The following school year may be months away, but that should not stop you from preparing for a UK child student visa application. You can apply for this visa 6 months before the course begins, so if your child is starting in September, you will need to be ready when March comes.
In this article, we continue our child student visa series with guidance on how to apply successfully.
Before you start, catch up on parts one and two:
How Can I Get a UK Visa for My Child?
There are multiple visa routes a child can apply for to come to the UK. For short-term stays, a visitor visa allows up to 6 months of residency. A child dependent visa helps your children reunite with you if you are already living in the UK.
If your child is enrolling to a UK college or school, they will need a child student visa. Your child can stay for the duration of the course (up to 6 years), either living at a boarding school or a family home. Any accompanying caregivers must apply for a parent of a child student visa.
Step One: Check if Your Child Meets the UK Student Visa Requirements
You must have an unconditional offer from an independent school, enough funds to pay for the course and lifestyle and consent from a parent or guardian to study in the UK.
Other eligibility requirements must be considered, which we outline in part one of this child student visa series.
Step Two: Organise Your Child’s Visa Documents
Like all UK visas, there is extensive paperwork to complete your visa application. You must have the following prepared:
- Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) from your chosen school
- A current passport or valid travel document
- Written consent to study in the UK from the parent/s or guardian
- Proof of funds to pay for your child’s course and living expenses
- Evidence of your child’s parental or guardian relationship (e.g., birth certificate)
- Proof of any qualifications required by your course provider
- Written consent from your financial sponsor (if applicable)
- Your tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
You will also need to prove your child’s identity either by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or by giving biometric information at a visa application centre.
Step Three: Contact an Immigration Consultancy
You can now apply online – but remember, your CAS reference number can only be used once. So, if you are uncertain about the application, it is not worth the risk. An immigration consultant, like Holmes & Partners, will help organise and check your paperwork, prepare your application and manage any appointments.
Our consultants will also handle Home Office correspondence so you can focus on preparing your child for the new school year. With our expert guidance, your application has a higher chance of success.
Step Four: Get Ready to Board!
Once your application is approved, your child will need access to their eVisa, which is their online immigration status. This is available when creating a UKVI account.
With this in hand, make sure you check what you can and cannot bring with you to the UK. This is especially important to prevent delays at border control.
Get Expert Help with Your Child’s Student Visa Application
Is your child planning to study in the UK? Holmes & Partners specialises in child student visa applications, so if you are looking for guidance, get in touch with us today.
