.
The eligibility criteria to apply for visa under this category are:
Your child is aged between four and eleven years of age
Your child is attending an independent school in the UK
You are the only parents of your child accompanying them to the UK
You have concrete plans to leave the UK when your visa expires
How The SmartMove2UK can help you
It is essential to know the requirements and the whole process before making an application. Requirements are hard to understand. Especially when you plan to send your child to the UK to receive very competitive academic experience and it involves huge costs.
Our UK immigration lawyers at The SmartMove2UK have helped clients in understanding the various financial, language, medical and other requirements and assisted parents to receive a positive outcome on their child’s application.
We have also assisted parents from all over the world who want to provide their children world class education in the UK. If you are unsure of the eligibility requirements or how to meet the financial eligibility criteria, you can schedule a meeting with our UK Child Student Visa Consultant located in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru by calling or messaging on WhatsApp on the below given number or you can also email us.