As a parent or guardian, you want the best for your child, and with so many excellent independent schools available, you are guaranteed an education unlike any other.
If you plan to send your child to study in the UK, now is the time to prepare. In the first part of our child student visa series, we will answer common questions about eligibility, course requirements, the length of stay in the UK and when to apply.
Who Is Eligible for a Child Student Visa?
The UK child student visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who have been unconditionally offered a place to study at an independent school. Originally called the Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa, this pathway is required for overseas students on the visa national list.
If the child’s dependent, i.e., the parent or another caregiver, wants to accompany their child, they must apply for a parent of a child student visa. This is not obligatory; a child can study in the UK without parental supervision.
Other eligibility requirements include proving your child has access to enough funds to support them in the UK and pay for the course.
What Is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?
To apply for this visa, your child must have an unconditional offer on a course with a licensed child student sponsor. Your education provider will provide you with a reference number called Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
The CAS reference number confirms your child has been accepted into UK study and will expire within 6 months of you receiving it. As such, you must apply for your child’s student visa within this time, and if you are unsuccessful, you cannot use it again. You will need to reapply with a new CAS number.
What Are the Course Requirements for this Visa?
Your child must enrol on a course at an independent school offering courses in line with the following:
- The UK’s national curriculum
- Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3 or below, or,
- Independent school education inspection standards
The course can also be at the same academic level as the:
- Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
- Education Scotland
- Estyn (in Wales)
- Education and Training Inspectorate (in Northern Ireland)
Your CAS will cover the main course of study and a pre-sessional English course for students who want to improve their English proficiency before studying.
If your child wishes to study a further or higher education course, they must apply for a student visa instead.
How Long Can a Student Stay in the UK on a Child Student Visa?
If your child applies before turning 16, they can stay for the duration of their course (up to 6 years), plus 4 months afterwards. Those over 16 or 17 can live in the UK for the entirety of the course (up to 3 years), with an additional 4 months after finishing.
Students who plan to continue their GCSEs and A Levels education in the UK must apply for a child student visa twice – once for GCSEs and another for A Levels.
When Can You Apply for a Child Student Visa?
You can apply for a child student visa 6 months before your child starts the course. The education provider must first send a CAS, which is typically done months before the study begins.
Expert Visa Application Services at Holmes & Partners
Our immigration consultants are skilled at fast-tracking child student visa applications and taking the stress out of your hands. Contact our team today to begin your application.
