A Child Student visa is for children studying in the UK, usually at an independent school. It brings special requirements on welfare, accommodation and parental consent.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- GOV.UK says it is for children aged 4 to 17 who want to study in the UK, usually at an independent school. Applicants aged 18 or over should apply for a Student visa.
- You need an unconditional offer from a licensed Child Student sponsor, suitable UK accommodation, enough funds, and consent from a parent or legal guardian.
- If under 16 when applying, the visa covers the course length (up to 6 years) plus 4 months. If aged 16 or 17, the course length (up to 3 years) plus 4 months.
- From age 16, a Child Student can work up to 10 hours a week part-time during term, full-time during vacations, and in placements covering no more than 50% of the course.
- Family members cannot come as dependants. A parent who wishes to accompany the child needs a Parent of a Child Student visa.
What usually decides the outcome.
- Whether the school is a licensed Child Student sponsor.
- Accommodation and care arrangements, and the consent of everyone with parental responsibility.
- Whether a parent will accompany the child and which visa the parent needs.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.