Personal Immigration

Child Student Visa Application Guidance

The Child Student route enables a child aged between the age of 4 and 17 to study in the UK at an independent school that holds a sponsor licence.

Child Student route visa: Main requirements
In order to qualify for a Child Student route visa the applicant must be able to demonstrate that:

  • they have been offered a place on a course;
  • the course is with a licenced sponsor that is an independent school that has assigned a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (‘CAS);
  • they have consent from and can demonstrate their relationship with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s);
  • they meet the finance requirements issued by the Home Office; and
  • they do not fall for refusal under the general grounds for refusal.

Length and conditions of stay in the UK
Applicants will be permitted to come to the UK for the duration of the course as referred to on the CAS. They will be granted some time to settle in before the course commences and some time to organise their affairs after the course has finished.

Applicants under 16 may study in the UK for up to six years. If the applicant is 16 or 17 years old they may stay in the UK for the length of their course provided this does not exceed three years.

During their stay in the UK applicants aged 16 or over are permitted to carry out part time work of up to 10 hours per week and full time work during vacations. Those under 16 are not permitted to work.

Applicants under Child Student route are not able to bring dependants to the UK. If a parent or guardian wishes to accompany a child up to the age of 12 they can apply for a specific visa to accompany the child, or they could rely on another route such as Tier 1 (Investor) if they qualify.

The Child Student route does not lead to settlement in the UK.

Child Student route visa applications: How we can help
It is essential that an application for a Child Student route visa is prepared thoroughly and carefully.

We are experienced in preparing Child Student route visa applications to ensure a successful outcome and will provide expert guidance and assistance to you throughout the process.

For further advice, please contact us.