Citizeo
Pathway

UK Child Student Visa

United Kingdom Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

The UK Child Student visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who have an unconditional offer from an independent school that is a licensed Child Student sponsor, with parental consent and enough funds.

Type
Child study visa
Age
4 to 17
School
Licensed independent school
Core proof
CAS, consent, fees, and living costs
Tuition
Independent school fees
Funds to show
Course fees + living costs

Summary

The Child Student route is for a child aged 4 to 17 with an unconditional place at an independent school licensed to sponsor Child Students. It does not cover state-funded schooling or a university foundation course designed for direct higher-education entry.

Pathway fit check

Eligibility

The school must issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), used within six months. The child needs suitable care and living arrangements, written consent from each parent or legal guardian, and funds for course fees and maintenance. For up to nine months, the current support figure is £1,560 a month for a child living with a Parent of a Child Student, £570 with a qualifying foster carer or close relative, or—for independent living at 16 or 17—£1,334 in London or £1,023 elsewhere. Boarding charges use the school's stated fees. Funds normally must be held for 28 days ending within 31 days of application.

The visa fee is £558 plus the immigration health surcharge. A child under 16 can receive permission for the course up to six years plus four months; a 16- or 17-year-old for up to three years plus four months. Permission can be extended while eligible.

What This Route Allows

The child may study at the named independent-school sponsor. A student aged 16 or 17 may normally work up to 10 hours a week in term, full-time in vacations, on an approved work placement, or as a student-union sabbatical officer. Work is not permitted below age 16.

A parent of a child aged 4 to 11 may separately qualify for the Parent of a Child Student route. That is not dependent status and has strict work and duration limits.

What This Route Is Not

It does not lead directly to settlement and does not allow dependent partners or children. The student cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, take a permanent full-time vacancy, or claim public funds. Turning 18 does not automatically extend the route; Student permission may be needed for later study.

Next Steps

  1. Verify the school and “Child Student” route on the sponsor register before paying deposits.
  2. Check the CAS course dates and permitted maximum stay.
  3. Prepare parental consent, birth/custody records, accommodation and exact financial evidence.
  4. After grant, maintain the child's UKVI account and linked passport and recheck work conditions shown on the eVisa.
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