Overview

The Parent of a Child Student visa allows one parent to accompany their child aged under 12 to the UK while the child studies at an independent, fee-paying day school. This visa ensures that a young student can be supported and cared for by a parent during their early years of education.
The parent is granted permission to stay for the same duration as the child’s visa or until the child turns 12, whichever is sooner.

Visa Duration and Extension

• Permission is normally granted for the same length of time as the child’s visa.

• The visa will end when the child turns 12, even if the child’s studies continue.

• Parents may apply to extend their stay if the child remains under 12 and continues full-time study at an independent school.

• The visa does not lead to settlement, and the parent must leave the UK when the child turns 12 or when their studies end.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Parent of a Child Student visa, you must:

• Be aged 18 or over.

• Be the parent of a child under 12 who holds or is applying for a valid Child Student visa.

• Intend to live with and care for the child during their studies in the UK.

• Be the only parent accompanying the child (the other parent must normally remain abroad).

• Have sufficient funds to maintain yourself and the child without recourse to public funds or employment.

• Be able to show you can maintain a second home in the UK without making it your main residence.

• Intend to leave the UK when your visa expires or your child turns 12.

Documents Required

• Valid passport or travel document.

• Evidence that your child holds or is applying for a Child Student visa.

• Birth certificate or other proof of relationship to the child.

• Evidence of financial means to support yourself and your child without public funds (such as bank statements).

• Proof of accommodation arrangements in the UK.

• Evidence of maintaining a home outside the UK (e.g. mortgage, tenancy agreement, or utility bills).

• Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).

Maintenance (Financial Requirement)

Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support both themselves and their child while in the UK:

• £1,560 per month if living 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 visa application date.
  Applicants must also show adequate resources to maintain a second home in the UK without employment or access to public funds.

Accommodation Requirements

The parent must show evidence of suitable accommodation arrangements for themselves and the child.

• The child must attend a day school (not boarding).

• The parent and child must live together at the same address.

• The accommodation must be safe, suitable, and adequately funded without public assistance.

What You Can and Cannot Do

You can:

• Live in the UK with your child while they attend an independent school.

• Extend your visa if the child continues to study and remains under 12.

• Travel in and out of the UK during your period of leave.

You cannot:

• Work (paid or unpaid) or engage in business activities.

• Study in the UK.

• Bring dependants or other family members under this route.

• Make the UK your main home.

• Access public funds or benefits.

Processing Times and Priority Service

• Standard processing time: up to three weeks after biometrics submission.

• Priority and Super Priority services may be available for an additional fee.

• Applications can be made up to six months before the intended travel date.

• Entry decisions are ultimately at the discretion of a border officer.

Home Office Fees

• Application fee: £637 for applications made outside the UK.

• Immigration Health Surcharge: approximately £776 per year of leave granted.

• Additional fees apply for Priority or Super Priority processing.

• 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 evidence already submitted will be considered — new documents cannot be added.

Parent of a Child Student Visa