The UK Child Student Visa route is for children aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school or private school in the UK, which is a Home Office approved student sponsor.
The Child Student Visa is designed for children between 4 and 17 years old who aim to study at an independent school in the UK that is recognized by the Home Office as a student sponsor. If you’re over 18 and wish to pursue further or higher education, the Student Visa is more appropriate. For those aged 16 or 17 wanting to pursue a Level 3 or higher course, they have the option to apply as either a Child Student or a Student.
To be eligible, applicants must:
Eligible courses include:
You’ll receive a CAS reference number from your independent school, which should be used within 6 months for your visa application. The CAS includes details of your course, accommodation, fees, and payments made.
Applicants must prove they can afford course fees and living costs. This includes boarding fees for residential schools or maintenance costs if living independently or with a parent/guardian. The exact amount varies based on living arrangements and location (London or elsewhere in the UK).
Applicants who have been in the UK for 12 months or more, or are from certain specified countries, may be automatically considered to meet the financial requirements.
Applicants in this age group must demonstrate they are genuine students, with the Home Office assessing various factors including education history, course choice, and personal circumstances.
Switching is possible within the UK except from certain visa categories like Visitor or Short- term Student.
Apply up to 6 months before your course starts if outside the UK, or 3 months before if inside the UK. Your course should start within 28 days after your current leave expires.
Decisions are typically made within 3 weeks for applications outside the UK, and 8 weeks for those within the UK.
You can travel to the UK up to 1 month before your course starts, but no earlier than the start
date given on your visa.
The duration depends on your age and course length, generally allowing up to 6 years for under 16s and up to 3 years for 16 or 17-year-olds.
16 or 17-year-old Child Students may work up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
To extend your stay, you must be in the UK on a Child Student visa, aged 17 or under, have an unconditional offer with a licence Child Student sponsor, valid CAS and have enough funds to support yourself and pay for your course.
The Child Student route does not lead to settlement, but holders can switch to the Student route.
Our team specializes in assisting international child students with their UK educational journey, offering guidance on complex immigration rules and policies to ensure a smooth process.
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