Is your child starting at an independent school this September? Apply for a parent of a child student visa and join them in the UK for the new school year.
In part one of our child student visa series, we outlined the core requirements of child-tier visas. For part two, we look at what caregivers need to know when applying for a parent of a child student visa, including the costs and duration of stay.
Who Can Apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa?
A parent of a child student visa is for parents or legal guardians who want to accompany their child while studying in the UK. Your child will be between 4 and 11 and attending an independent school with a sponsorship license.
The other caregiver must remain overseas and maintain your home outside the UK. This parent can visit, but only on a short-term visitor visa. If you’re coming across a parent of child student visa, you must also have enough financial aid (£1,560 per month) to cover yourself and your child.
Can You Work on a Parent of a Child Student Visa?
No – this visa prohibits you from working full or part-time in the UK. You and your child’s day-to-day expenses, including education fees, must be paid from your personal finances. Proving you have enough money is one of the main requirements of this visa.
On a parent of a child student visa, you also cannot:
- Study
- Begin a business
- Apply for benefits or the State Pension
- Switch to a different visa
- Bring other family members with you
- Make the UK your home
How Long Can You Stay in the UK?
Like all visas, you are expected to leave the country when your visa expires. For a parent of a child student visa, you have until your child’s visa ends or when they turn 12 – whichever comes first.
After this, your child will either board at an independent school, live with a foster carer or close relative or live independently (if 16 or 17).
How Much Does This Visa Cost?
A parent of a child visa costs £637. You must also pay a healthcare surcharge of around £1,035 per year to use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
At Holmes & Partners, our immigration consultants offer specialist support for parent of a child student visa applications. We will prepare, review and verify your application so it’s entirely accurate for submission. Expert support like this will minimise the stress of a failed application and the cost of reapplying.
What Documents Do You Need?
To apply, you need:
- A current passport or other official travel document
- Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and your child
- Proof you have permanent housing outside the UK
- Your TB test results if you originate from a country requiring TB tests
- Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh
Need Help with Your Visa Application?
At Holmes & Partners, we’ll handle everything on your behalf, from preparing your documents to dealing with questions from the Home Office. Speak to our visa experts today to get started.
