Quick answer
The Child Student visa allows applicants aged 4 to 17 to study at an independent school in the UK . You need an unconditional offer, suitable accommodation, sufficient funds, and parental consent . Applications from outside the UK can be made up to 6 months before the course starts, with a decision usually within 3 weeks ; from inside the UK, apply up to 3 months before, with a decision usually within 8 weeks . Stay duration depends on age: under 16 – course length up to 6 years plus 4 months; 16 or 17 – course length up to 3 years plus 4 months . The visa costs £558, plus a healthcare surcharge . You can study at an independent school and if 16+ you can work part-time during term (max 10 hrs/week) and full-time during vacations, but you cannot access public funds or bring dependants . Required documents include a passport, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), written parental consent, and evidence of finances or relationship if needed . The application involves checking eligibility, preparing evidence, applying, getting an eVisa, and following border procedures .
Key facts
| Age requirement | 4 to 17 years old[1] |
| Visa fee | £558 (plus healthcare surcharge)[4] |
| Maximum stay (under 16) | Course length up to 6 years plus 4 months[3] |
| Maximum stay (16 or 17) | Course length up to 3 years plus 4 months[3] |
| Decision time (outside UK) | Usually within 3 weeks[2] |
| Decision time (inside UK) | Usually within 8 weeks[2] |
Requirements
Requirements in detail
A current passport or other valid travel document is required for the application.
A CAS from your course provider is required to prove you have been offered a place at an independent school.
Both parents (or one with sole responsibility) or legal guardian must provide written consent for the visa application, travel, and living arrangements.
You must provide proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. The specific amount varies by circumstances and is not detailed on this page.
You may need to provide a birth certificate or other government-issued document showing your relationship to your parent or legal guardian.
If your course provider required it, you must provide evidence of the qualifications you used to get a place on your course.
If you are from a country where TB testing is required, you must provide your TB test results.
If you have received sponsorship for course fees or living costs in the last 12 months, you need written consent from your financial sponsor.
Documents you'll need
Identity
- A current passport or other valid travel document
Course
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your school
Parental consent
- Written consent from both parents (or sole parent/legal guardian) confirming your visa application, travel, and living arrangements
Living arrangements
- If living with a foster carer or close relative: a letter from them with their details and confirmation of care
- If living with a nominated guardian: a letter from the guardian with required details
- If guardian not known at time of application: a letter from the arranging organisation
Financial
- Proof of sufficient money (varies by circumstances)
Relationship
- Proof of relationship to parent/guardian (e.g., birth certificate)
Qualifications
- Evidence of qualifications used to gain admission (if required by school)
Health
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results if applicable
Sponsorship
- Written consent from financial sponsor if sponsored in last 12 months
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Check if this visa is right for you: you must be 4–17 and have an independent school place .
- 2
Prepare the required evidence: documents including passport, CAS, parental consent, financial proof, etc. .
- 3
Apply from outside the UK: apply up to 6 months before course start, decision usually within 3 weeks .
- 4
Alternatively, apply from inside the UK (extension or switch): apply up to 3 months before course start and before current visa expires, decision usually within 8 weeks .
- 5
Get access to your eVisa by setting up a UKVI account and linking your travel document .
- 6
Check what you can bring and what to show at the UK border; if accompanied, the adult must be with you; if not, be prepared to explain your plans .
- 7
After arrival, you may be able to extend your visa. Breaking visa conditions can affect future entry .
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Visa eligibility and age range
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Application timing and decision times
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
Length of stay based on age
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
Visa fee
Primary source · Last verified: Jul 23, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.