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Child Student Visa UK

In order to be eligible for a Child Student Visa, you must:

  • Be a genuine student;
  • Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student Sponsor which is an independent school;
  • Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies by a licensed student Sponsor which is an independent school;
  • Intend to study a course that meets the Course Requirements in Appendix Child Student of the Immigration Rules;
  • Have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. You must prove that you have held the required level of funds for 28 days before the date of Application. You do not need to satisfy the financial requirement if you fall within the ‘differential evidence’ requirement;
  • Provide evidence of the qualifications you used to obtain the offer of a place on the course from the licensed student Sponsor;
  • Have parental consent from your parents or legal guardian;
  • Provide a valid Tuberculosis Certificate if you are travelling from a country listed in Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.
  • School Visa Advice
  • Child Application Support
  • Parental Consent Help
  • Financial Evidence Checks
  • Extension Application Help
Contact us for a Child Student Visa Consultation

(Typical response time 2 business hours)

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Established in 2008, Garth Coates Solicitors is a leading Immigration Law Firm that can provide professional legal advice to ensure that your Application satisfies the strict requirements of the Immigration Rules. Our team of legal professionals offers comprehensive and considered advice to enable our clients to make informed choices. We strongly believe that our clients deserve the best; we take our responsibilities very seriously to ensure that client satisfaction is achieved by providing a professional yet friendly legal service. We aim to resolve all immigration matters brought to us by working diligently and together with our clients, keeping them informed of the progress of their case at all stages. Our outstanding success rate is maintained thanks to the high standard of our work. If you would like us to assist you with your Immigration Matter, kindly click here to leave us an Enquiry. Alternatively, we can be reached via telephone at (00 44) (0)20 7799 1600 from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (UTC+00.00 London) every Monday to Friday.
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FAQs

A Child Student Visa is a UK visa for children who want to study at an independent school in Britain. It is intended for genuine students who have been offered a place by a licensed student sponsor and who meet the relevant immigration requirements. The school must issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, commonly known as a CAS, before the application can be submitted.

This visa is specifically for study at an independent school, not a state school. Applicants must also show that they meet the financial requirements, have parental or guardian consent, and, where required, provide a tuberculosis certificate. Garth Coates assists families in preparing applications so that the evidence is properly organised and the requirements are addressed clearly.

A child can apply for a UK Child Student Visa if they have been offered a place on a course at an independent school that holds a student sponsor licence. The applicant must be a genuine student and must intend to study a course that meets the requirements set out in the immigration rules. A valid CAS from the licensed school is also required before the application can be made.

In addition, the child must usually show that there is enough money available to cover school fees and living costs, unless the differential evidence rules apply. Parental consent is also needed, which is an important part of the application. If the child is applying from a listed country, a valid tuberculosis certificate may also be required. Garth Coates can advise families on eligibility and the supporting documents needed.

A Child Student Visa application normally needs a range of supporting documents to show that the child meets the UK immigration requirements. One of the most important documents is the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies issued by the licensed independent school. Applicants may also need to provide evidence of the qualifications used to obtain the school offer.

Other key documents can include:

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of funds held for the required 28-day period
  • Written parental or guardian consent
  • A tuberculosis certificate, where required
  • Documents linked to the course and school place

The exact evidence will depend on the child’s circumstances. Garth Coates helps families prepare well-structured applications so that documents are complete, relevant, and presented in a way that supports a strong visa application.

Yes, parental or legal guardian consent is a key part of a Child Student Visa application. GOV.UK states that written consent must be provided for the child’s study arrangements and living arrangements in the UK. This helps show that the child’s travel and education plans have proper approval and support from the people responsible for them.

This requirement is especially important where the child will not be living directly with a parent in the UK. If the child will stay with a close relative, foster carer or nominated guardian, further information and supporting documents may be required to explain who will be caring for the child and where they will live. Garth Coates can help families prepare this part of the application carefully so the care arrangements are clear, credible and compliant with the rules.

The Child Student Visa is designed for education, not employment or settlement. GOV.UK states that a child on this route cannot study at a state-funded school, cannot access public funds, cannot take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed, and cannot apply for settlement through this visa alone. The child also cannot bring dependants under this route.

If a parent wishes to accompany the child to the UK, they would need to look at the separate Parent of a Child Student route rather than being treated as a dependant of the child. This distinction is important because families sometimes assume the child’s visa will automatically cover a parent, which it does not. Garth Coates can help families understand the practical limits of the Child Student route and choose the correct immigration option for everyone involved.

According to GOV.UK, it costs £524 to apply for a Child Student Visa from outside the UK. The same £524 fee applies if the applicant is extending or switching from inside the UK. In addition to the application fee, the immigration health surcharge must also be paid, and the total amount depends on how long the visa will last.

Where an application is made from inside the UK, GOV.UK says applicants will usually get a decision within 8 weeks, although faster services may sometimes be available depending on the case and location. Timing matters, especially where the child has a school start date approaching. Garth Coates can help families prepare the application early and reduce the risk of delays caused by missing documents or avoidable mistakes.

 

Yes, in some circumstances a Child Student Visa can be extended if the child is continuing their education in the UK and still meets the relevant requirements. GOV.UK confirms that a child may be able to extend their visa if eligible, for example to continue their studies. This can be useful where a child remains at the same school or progresses in their education within the permitted route.

Switching into the Child Student route from within the UK is also possible in some cases, but not for everyone. Home Office guidance confirms that certain categories are excluded from switching, and the child must still be below 18 when applying to switch. Because the rules are technical, it is important to check the current immigration position carefully before making an in-country application. Garth Coates can advise on extension and switching options and help families avoid using the wrong route.

Garth Coates is a specialist UK immigration law firm that advises on visa applications, extensions, appeals and related immigration matters. For Child Student Visa applications, legal support can be especially helpful where families need guidance on school sponsorship, CAS requirements, finance, parental consent, guardianship issues or longer-term planning for extensions.

A well-prepared Child Student application depends on more than just receiving a school offer. The evidence needs to show that the child qualifies under the rules and that their study and care arrangements in the UK are suitable. Garth Coates can help parents and guardians prepare a stronger application bundle, identify weak areas in advance, and present the case more clearly to the Home Office.

Garth Coates, Immigration Law Firm
Garth Coates

Principal Partner

A Message from Our Principal

At Garth Coates Solicitors, we provide expert legal advice and unwavering support across the full spectrum of UK immigration matters. Before qualifying as a solicitor, I worked within the UK Home Office (UKVI) as an Immigration Officer — a role that gave me valuable insight into the inner workings of the immigration system. Since then, I have gone on to represent clients at several of the UK’s most prominent immigration law firms, and later established this firm to deliver a more focused and client-centred approach.

Together with my senior legal team, we bring over 30 years of combined experience in the UK immigration sector. This depth of expertise enables us to successfully handle even the most complex and challenging cases — from visa refusals and judicial review proceedings to corporate sponsorships, family reunifications, and permanent settlement applications.

We are proud of our high success rate, earned through strategic thinking, meticulous preparation, and a commitment to delivering results. Our multilingual team of solicitors, caseworkers, and support professionals is well-equipped to serve a global clientele with care, professionalism, and cultural understanding.

At Garth Coates Solicitors, we fight for our clients’ rights and treat each case with the attention and seriousness it deserves. Whether you’re applying for the first time, facing an appeal, or unsure of your options, we are here to guide you with clarity and confidence.

Warm regards,

Contact us for a Child Student Visa Consultation

(Typical response time 2 business hours)