The UK Child Student visa allows children aged between 4 and 17 to study at an independent, fee-paying school in the United Kingdom. This immigration route is designed specifically for younger international students who have secured a place at an institution holding a Student sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. It replaced the former Tier 4 (Child) Student visa and remains distinct from the main Student visa route, which is for applicants aged 16 and over intending to pursue higher education or other further study.
What this article is about: This guide explains the UK Child Student visa in detail, covering eligibility criteria, application steps, financial requirements, visa conditions, and compliance obligations for both parents and sponsoring schools. It is intended for parents and guardians seeking to enrol their children in UK education, as well as for school administrators who need to ensure they meet UKVI sponsor compliance duties. We will also look at related visa options, including the Parent of a Child Student visa, and how to plan for a smooth transition to other immigration categories as the child grows older.
The Child Student visa sits within the UK’s points-based immigration system but has its own set of rules and requirements. The application process can be complex, particularly around proving eligibility, demonstrating adequate funds, and ensuring that consent and safeguarding measures are in place for younger children. Both the applicant and the sponsor school must adhere strictly to UKVI rules, as non-compliance can result in refusal, visa curtailment, or sponsor licence sanctions.
Parents and guardians should also be aware that the Child Student visa route does not provide a direct path to settlement in the UK. However, children may be able to switch to a different immigration category, such as the Student visa, Skilled Worker visa, or a family route, depending on their future circumstances. Early awareness of these future immigration options can help families plan their child’s educational journey in the UK without unexpected interruptions.
Section A: Eligibility & Requirements
Applying for a UK Child Student visa requires meeting specific eligibility rules set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). These requirements are designed to ensure that the child is genuinely coming to the UK for full-time education at a suitable institution, has appropriate financial support, and that their welfare arrangements meet UK safeguarding standards.
1. Age Requirements
To qualify for a Child Student visa, the applicant must be aged between 4 and 17 years old on the date of application. The child must have an unconditional offer to study at an independent, fee-paying school in the UK.
- Children aged 4–15 can only study at an independent school that holds a valid Student sponsor licence.
- Those aged 16–17 may still apply under this category but can also be eligible for the main Student visa if enrolling in further education.
State-funded schools, including academies and grammar schools, are not eligible sponsors for the Child Student route.
2. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number issued by the sponsor school once a child has been offered a place. It confirms the course details, start and end dates, and tuition fees.
- The CAS must be issued by a school listed on the official Register of Licensed Sponsors (Student).
- The CAS is valid for six months from the date of issue and can only be used for a single visa application.
UKVI uses the CAS to verify that the sponsoring institution has met its duty to assess the child’s suitability for the course and welfare arrangements.
3. Parental Consent
Applicants must provide written consent from both parents or legal guardians, or from one parent if they have sole legal responsibility. The consent letter should:
- Confirm the parent or guardian’s relationship to the child.
- Approve the visa application.
- Confirm travel, reception, and care arrangements in the UK.
For children under 16, the visa application must include details of approved care arrangements, either through boarding at the sponsor school or with an approved UK-based carer.
4. Financial Requirements
Parents or guardians must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the child’s tuition fees and living costs for at least the first academic year. The amount depends on whether the child will be boarding or living with a carer:
- Boarding pupils: Must show the cost of board and tuition fees for one academic year.
- Day pupils: Must show tuition fees for one academic year plus living costs of:
- £1,560 per month for courses in London (for up to nine months), or
- £1,334 per month for courses outside London (for up to nine months).
Funds must be:
- Held in the name of the parent(s), legal guardian(s), the child, or an official financial sponsor, for at least 28 consecutive days before application, or
- Held by the intended carer in the UK, with evidence acceptable to UKVI.
Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, bank letters, or other formats specified by UKVI guidance.
5. English Language Requirements
Unlike the main Student visa, there is no English language requirement for the Child Student visa. This reflects the age range of applicants and the nature of UK independent school provision. However, the sponsor school may conduct its own academic or language assessments as part of the admissions process.
Section Summary
To be eligible for the UK Child Student visa, applicants must meet strict age criteria, hold a valid CAS from an independent school with a Student sponsor licence, provide comprehensive parental consent, and meet substantial financial requirements to ensure tuition and living costs are covered. While there is no mandatory English language test, meeting the UKVI’s documentary and welfare requirements is critical to securing a successful application.
Section B: Application Process
Applying for a UK Child Student visa requires following a set process set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The application must be made online and supported by all required documentation, with careful attention to deadlines and procedural rules. Mistakes or missing information can lead to delays or refusals, so parents and guardians should plan and prepare well in advance of the intended start date.
1. When & How to Apply
Applications for the Child Student visa must be made online using the official GOV.UK form.
- From outside the UK, applications can be submitted up to six months before the start date of the course as stated on the CAS.
- From inside the UK, the application must be made before the current visa expires, and no more than three months before the start date of the course.
Switching to the Child Student visa from certain other UK visa categories may be possible, but it is not permitted from:
- Visitor visas
- Short-term study visas
- Parent of a Child Student visas
- Seasonal Worker visas
- Domestic Worker in a Private Household visas
- Any visa outside the immigration rules
2. Application Form & Documentation
The online application form will require detailed personal information about the child, their parents or guardians, and the sponsoring school. The following documents must typically be provided:
- Current valid passport or other travel document.
- CAS number issued by the sponsor school.
- Written parental consent letter.
- Proof of relationship to parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or other UKVI-acceptable evidence).
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if applying from a country where this is required and if the applicant has been there for more than six months prior to applying.
- Evidence of care arrangements in the UK for applicants under 16.
All documents must be in English or Welsh, or accompanied by a certified translation.
3. Biometrics & Identity Verification
As part of the process, applicants will need to verify their identity:
- Most applicants will attend a visa application centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photographs (biometrics).
- Some applicants may be able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan their identity document and upload a facial image.
The method available depends on nationality, passport type, and where the application is made. Since 2024, most Child Student visas are issued with digital immigration status rather than a physical Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), except in limited circumstances.
4. Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
Applicants must pay:
- The visa application fee (as set out on GOV.UK, varying depending on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK).
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), payable for each year of the visa. This provides access to NHS services while in the UK.
Payment is made online at the time of application, and the application will not be processed without full payment.
5. Processing Times
UKVI processing times generally are:
- Outside the UK: Around three weeks from attending the biometric appointment or verifying identity via the app.
- Inside the UK: Around eight weeks from application submission.
Priority and super priority services may be available for an additional fee, offering faster decisions. Availability varies by country and application centre.
Section Summary
The Child Student visa application process is structured but time-sensitive. Applications must be made online with full supporting documentation, identity verification, and payment of fees and the IHS. Parents and guardians should ensure all requirements are met before applying to avoid unnecessary delays or refusals. Submitting the application as early as possible within the permitted timeframe can help secure a decision in time for the child’s course start date.
Section C: Visa Conditions & Rights
The Child Student visa comes with specific conditions that govern what the visa holder can and cannot do while in the UK. These conditions are set out in the Immigration Rules and must be adhered to at all times. Breaching these rules can lead to visa curtailment, refusal of future applications, or sanctions against the sponsoring school. Parents, guardians, and the student should be fully aware of these rights and restrictions before arrival.
1. Length of Stay Granted
The period of stay granted under a Child Student visa depends on the applicant’s age and the length of the course:
- Under 16 years old: Visa will usually be granted for the length of the course plus up to four months afterwards, for a maximum stay of six years.
- Aged 16 or 17: Visa will usually be granted for the length of the course plus up to four months afterwards, for a maximum stay of three years.
The start and end dates are determined by UKVI based on the CAS and the school’s term dates. The course must be full-time at the licensed independent school.
2. Work Restrictions
Work rights for Child Student visa holders are limited and depend on age:
- Under 16: No right to work in the UK, whether paid or unpaid.
- Aged 16–17: May work up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during school holidays.
In all cases:
- Self-employment is prohibited.
- Working as a professional sportsperson or entertainer is prohibited.
- Any work placement forming part of the course must not exceed 50% of the total course length, and the sponsor must confirm placement details in writing to UKVI.
3. Study Restrictions
The visa holder must study at the sponsor school named on their CAS and visa.
- Transferring to another school requires prior UKVI approval, and the new institution must also hold a Student sponsor licence.
- Attending a state-funded school is not permitted under this visa.
4. Dependants
The Child Student visa itself does not allow family members to accompany the child, except in specific circumstances:
- Parents of children under 12 may apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa to live in the UK and care for their child.
- The Parent of a Child Student visa does not allow the parent to work (with very limited exceptions) or bring other family members.
Siblings and other relatives cannot accompany the child under this visa route and must apply for an appropriate visa in their own right.
5. Travel & Re-Entry
Child Student visa holders are generally granted multiple-entry permission, allowing them to travel in and out of the UK during their visa validity period. Parents should ensure:
- The child has a valid visa and passport before travelling.
- Any absences during term time comply with the school’s attendance and safeguarding policies.
Extended absences without authorisation may lead to the school reporting the absence to UKVI, which can affect the visa’s validity.
Section Summary
The Child Student visa grants the right to study full-time at a licensed independent school in the UK and, for older children, limited work rights. It does not provide settlement rights or broad work permissions, and family accompaniment is restricted. Adhering to these conditions is essential to maintain lawful status and protect the sponsoring school’s compliance record.
Section D: Compliance & Extension
Maintaining a UK Child Student visa requires ongoing compliance from both the sponsoring school and the child’s parents or guardians. UKVI expects sponsors to monitor attendance, safeguard pupils, and report relevant changes, while parents must ensure their child follows visa conditions. This section explains the process for extending the visa, switching to other immigration routes, and dealing with refusals.
1. Sponsor Duties (School Obligations)
Independent schools holding a Student sponsor licence must comply with strict UKVI requirements, including:
- Attendance monitoring: Schools must track and report unauthorised absences in line with sponsor guidance.
- Safeguarding: Ensuring appropriate accommodation and care arrangements, especially for under-16s.
- Reporting changes: Informing UKVI promptly of changes in enrolment, contact details, or welfare arrangements.
- Record-keeping: Retaining copies of passports, visas, parental consent documentation, and proof of study.
Failure to comply can lead to licence suspension or revocation, which would affect the visa status of all sponsored students.
2. Parental Responsibilities
Parents or legal guardians must:
- Ensure their child attends school as required.
- Keep the school informed of any changes to contact details or living arrangements.
- Make sure their child does not breach visa conditions, such as working beyond permitted hours.
- Maintain adequate financial support for tuition and living costs.
3. Extending the Visa
A Child Student visa can be extended from within the UK if:
- The child is still under 18.
- They have an unconditional offer from a Student sponsor school.
- They meet the financial requirements.
A new CAS is mandatory for any extension. Applications should be made before the current visa expires. The process is similar to the initial application, requiring updated parental consent and proof of funds.
4. Switching Visa Categories
When the child turns 18 or completes their course, they may be eligible to switch into:
- The main Student visa route (for higher or further education).
- Certain work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa (subject to meeting sponsorship and salary requirements).
- Family routes, if eligible under the Immigration Rules.
Switching is only possible from within the UK where permitted by the Immigration Rules. In some cases, the applicant will need to apply from outside the UK.
5. Refusal Reasons & Administrative Reviews
UKVI may refuse a Child Student visa application for reasons such as:
- Incomplete documentation.
- Insufficient funds.
- Failing to meet eligibility requirements.
- Concerns about welfare arrangements or safeguarding.
If refused, parents may be able to request an administrative review if they believe UKVI made a legal or procedural error. The refusal notice will confirm if this option is available and how to apply.
Section Summary
Ongoing compliance is essential to maintaining a Child Student visa. Schools must meet strict UKVI sponsor duties, while parents must ensure their child follows all visa conditions. Extensions require a new CAS and proof of funds, and older children may switch to other visa routes when eligible. Understanding refusal risks and review options can help families respond quickly if problems arise.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between the Child Student visa and the main Student visa?
The Child Student visa is for applicants aged 4–17 studying full-time at an independent, fee-paying school, while the main Student visa is for applicants aged 16 and over, usually attending further or higher education institutions such as colleges or universities. The Child Student visa does not require proof of English language ability, whereas the Student visa often does.
2. Can my child attend a state school on a Child Student visa?
No. The Child Student visa only allows study at an independent school that holds a valid Student sponsor licence. State schools, including grammar schools and academies, cannot sponsor Child Student visa holders.
3. How much money do I need to show for my child’s application?
You must show sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs for at least the first academic year. For day pupils, this means tuition fees plus living costs of:
- £1,560 per month if studying in London (up to 9 months)
- £1,334 per month if studying outside London (up to 9 months)
For boarding pupils, you must show the full cost of board and tuition fees for one academic year. Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
4. Can parents work in the UK on a Parent of a Child Student visa?
Generally, no. Parents on this visa are not permitted to work, with very limited exceptions such as voluntary roles or work directly linked to the child’s education if authorised.
5. How long does it take to process a Child Student visa?
Standard processing times are around three weeks if applying from outside the UK and around eight weeks if applying from inside the UK. Priority services may be available in some locations for an additional fee.
6. Can my child switch to a Student visa from within the UK?
Yes, if your child is aged 16 or over, has an offer from an eligible institution with a Student sponsor licence, and meets the Student visa requirements. A new CAS is required, and the switch must be made before the Child Student visa expires.
Conclusion
The UK Child Student visa offers a structured immigration route for children aged 4–17 to access full-time independent school education in the UK, provided they meet strict eligibility criteria and are sponsored by a licensed institution. A successful application depends on securing a valid CAS, meeting the financial requirements, providing appropriate parental consent, and ensuring safeguarding arrangements are in place.
Once granted, the visa comes with defined rights and restrictions. For younger children, there is no right to work, while older children have limited work allowances within UKVI rules. The visa does not lead directly to settlement, but it can serve as a stepping stone to other routes such as the main Student visa, certain work visas, or family-based applications, if eligibility is met.
Compliance is essential for both the student and the sponsoring school. UKVI actively monitors attendance, safeguarding, and adherence to visa conditions. Parents should maintain close communication with the school, keep contact details and care arrangements up to date, and plan early for any extensions or changes in immigration status.
By understanding the rules and preparing in advance, families can give their children the best possible start in the UK education system while avoiding the pitfalls that can lead to refusal or disruption.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) | A unique reference number issued by a licensed sponsor school confirming the child’s acceptance on a full-time course. Required for the visa application. |
| UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) | The Home Office division responsible for processing UK visa applications and overseeing compliance with immigration rules. |
| Independent School | A fee-paying school that operates independently of state funding and must hold a Student sponsor licence to enrol international pupils. |
| Parent of a Child Student Visa | A visa allowing one parent of a child under 12 studying in the UK to live in the UK to care for them, with restrictions on work and bringing dependants. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A mandatory fee payable by most UK visa applicants to access NHS healthcare during their stay in the UK. |
| Sponsor Licence | Permission granted by UKVI for an educational institution to enrol and sponsor international students under the Child Student or main Student visa routes. |
Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK – Child Student visa | https://www.gov.uk/child-student-visa |
| GOV.UK – Parent of a Child Student visa | https://www.gov.uk/parent-of-a-child-at-school-visa |
| GOV.UK – Register of Licensed Sponsors (Student) | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-students |
| DavidsonMorris – Child Student visa guidance | https://www.davidsonmorris.com/child-student-visa/ |
