Britain has some of the world’s most prestigious independent schools, such as Eton and Harrow. If your child is a foreign national, they will often require a Child Student visa to travel to the UK and study at one of these elite institutions.
Read on for top tips for making use of the Child Student visa, and learn how working with a leading immigration lawyer could boost your child’s chances of a successful application.
Make Sure Your Child Fits the Eligibility Criteria
Before you begin the application process, it is essential to understand if your child will fit the eligibility criteria. To apply, your child will need to have an unconditional offer from an independent school that is authorised to sponsor foreign national children to come to the UK. You will also need to have sufficient income to pay for your child’s tuition and support them once they are in the country. The child will also need your permission, given as written consent.
Only children can make use of this visa. Child Student visa holders under 16 will be allowed to stay in the country for the entire length of their course, with a maximum length of six years. They can then remain in the UK for a maximum of four months after their course finishes.
Older visa holders (aged 16 or 17), can stay for a maximum course length of three years. These children may also remain in the country for four months following their course’s end.
The Points-Based System
The primary requirements that your child will need to meet are partially simplified by the UK Government’s points-based system.
For your child’s application to be accepted, they will need to amass at least 70 points. 20 points are earned by you meeting the financial requirements. There are a further 50 points available for their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies for a suitable course at an authorised independent school.
You’ll Need to Follow a Standardised Application Procedure
To obtain your son or daughter’s Child Student visa, you must follow a standardised application procedure. You can begin from six months in advance of the course’s start date if you are applying from outside the UK, or three months in advance for applications made inside the UK. Remain in line with the steps detailed below:
- Apply for an unconditional offer from your chosen independent educational institution in the UK.
- Request a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies number from the school.
- Book a tuberculosis test for your child if you are coming from a high-risk nation.
- Gather supporting documentation. You will use this as evidence that your child meets the strict eligibility requirements.
- Use the UK Visas and Immigration website to download and complete the application form.
- Pay the application fee (£558) before uploading the completed application form and supporting documentation. You may then submit your child’s application.
- Book your child’s biometrics appointment and take them to it. Officials will take your child’s fingerprints and photograph.
Having given your child’s biometric information, all that is left to do is wait for visa processing, unless your child is called in for an additional visa interview. Applications made outside the UK typically take three weeks to process, while applications from within the country take around eight weeks.
Processing can take longer if there are issues with your application or if the Home Office is struggling to clear a visa application backlog. Such delays mean you should submit the application as soon as possible to avoid disrupting your child’s education.
Required Documentation
When you apply for the Child Student visa, you will need to provide comprehensive and valid documentation. This will need to be in English or Welsh, or have a certified translation.
The documentation your child will usually need includes the following:
- A valid passport.
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
- Written consent to study in the UK.
- A letter from any nominated guardian, close relative, or foster carer that your child will be living with.
- Proof your child holds the qualifications required to study at the independent school.
- Proof that you are the child’s parent or legal guardian, such as through birth or adoption certificates.
- Tuberculosis test results (if relevant).
Use the Parent of a Child Student Visa to Come to the UK
Leaving home to go to school in a new country is scary for any young child. The Parent of a Child Student visa helps to smooth over the transition by allowing you to come to the country temporarily.
You can only apply for this visa if your child is aged between four and eleven years old, and you can remain in the country until they finish their studies or they turn 12. You must also maintain your primary residence outside of the UK. Most parents won’t be able to stay in the UK for this entire time, as Parent of a Child Student visa holders aren’t allowed to work, study, apply for benefits, start a business, or bring other dependents to the country. You’ll need to apply for a different visa type if you want to conduct any such activities in the country.
Get Help From an Immigration Lawyer
The Child Student visa will give your son or daughter the opportunity to get their education at some of the world’s best independent schools. They will need to succeed in the application process, which is challenging and time-consuming.
Some parents can access a higher chance of a successful application by working with immigration lawyers, such as our expert team at Immigration Advice Service. These professionals can help you understand if your child is eligible for the visa before guiding you through the entire application process. We offer the same services for Parent of a Child Student visa applications, so you can help your child settle into life in the UK.