Child Student Visa
Welcome to Hilltop Solicitors, your trusted legal advisors specializing in immigration and visa services. If you are a parent or guardian seeking to provide your child with a world-class education in the United Kingdom, our expert team is here to guide you through the process of obtaining a Child Student Visa. We understand the significance of education in shaping a child's future, and we are dedicated to assisting families in navigating the intricacies of UK immigration law. With our knowledge and experience, we strive to make the journey to acquiring a Child Student Visa as smooth and stress-free as possible.
The UK Child Student Visa is available to children between the ages of 4 and 17 who meet certain criteria.
At Hilltop Solicitors, we understand the importance of securing a Child Student Visa for your child's education in the United Kingdom. To ensure a smooth application process, it is crucial to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Genuine student status: The child must be a genuine student with a confirmed place at an independent fee-paying school.
- Timely application: The visa application must be submitted within the required timeframe.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): The child must have received a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the school they intend to attend.
- Parental or guardian consent: Written consent from a parent or guardian is required for the child to apply for the visa.
- Immigration compliance: The child must have no record of overstaying a visa or breaching immigration rules.
- Sufficient finances: The child must have adequate financial means to cover the school fees and support themselves throughout the duration of the course.
- English language skills: The child must possess the necessary English language skills to meet the required level for their studies.
- Qualifications: The child must provide evidence of any required qualifications for their intended course of study.
- Intention to return home: The child must demonstrate that they intend to return to their home country upon completion of their course.
Furthermore, it is important to note that the Child Student Visa has specific requirements regarding the types of eligible courses, and only designated educational institutions are authorized to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the visa applicant. At Hilltop Solicitors, our dedicated team of immigration experts is ready to assist you in navigating these requirements and ensuring a successful application process for your child's education in the UK.
To obtain a UK Child Student Visa, the child must meet specific points requirements, as outlined below:
Study Points:
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): The child must have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from the intended school.
Eligible Course: The child must be enrolled in a course that meets the eligibility criteria.
Eligible Independent School: The child must choose an independent school that is recognized as eligible.
Age Requirement: The child must be between the ages of 4 and 17 years old.
Parental Consent: Written consent from a parent or guardian is required for the child's visa application.
These criteria collectively award 50 points.
Financial Points:
To earn financial points, the child must meet the specific financial requirements.
These details of these requirements are not provided here, but fulfilling them will grant 20 points. For details of financial requirements, please see section below.
Please note that there may be additional requirements or criteria beyond the points-based system for obtaining the UK Child Student Visa. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the visa application process, it is essential to consult the official guidelines or seek advice from an immigration expert. At Hilltop Solicitors, our team of experienced professionals is available to provide you with comprehensive assistance in navigating the requirements and ensuring a successful application for your child's education in the UK.
When applying for the UK Child Student Visa, child students must demonstrate that they possess sufficient funds to support themselves throughout their course. The specific financial requirements vary depending on the child's living arrangements. Here are the financial requirements based on different scenarios:
Residential independent school boarding:
Adequate funds to cover the course fees and boarding fees for one academic year.
Living with a private foster carer or close relative who is a British citizen or has settled status:
Sufficient funds to pay the fees for one academic year.
The carer or relative must have funds of at least £570 per month of the course (up to a maximum of nine months).
Living with the child's parent or legal guardian:
Adequate funds to pay the course fees for one academic year.
If there are no other children being cared for by the parent, £1,560 per month must be available for a maximum of nine months.
If there are other children being cared for by the parent in the UK, £625 per month must be available for each child.
Aged 16 or 17 and living independently:
Sufficient funds to pay the school fees for one year.
£1,334 per month for each month of the course, up to a maximum of nine months if studying in London.
£1,023 per month for each month of the course, up to a maximum of nine months if studying outside London.
In addition, if the child student is relying on a student loan, government grant, or scholarship, they must have held the required funds for a minimum period of 28 days.
Please note that these financial requirements are subject to change, and it is advisable to consult the official guidelines provided by the Home Office or seek assistance from an immigration expert for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the specific financial requirements for the UK Child Student Visa. At Hilltop Solicitors, our knowledgeable team is ready to provide you with the guidance you need to navigate these requirements and ensure a successful visa application for your child's education in the UK.
To increase your chances of a successful Child Student Visa application, it is essential to thoroughly prepare. If you are unsure about the application process, it is highly recommended to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer who can provide expert guidance.
Follow these steps to apply for a Child Student Visa:
- Research and Choose an Educational Institute: Identify the most suitable educational institution based on your specific circumstances and educational goals.
- Obtain an Unconditional Offer: Apply to the chosen school and receive an unconditional offer of acceptance.
- Request Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Submit a request to the school for your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, which is a crucial document for your visa application.
- Identify the Nearest Visa Application Centre: Determine the location of the visa application centre closest to you where you will need to submit your application.
- Fulfill Health Requirements: If applicable, book a Tuberculosis (TB) test and ensure compliance with any coronavirus-related public health requirements, such as PCR tests or quarantine protocols.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Ensure that you have all the necessary supporting documents, such as passport, academic qualifications, financial evidence, CAS letter, and any other required paperwork.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Child Student Visa application form accurately and provide all the required information.
- Pay Application Fees: Make the necessary payment for the application fee and, if applicable, the immigration health surcharge to the Home Office.
- Schedule Biometrics Appointment: Book an appointment at the visa application centre for biometric data submission, such as fingerprints and a photograph (where relevant).
- Attend Visa Interview: If required, attend a visa interview as part of the application process.
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): Submit the necessary information to obtain your biometric residence permit (BRP), which is a form of identification for your stay in the UK (where relevant).
- Await Decision: Wait for a decision to be issued on your visa application. The processing time may vary, so it's important to remain patient during this period.
To maximize your chances of a successful application, remember to:
- Ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements.
- Gather and organize all the required supporting information well in advance.
- Present your documents in the appropriate format.
- Complete each section of the application form fully and truthfully.
- Follow any advice or guidelines provided by your sponsoring educational institution.
At Hilltop Solicitors, our experienced immigration team can provide comprehensive assistance throughout the Child Student Visa application process, ensuring that you are well-prepared and have the best chance of success.
When applying for the Child Student Visa, it is crucial to submit a comprehensive set of documents to the Home Office as evidence of your eligibility. Here are some of the documents that may be required:
- Valid passport or travel document: You will need to provide a valid passport or travel document that verifies your identity and nationality.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): Include the CAS provided by the school you have been accepted into, which confirms your enrollment in an eligible course.
- Health certifications: If applicable, provide any necessary health certificates or medical documentation to meet the health requirements specified by the UK government.
- Financial maintenance evidence: Submit evidence demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses, tuition fees, and other associated costs during your stay in the UK. This can include bank statements, financial documents, or sponsorship letters.
- Parental or guardian consent: Include confirmation or consent from your parent or legal guardian, allowing you to apply for the Child Student Visa.
- Proof of payment: If applicable, provide proof of payment for tuition fees, accommodation expenses, or any other relevant costs.
- Certified translations: If any of your documents are in a language other than English or Welsh, ensure that you provide certified translations to ensure comprehension by the Home Office.
It's important to note that these documents are general requirements, and additional documents may be necessary depending on your specific circumstances. It is highly recommended to consult the official guidelines provided by the Home Office or seek guidance from an immigration expert to ensure that you submit a comprehensive and accurate set of documents that effectively demonstrate your eligibility for the Child Student Visa. At Hilltop Solicitors, our experienced team is available to assist you in preparing and submitting the required documentation, maximizing your chances of a successful visa application.
The Child Student Visa is issued on the basis of the length of the period of study and the age of the applicant.
If the child is aged 16 or 17 year and is on a course that lasts longer than the maximum permitted time of three years, they will be required to apply again before the expiration date of their stay.
Applications made by international students aged 18 years and older must be made on the Student Visa route if they wish to continue their studies in the UK.
In most cases, the time you spend in the UK on a Student Visa or Child Student Visa do not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
If your child holds or is applying for a Child Student Visa, you may be eligible to apply for the Parent of a Child Student Visa. To qualify for this visa category, the following conditions must apply to your situation:
- Child's age: Your child must be between the ages of four and eleven years old.
- Child attending an independent school: Your child should be enrolled in an independent school in the UK.
- Sole parent accompanying the child: You must be the only parent accompanying your child in the UK. If both parents wish to accompany the child, they would need to apply separately.
- Maintaining primary residence: You must maintain your primary residence in your country of residence. This means that your main home and ties should be in your home country.
- Plans to leave the UK: You must have concrete plans to leave the UK when your visa expires.
- The Parent of a Child Student Visa allows you to stay in the UK until your child's visa expires or until they turn 12 years old, whichever occurs first. If your child continues studying in the UK beyond this age, you must make suitable arrangements for their ongoing care.
- It's important to note that while in the UK on this visa, you are not permitted to work, study, start a business, apply for benefits, or bring another family member to the UK. Additionally, you are not allowed to make the UK your primary residence.
- If you meet the criteria, it may be possible to extend your visa. For detailed and up-to-date information regarding the Parent of a Child Student Visa, it is advisable to consult the official guidelines provided by the UK government or seek assistance from an immigration expert.
At Hilltop Solicitors, our knowledgeable team can provide guidance and support throughout the application process, ensuring that you understand the requirements and have the best chance of a successful visa application as a parent of a child student in the UK.