UK Child Student Visa 2026: Complete Parent's Guide
The Child Student visa is for children aged 4 to 17 coming to study at an independent (fee-paying) school in the UK. It is a separate route from the main Student visa, with its own rules on length of stay, care arrangements and work. This guide is written for parents.
Who it is for
- Children aged 4 to 17 attending an independent school
- The school must hold a Home Office student sponsor licence and issue a CAS
- Children aged 16 or 17 may alternatively qualify for the standard Student visa, depending on the course — the school will advise which route fits
State schools cannot sponsor Child Student visas. Verify any school before paying a deposit: search our sponsor list or browse all licensed independent schools, both updated daily from the official register.
How long your child can stay
| Age | Maximum permission |
|---|---|
| Under 16 | Length of the course up to 6 years, plus 4 months after it ends |
| 16 or 17 | Length of the course up to 3 years, plus 4 months after it ends |
Costs
- Application fee: £558, whether applying from outside the UK or extending/switching inside it
- Immigration Health Surcharge: paid with the application, based on the length of the visa
- School fees and maintenance: you must show you can pay the first year's fees and support your child
When to apply
From outside the UK you can apply up to six months before the course starts, with a decision usually within three weeks. From inside the UK you can apply up to three months before, with decisions typically taking up to eight weeks. See the processing time guide for details and priority options.
Care and accommodation arrangements
This is the part that most distinguishes the Child Student route. You must show suitable arrangements for your child's travel, reception on arrival and care while in the UK. In practice that usually means one of:
- Boarding at the school — the most straightforward option, confirmed on the CAS
- Living with a parent in the UK, where the parent holds appropriate immigration permission
- A private foster or guardianship arrangement with a suitable adult, supported by written consent from both parents
Children under 12 living in a private foster arrangement have additional safeguarding requirements. Both parents (or the legal guardian) must give written consent to the travel, the living arrangements and the care arrangements.
Can a Child Student work?
- Under 16: no work is permitted
- 16 or 17: up to 10 hours per week during term time, full-time during holidays, and a work placement forming no more than half the course
What happens at 18
Turning 18 does not end the visa, but continuing into higher education does require switching to the standard Student visa, with a new CAS from a licensed sponsor and the full financial and English requirements. Plan the switch during the final school year so there is no gap in permission.
Dependants and family
A Child Student visa does not give parents the right to live in the UK. A parent of a child under 12 may apply separately under the Parent of a Child Student route, which has its own strict conditions, does not allow work, and does not lead to settlement.
Frequently asked questions
What age is the UK Child Student visa for?
Children aged 4 to 17 studying at an independent, fee-paying school in the UK. Those aged 16 or 17 can sometimes use the standard Student visa instead, depending on the course.
How much does a Child Student visa cost in 2026?
£558 to apply from outside the UK, and the same £558 to extend or switch inside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge based on the length of the visa.
Can my child attend a state school on a Child Student visa?
No. Only independent, fee-paying schools that hold a Home Office student sponsor licence can sponsor a Child Student visa. Check the school on our daily-updated sponsor list before paying any deposit.
Can a parent come to the UK with a Child Student?
Not on the child's visa. A parent of a child under 12 may apply separately under the Parent of a Child Student route, which does not permit work and does not lead to settlement.
Can a Child Student work part-time?
Children aged 16 or 17 can work up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Children under 16 cannot work at all.
Related guides
Check your institution first
Only a licensed sponsor can issue the CAS your visa depends on.
Figures on this page are taken from official GOV.UK guidance and were last reviewed on 31 July 2026. This is general information, not immigration advice — always confirm details on GOV.UK or with a regulated immigration adviser before applying.