Overview
The Child Student Visa in the UK is designed for young students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who wish to study in the UK. Here are the key details about this visa route:
Criteria for Eligibility
- Age: The applicant must be between 4 and 17 years old.
- Course and Institution: The applicant must have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school in the UK that holds a valid Student sponsor licence.
- Parental Consent: The applicant must have the consent of their parent or guardian to study in the UK.
- Financial Requirements: The applicant or their guardian must have enough money to cover the course fees and living costs.
- English Language: Depending on age and course, there might be English language requirements.
Duration and Conditions:
- Duration: The visa length depends on the age of the child and the length of the course. Generally, it can be granted for the full duration of the course up to a maximum of 6 years.
- Working Rights: Children on this visa generally do not have the right to work in the UK.
- Accommodation: For children under 12, suitable arrangements for their care and accommodation must be made, such as living with a parent or legal guardian.
Application Process
Application Form: Complete the visa application form online.
Documents: Submit required documents, including:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
- Proof of an unconditional offer from a licensed Student sponsor.
- Evidence of sufficient funds.
- Parental consent.
Biometrics: Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application center.
Fees: Application Fee
- £490 to apply for a Child Student Visa from outside the UK.
- £490 to extend or switch to a Child Student Visa from inside the UK.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
- £470 per year for students and children under 18.
- The total IHS cost depends on the length of your visa. For example, if your visa is for 2 years, the IHS would be £940.
Additional Information
- Parental Accompaniment: Parents can apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa if they wish to accompany their child (only for children aged 4-11).
- Extension: It is possible to extend the Child Student Visa if the student continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
- Transition to Adult Student Visa: Once the child turns 18, they may need to switch to a different visa category, such as a Student Visa for higher education.
FAQ (Frequently asked questions):
The Child Student Visa is for children aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK.
To be eligible, you must:
- Have an unconditional offer of a place at an independent school.
- Be able to show you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course.
- Have the consent of your parents or guardian to study in the UK.
The duration depends on your age and the length of your course:
- Under 16: Course length (up to 6 years) plus 4 months.
- Aged 16 or 17: Course length (up to 3 years) plus 4 months.
- From outside the UK: Up to 6 months before your course starts.
- From inside the UK: Up to 3 months before your course start.
The application fee is £490, and you’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge, which depends on the length of your visa.
If you are 16 or over, you can:
- Work part-time during term time (up to 10 hours per week).
- Work full-time during vacations.
Undertake a work placement as part of your course (not exceeding 50% of your course).
You cannot:
- Study at a state-funded school.
- Get public funds (benefits).
- Take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed.
- Work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
- Apply for settlement.
- Bring family members as dependants.
For Expert legal advice and assistance, reach out to Imran & Co Solicitors today.
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