Overview

The Child Student Visa is for children aged 4 to 17 years old who wish to study at an independent school in the UK. The school must be a licensed student sponsor approved by the Home Office.
Applicants must have an unconditional offer of a place at an approved school and demonstrate suitable care and financial arrangements for their stay in the UK.

Visa Duration and Extension

The length of stay depends on the course duration and the child’s age on application:
- Under 16: up to six years plus four additional months.
- Aged 16–17: up to three years plus four additional months.
The visa can be extended to continue studies at the same or another licensed independent school.
The visa cannot lead directly to settlement, but switching to the Student Visa (adult route) may be possible from age 16.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, the applicant must:

Be aged between 4 and 17 years old.
Have an unconditional offer to study at an independent school holding a valid student sponsor licence.
Hold a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by the school.
Have parental consent for travel, study, and care arrangements in the UK.
Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition, boarding, and living costs.
Have made adequate arrangements for care and accommodation in the UK.
Intend to leave the UK when the visa expires or continue under another permitted route.

Documents Required

Valid passport or travel document.
CAS reference number from the licensed independent school.
Evidence of parental or legal guardian consent.
Proof of financial means to pay school fees and living costs (such as bank statements).
Proof of accommodation and care arrangements in the UK.
Birth certificate or legal document showing the relationship to the parent or guardian.
Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).

Maintenance (Financial Requirement)

The amount of money required depends on whether the child is boarding or living with a parent or guardian:

Boarding students: proof of payment or funds to cover full boarding and tuition fees for one academic year.
Day students living with a parent or guardian: proof of funds to cover tuition fees plus:
- £1,560 per month for the parent and child if living together in London; or
- £1,240 per month if living outside London.
  Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before the application.

Parental Consent and Care Arrangements

Both parents (or the legal guardian) must give written consent confirming:
- Permission for the child to travel, live, and study in the UK.
- The person responsible for care and accommodation in the UK.
Acceptable care arrangements include:
- Boarding at the independent school;
- Living with a parent with valid immigration permission as a Parent of a Child Student; or
- Living with an approved foster carer or close relative.

What You Can and Cannot Do

You can:

Study full-time at an independent school named on your CAS.
Extend your visa to continue your education.
Switch to a Student visa after turning 16 (if continuing studies at a higher level).

You cannot:

Study at a state-funded or maintained school.
Work (paid or unpaid) or engage in business activities.
Bring dependants under this route.
Access public funds or benefits.

Processing Times and Priority Service

Standard processing time: up to three weeks after biometrics submission.
Priority and Super Priority options may be available for faster decisions.
Applications can be made up to six months before the start of the course.
A decision at the border remains at the discretion of an immigration officer.

Home Office Fees

Application fee: £490 (outside or inside the UK).
Immigration Health Surcharge: approximately £776 per year of leave granted.
Additional fees apply for Priority or Super Priority services.
Fees are non-refundable if the application is refused.

Administrative Review (Entry Clearance and Extensions)

If an application is refused, the applicant may request an Administrative Review:

Within 28 days if the application was made outside the UK.
Within 14 days if the application was made inside the UK.
Only previously submitted evidence can be considered — no new documents are allowed.