Course Requirements for a UK Child Student Visa

To obtain a UK Child Student Visa, applicants must be enrolled in one of the following eligible study programs:

• A course aligned with the UK National Curriculum.

• A program recognized under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), excluding foundation courses designed to prepare students for higher education.

• A course deemed academically equivalent to the above, approved by Ofsted (England), Education and Training Inspectorate (Northern Ireland), Education Scotland (Scotland), or Estyn (Wales).

• A curriculum offered in accordance with Independent School inspection standards.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Upon securing admission to an approved private or independent school in the UK, applicants will receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number from their educational institution.

Key requirements for CAS include:

• Issuance by a licensed student sponsor (independent school) with a valid sponsorship licence.

• Application for the visa must be submitted within 6 months of receiving the CAS.

• The CAS must not have been previously used in any visa application (whether granted or refused).

• The education provider must not have withdrawn its offer.

• The CAS must detail critical information such as tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and any payments made.

Financial Requirement for a UK Child Student Visa

Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial resources to cover both tuition fees and living expenses for their stay in the UK.

Course Fees

Unless exempt under special categories, applicants must prove they can pay the full tuition fees for one academic year.

Living Costs

Proof of funds for living expenses is required, and the amount varies based on living arrangements:

• Boarding at a residential independent school: Boarding fees for one academic year.

• Living with a private foster carer or British relative with ILR: The carer or relative must have £570 per month, for up to 9 months.

• Living with a parent/guardian with a Parent of a Child Student Visa: Applicants must have £1,560 per month for up to 9 months, plus £625 per month per child (if siblings accompany the parent).

• Applicants aged 16 or 17 living independently:

  • In London: £1,265 per month (or £1,334 from 1/12/2020), for up to 9 months.

  • Outside London: £1,015 per month (or £1,023 from 1/12/2020), for up to 9 months.

Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the visa application date.

Special Financial Categories

Certain applicants are exempt from providing detailed financial evidence:

• Those who have legally lived in the UK for at least 12 months prior to applying.

• British Nationals (Overseas) and individuals from countries subject to the differential evidence requirement (though funds must still be available as UKVI may request proof).

Genuine Student Requirement

Applicants aged 16 or 17 must prove that they are genuine students. The UK Home Office assesses:

• Educational and immigration history.

• Course details and institution choice.

• Motivation for studying in the UK and future career plans.

• Financial and personal circumstances.

Switching to a Child Student Visa

Applicants already in the UK with valid leave to remain can switch to the Child Student Visa route, provided:

• They were not last granted permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, or under any category outside Immigration Rules.
  
  
• They are not on immigration bail.

Apply for a UK Child Student Visa for Independent or Private Schools

Applying for a UK Child Student Visa allows international students to study at an independent or private school in the UK. The timing of your application is crucial:

• Applications from outside the UK: Submit your visa application no earlier than 6 months before the official start date of your course.

• Applications from within the UK: You can apply up to 3 months before your course begins, provided your course starts within 28 days of your current visa’s expiration.

Processing Time for a UK Child Student Visa

• From outside the UK: Most applicants receive a decision within 3 weeks of submission.

• From inside the UK: Visa decisions typically take up to 8 weeks to process.

Travel to the UK with a Child Student Visa

Once your Child Student Visa is granted, you are permitted to enter the UK up to 1 month before your course begins. If your course is starting in less than a month, you may travel up to 7 days before the start date.

Duration of Stay for a Child Student

• Applicants under 16 years: You may stay for up to 6 years or the duration of your course, whichever is shorter.

• Applicants aged 16 or 17: You may remain for up to 3 years or the length of your course, whichever is shorter.

Work Rights on a Child Student Visa

Students aged 16 or above are permitted to work up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during school holidays or vacations.

Extending a Child Student Visa

To extend your visa, you must:

• Be between 4 and 17 years old.

• Have sponsorship from a licensed independent school.

• Hold an unconditional offer of a place on a course.

• Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs.

There is no requirement for academic progress evidence when extending your visa.

Settlement Options for Child Students

The Child Student Visa does not lead directly to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK.

Switching to a Student Visa

Child Student Visa holders may transition to the Student route if they meet the eligibility requirements.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, we specialise exclusively in immigration services, offering tailored legal support for international child students and their families seeking to relocate to, or extend their stay in, the United Kingdom to pursue education at esteemed UK independent or private schools.

Our team of skilled immigration barristers possesses in-depth expertise in the full spectrum of UK immigration pathways available to child students. We provide comprehensive guidance through the intricate regulations and policies set forth by the UK Home Office, ensuring a seamless and stress-free process for our clients.

We take pride in our client-focused approach, delivering proactive, transparent, and result-driven legal solutions. Our commitment lies in offering precise, trustworthy, and strategic immigration advice, enabling child students to achieve their educational aspirations in the UK with confidence and clarity.