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A1.23 Child Student Visa

Child Student Visa – September 2025 Update

Official link: https://www.gov.uk/child-study-visa

 

1. Overview

  • For ages: 4-17 years studying at UK      independent schools

  • Replaces: Tier 4 (Child) student      visa

  • Over 18s: Apply for Student visa      instead

Core Requirements:

  • Unconditional offer from UK independent school

  • Proof of sufficient funds for course fees and living costs

  • Parental/legal guardian consent

 

Application Timing & Validity

Applying outside UK:

  • Earliest: 6 months before course starts

  • Decision: Usually within 3 weeks

Applying inside UK:

  • Earliest: 3 months before course starts

  • Must apply before current visa expires

  • New course must start within 28 days of current visa expiry

  • Decision: Usually within 8 weeks

Visa Validity:

  • Under 16 at application: Course      length (max 6 years) + 4 months

  • Aged 16-17 at application: Course      length (max 3 years) + 4 months

Arrival in UK: Up to 1 month before course starts (not before visa start date)

 

Costs

  • Application fee: £524      (outside/inside UK)

  • Immigration Health Surcharge:      Payable for full visa duration

 

Rights & Restrictions

Permitted:

  • Study at independent schools

  • Aged 16+ only:

    • Part-time work (10 hours/week during term)

    • Full-time work during holidays

    • Course-related work placements (≤50% of course)

Not Permitted:

  • Study at state schools/colleges/universities

  • Claim public funds

  • Full-time permanent work or self-employment

  • Work as professional sportsperson/entertainer

  • Apply for settlement

  • Bring dependants (parents apply separately for Parent of a      Child Student visa)

 

2. Course Requirements

  • Unconditional offer from licensed Child Student visa sponsor

  • CAS reference: Valid for 6 months      from issue

  • Eligible courses:

    • Follows national curriculum/RQF level 3 or below

    • Meets independent school inspection standards

    • Recognised as academically equivalent by UK education       standards body

    • Pre-sessional English courses

  • Excluded: Foundation courses for      higher education

 

3. Financial Requirements

Living costs depend on accommodation:

With parent on Parent of a Child Student visa:

  • £1,560/month (covers child + 1 parent)

  • +£625/month per additional child sibling on Child Student visa

Boarding at independent school:

  • Proof of course fees + boarding fees

Living with host family/close relative (UK citizen/settled, not parent):

  • Host must show ≥£570/month

Aged 16-17 living independently:

  • Inside London: £1,334/month

  • Outside London: £1,023/month

Funds must be:

  • Held for 28 consecutive days

  • 28-day period ends within 31 days before application

Exemptions:

  • Lived in UK with valid visa for 12+ months before application

  • From differentiated evidence requirement country (including      China/Hong Kong/Taiwan) - but may still be asked for proof

 

4. Required Documents

Essential:

  • Valid passport/travel document

  • CAS reference number

  • Parental/guardian consent letter

Additional documents (if required):

  • Financial evidence

  • Birth certificate (proof of relationship)

  • Qualifications used for offer

  • Tuberculosis test results

  • Financial sponsor consent (if funded in past 12 months)

Parental consent letter must confirm:

  • Agreement to visa application

  • Agreement to UK travel arrangements

  • Agreement to UK living and care arrangements

  • Accommodation type (one of):

    • Living with parent/guardian

    • Boarding at independent school

    • Independent living (16-17 year olds)

    • Living with host family/close relative (additional documents       required)

 

5. Application Process

  • Apply online

  • Outside UK: Verify identity via UK      Immigration: ID Check app or visa centre biometrics

  • Inside UK: Similar process via app      or UKVCAS service point

Important:

  • Do not leave Common Travel Area while application pending

  • Priority services available for faster decisions

 

6. Extending Your Visa

Eligibility:

  • Currently in UK with Child Student visa (or Tier 4 Child visa)

  • New unconditional offer from licensed sponsor (new CAS)

When to apply:

  • Earliest: 3 months before course starts

  • Must apply before current visa expires

  • Apply within 6 months of receiving CAS

Costs & processing: £524 application fee + IHS, usually 8 weeks

 

7. Switching to This Visa

Eligibility:

  • Already in UK with different visa type (excludes      Visitor/Short-term Student visas)

  • Meet standard requirements (age, CAS, funds etc.)

Process: Identical to extension process - cannot leave Common Travel Area during processing