Parent of a Child Student Visa UK

The Parent of a Child Student visa is a temporary immigration route under the UK Immigration Rules designed for parents who wish to accompany their child while they study at an eligible independent school in the UK. It provides a legal pathway for one parent to live in the UK with their child while ensuring that the parent can offer day-to-day care and support during the child’s education. This route is carefully restricted to protect the integrity of the UK’s immigration system and is not intended as a long-term settlement option.

What this article is about
This article provides a detailed guide for individuals considering or preparing to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa. It covers eligibility requirements, financial and accommodation criteria, the application process, visa conditions, restrictions, and extension rules. It also addresses common questions about this visa type, helping applicants understand the commitments and limitations involved. By the end, you should have a clear understanding of whether this route is right for your circumstances and how to meet UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.

The visa is available only to parents of children under 12 years old who are studying full-time at an eligible independent fee-paying school in the UK under the Child Student visa route. Only one parent may come to the UK under this route, and the visa is issued for a limited duration tied to the child’s study period and age. The visa does not permit the parent to work, claim public funds, or bring other family members to live in the UK.

While the restrictions are strict, this route provides an important opportunity for parents to remain close to their young children during their studies in the UK, offering stability and support during a critical stage in the child’s development. Applicants must plan carefully to meet the eligibility, financial, and documentation requirements, and to understand how their stay will be managed by UKVI.

Section A: Eligibility Requirements

To be granted a Parent of a Child Student visa, applicants must meet the specific eligibility rules set out under Appendix Parent of a Child Student of the Immigration Rules. These rules are strictly applied, and failure to meet any one of them will result in the refusal of the application.

The eligibility criteria focus on the child’s age and study arrangements, the applicant’s parental relationship, and the limitation that only one parent can accompany the child under this route. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate that they will be living with and caring for the child during their time in the UK.

1. Who can apply

To qualify, you must be the parent of a child who:

• Is under 12 years old at the time of the application
• Holds, or is applying for, a valid Child Student visa
• Is enrolled at an independent fee-paying school in the UK that meets UKVI’s eligibility requirements

The child must be attending a full-time course at the school. This route is not available if the child is studying at a state-funded school or a fee-paying school that is not recognised as an eligible independent school under the Immigration Rules.

Only one parent is permitted to accompany the child under this route. The other parent can visit the UK under another visa category (such as a Standard Visitor visa) but cannot live in the UK with the child unless they have their own qualifying immigration status.

2. Relationship requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship to the child. Acceptable evidence can include:

• Full birth certificate naming the applicant as the child’s parent
• Court orders confirming parental responsibility
• Adoption orders, where applicable

If the child has two parents, the applicant must confirm that they have joint responsibility for the child and that the other parent will remain outside the UK during the visa period, unless they already hold or obtain another form of UK immigration permission.

3. Age and dependency conditions for the child

The child must be under 12 years old on the date the application is submitted. If the child turns 12 after the application but before the visa is granted, the visa can still be issued, but only until the earlier of:

• The date the child turns 12, or
• The end of their current Child Student visa permission

The child must also be dependent on the applicant for their day-to-day care. This dependency requirement ensures that the visa is only granted where the child genuinely needs a parent to be in the UK to support them.

4. Restrictions on other family members

The Parent of a Child Student visa does not allow dependants to accompany the main applicant. This means that:

• Partners cannot be included on the application
• Other children cannot be brought to the UK on this visa, unless they are also eligible for and hold their own Child Student visa

Applicants with other children must either make separate arrangements for their care in the UK or have them remain outside the UK during the visa period.

Section Summary
The Parent of a Child Student visa is narrowly focused on enabling one parent to care for a young child studying in the UK under the Child Student route. The eligibility rules place clear limits on who can apply, the child’s age and type of school, and who can join the applicant in the UK. Meeting these criteria is a fundamental first step before preparing the financial and documentary evidence required for the application.

Section B: Financial and Accommodation Requirements

Applicants for the Parent of a Child Student visa must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their child for the duration of their stay in the UK, without relying on public funds. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) applies strict maintenance rules to ensure that applicants can meet their living costs and provide suitable accommodation while in the UK.

This section explains the financial thresholds, the evidence needed, and the accommodation criteria you must satisfy to meet the Immigration Rules.

1. Financial maintenance

The Immigration Rules require Parent of a Child Student visa applicants to show that they have access to a set level of funds each month to cover living expenses.

As of February 2025, the required maintenance levels under Appendix Parent of a Child Student are:

• £1,560 per month for the parent, for up to a maximum of 9 months
• £625 per month for the child, for up to a maximum of 9 months

This means that if you apply for a visa covering 9 months, you must evidence £14,040 (£1,560 × 9 months) for yourself, plus £5,625 (£625 × 9 months) for your child — a total of £19,665.

These amounts are in addition to any funds required under the child’s own Child Student visa application, if they are applying at the same time.

2. Proof of funds

Evidence of funds must meet the strict requirements in Appendix Finance of the Immigration Rules. Acceptable evidence includes:

• Personal bank or building society statements
• Certificates of deposit issued by a regulated financial institution
• Official letters from regulated financial institutions confirming the balance

The funds must have been held for at least 28 consecutive days before the application date, with the end date of that 28-day period falling no more than 31 days before the application is submitted.

Statements must be in English or Welsh (or accompanied by a certified translation) and must clearly show:

• The applicant’s name
• The account number
• The financial institution’s name and logo
• The dates covered by the statement
• The balance available for the entire 28-day period

3. Accommodation evidence

Applicants must show that they have arranged suitable accommodation in the UK for themselves and their child. UKVI defines “suitable” as accommodation that:

• Is owned, rented, or otherwise lawfully occupied by the applicant
• Is not overcrowded as defined by the Housing Act 1985
• Complies with public health regulations

Evidence can include a tenancy agreement, mortgage statement, or a letter from a landlord confirming the terms of occupation. Hotel bookings may be accepted for the initial arrival period, but you should also provide evidence of longer-term housing arrangements.

4. Public funds restriction

Parent of a Child Student visa holders are prohibited from claiming public funds as defined in paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules. This includes most benefits, tax credits, and housing assistance. You must rely solely on your own resources to support your stay.

Section Summary
Applicants must demonstrate substantial personal funds and suitable accommodation before applying for a Parent of a Child Student visa. The financial maintenance requirement is significant, reflecting the fact that the visa holder is not permitted to work or access public funds. Providing the correct documentary evidence, in the correct format, is essential for meeting UKVI’s requirements and avoiding refusal on financial grounds.

Section C: Application Process

The Parent of a Child Student visa application process is designed to assess whether you meet the eligibility, financial, and accommodation requirements under Appendix Parent of a Child Student and related provisions in the Immigration Rules. It involves completing an online application, providing supporting documents, and attending a biometric appointment.

This section sets out the process step-by-step, from preparing your application to receiving a decision.

1. When and how to apply

You can apply for the Parent of a Child Student visa up to 6 months before your intended travel date to the UK. The application must be submitted online via the official GOV.UK website, selecting the Parent of a Child Student route.

As part of the online application, you will:

• Complete the application form accurately with your personal, travel, and financial information
• Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Book an appointment to enrol your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country of nationality or lawful residence

Applications must generally be made from outside the UK. There is no provision to switch into this visa route from within the UK.

2. Required documents

UKVI requires specific documentation to support your application. Typical documents include:

• Current passport or travel document with at least one blank page
• Proof of parental relationship to the child (e.g. full birth certificate, court order, adoption certificate)
• Evidence the child holds (or is applying for) a valid Child Student visa and is enrolled at an eligible independent fee-paying school
• Financial evidence meeting the maintenance requirement under Appendix Finance
• Proof of suitable accommodation in the UK
• If applicable, evidence of sole or shared parental responsibility and confirmation that the other parent will remain outside the UK during your stay (unless they hold separate immigration permission)

Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation that meets UKVI standards.

3. Biometrics and supporting evidence

At your VAC appointment, you will:

• Provide biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph)
• Submit your supporting documents, either in person or via UKVI’s document upload service if available at your chosen VAC

Some VACs require you to upload digital copies of your documents in advance, while others will scan them at your appointment. Always check the instructions for your location.

4. Fees and processing times

As of February 2025:

• The application fee is £637 per applicant
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £1,035 per year of the visa duration

Processing times are typically 3 weeks from the date of your biometric appointment, though priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) services may be available in some locations for an additional fee.

Section Summary
Applying for a Parent of a Child Student visa involves an online submission, payment of fees, provision of supporting evidence, and biometric enrolment. Applications must be made from outside the UK, and the decision timeframe will depend on whether you choose standard or priority processing. Careful document preparation is critical to avoid refusal.

Section D: Conditions, Restrictions, and Extensions

Once granted, the Parent of a Child Student visa comes with specific conditions and restrictions set out in Appendix Parent of a Child Student and Appendix V: Visitor Rules cross-references within the Immigration Rules. These rules are designed to ensure the visa is used solely for its intended purpose — allowing one parent to live in the UK to care for their child while they study at an eligible independent school.

This section explains the key conditions, permitted activities, and rules on extending your stay.

1. Duration of stay

The visa is normally granted to cover:

• The length of the child’s course, or
• Until the child turns 12 years old — whichever comes first

If the child turns 12 during your visa period, your permission will end on that date unless you qualify and successfully apply for a different visa category. There is no provision for this route to continue once the child is aged 12 or over.

2. Conditions and restrictions

As a Parent of a Child Student visa holder, you must comply with these restrictions:

• No work — You cannot be employed, self-employed, or undertake any work that generates income in the UK
• No study — You are not permitted to study in the UK, other than on short recreational courses
• No public funds — You cannot claim benefits or housing support as defined in paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules
• Primary care requirement — You must live with your child in the UK and be their primary carer throughout your stay

UKVI can curtail your visa if you breach these conditions, if your child leaves their course, or if the basis for your stay changes.

3. Extending the visa

You may apply to extend your visa if:

• Your child remains under 12 years old, and
• They still hold a valid Child Student visa and are enrolled at an eligible independent fee-paying school

Extension applications must be made from within the UK before your current visa expires. You must still meet the financial maintenance and accommodation requirements at the time of renewal.

4. Switching and settlement

This visa category does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and does not count towards the qualifying residence period for ILR.

Switching to most other immigration categories from within the UK is not permitted. If you wish to stay in the UK after your visa expires, you will generally need to leave the UK and apply for another visa from overseas, unless you qualify for one of the limited in-country switching exceptions available under the Immigration Rules.

Section Summary
The Parent of a Child Student visa is temporary, with conditions that prohibit work and public funds and require you to live with and care for your child. It ends when your child turns 12 or their course finishes, with limited scope for extension. There is no route to settlement, and future stay in the UK will require a fresh application under a different visa category.

Section D: Conditions, Restrictions, and Extensions

Once granted, the Parent of a Child Student visa comes with specific conditions and restrictions set out in Appendix Parent of a Child Student and Appendix V: Visitor Rules cross-references within the Immigration Rules. These rules are designed to ensure the visa is used solely for its intended purpose — allowing one parent to live in the UK to care for their child while they study at an eligible independent school.

This section explains the key conditions, permitted activities, and rules on extending your stay.

1. Duration of stay

The visa is normally granted to cover:

• The length of the child’s course, or
• Until the child turns 12 years old — whichever comes first

If the child turns 12 during your visa period, your permission will end on that date unless you qualify and successfully apply for a different visa category. There is no provision for this route to continue once the child is aged 12 or over.

2. Conditions and restrictions

As a Parent of a Child Student visa holder, you must comply with these restrictions:

• No work — You cannot be employed, self-employed, or undertake any work that generates income in the UK
• No study — You are not permitted to study in the UK, other than on short recreational courses
• No public funds — You cannot claim benefits or housing support as defined in paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules
• Primary care requirement — You must live with your child in the UK and be their primary carer throughout your stay

UKVI can curtail your visa if you breach these conditions, if your child leaves their course, or if the basis for your stay changes.

3. Extending the visa

You may apply to extend your visa if:

• Your child remains under 12 years old, and
• They still hold a valid Child Student visa and are enrolled at an eligible independent fee-paying school

Extension applications must be made from within the UK before your current visa expires. You must still meet the financial maintenance and accommodation requirements at the time of renewal.

4. Switching and settlement

This visa category does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) and does not count towards the qualifying residence period for ILR.

Switching to most other immigration categories from within the UK is not permitted. If you wish to stay in the UK after your visa expires, you will generally need to leave the UK and apply for another visa from overseas, unless you qualify for one of the limited in-country switching exceptions available under the Immigration Rules.

Section Summary
The Parent of a Child Student visa is temporary, with conditions that prohibit work and public funds and require you to live with and care for your child. It ends when your child turns 12 or their course finishes, with limited scope for extension. There is no route to settlement, and future stay in the UK will require a fresh application under a different visa category.

FAQs

Can both parents come to the UK on this visa?

No. Under Appendix Parent of a Child Student, only one parent can hold this visa at any one time. The other parent can visit using a Standard Visitor visa or enter under another immigration category if eligible, but they cannot live in the UK on this route.

Can I work on a Parent of a Child Student visa?

No. Work of any kind — including employment, self-employment, and voluntary work that generates any form of income — is prohibited under this visa.

Can I bring other children with me?

No. This route does not permit dependants other than the eligible child. If you have other children who wish to study in the UK, they must each apply for and be granted their own Child Student visa.

How long can I stay in the UK on this visa?

You can stay until the earliest of:

• Your child’s course end date, or
• The date your child turns 12 years old

This will be clearly stated in your grant of leave.

Can I switch to another visa category from within the UK?

In most cases, no. The Parent of a Child Student route does not generally allow switching to other visa categories from inside the UK. Any new visa application will usually need to be made from overseas unless you meet a specific in-country switching exemption in the Immigration Rules.

FAQs

Can both parents come to the UK on this visa?

No. Under Appendix Parent of a Child Student, only one parent can hold this visa at any one time. The other parent can visit using a Standard Visitor visa or enter under another immigration category if eligible, but they cannot live in the UK on this route.

Can I work on a Parent of a Child Student visa?

No. Work of any kind — including employment, self-employment, and voluntary work that generates any form of income — is prohibited under this visa.

Can I bring other children with me?

No. This route does not permit dependants other than the eligible child. If you have other children who wish to study in the UK, they must each apply for and be granted their own Child Student visa.

How long can I stay in the UK on this visa?

You can stay until the earliest of:

• Your child’s course end date, or
• The date your child turns 12 years old

This will be clearly stated in your grant of leave.

Can I switch to another visa category from within the UK?

In most cases, no. The Parent of a Child Student route does not generally allow switching to other visa categories from inside the UK. Any new visa application will usually need to be made from overseas unless you meet a specific in-country switching exemption in the Immigration Rules.

Conclusion

The Parent of a Child Student visa is a narrowly defined immigration route under UK law, intended solely to allow one parent to care for a young child studying at an eligible independent fee-paying school. It is not a pathway to long-term residence or work in the UK, and it comes with strict conditions designed to keep its use limited to genuine caregiving purposes.

To qualify, applicants must meet the specific requirements in Appendix Parent of a Child Student, including proof of the child’s age, study arrangements, and the parental relationship, as well as substantial financial maintenance and suitable accommodation. The application process requires careful preparation of evidence, strict adherence to UKVI documentary standards, and timely submission from outside the UK.

Once granted, visa holders must comply fully with the restrictions — no work, no public funds, and a requirement to live with and care for the child. The visa will end when the child turns 12 or their course finishes, whichever comes first, and extensions are only possible if the child remains eligible.

For parents prepared for its temporary nature and limitations, this visa provides an important opportunity to support their child during a formative stage in their education while ensuring compliance with the UK’s immigration framework.

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Gill Laing

Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law. Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.

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