Child Student Visa (Tier 4)

What is the Child Student visa?

The Child Student route is for children aged 4 to 17 studying at an independent school with a licensed student sponsor. It is separate from the Adult Student visa and places strong emphasis on welfare, parental consent, and suitable living arrangements.

Who may qualify?

Your child may qualify if they have a CAS from a licensed independent school, you can show consent and care arrangements, and funds or boarding arrangements meet the rules. Age at application and the type of accommodation (boarding, foster, or parent) all matter.

Parents and carers

A parent may accompany a Child Student in limited circumstances under separate visitor or parent of a Child Student arrangements. We assess whether the accompanying parent needs their own permission and how that interacts with the child’s application.

School CAS and enrolment

The independent school must be a licensed sponsor and issue a CAS covering the course and fees. Offer letters and fee schedules should match the CAS.

Parental consent and welfare

You need clear consent from the parent(s) or legal guardian, and evidence of who will care for the child in the UK — boarding house, nominated guardian, or relative — with contact details and arrangements that satisfy safeguarding expectations.

Funds and accommodation

Financial evidence usually covers school fees and living costs unless fees are prepaid or an exemption applies. Accommodation letters from the school or guardian should set out where the child will live during term and holidays.

How to apply

The Child Student application is made online with the child’s CAS. Parental consent letters and welfare evidence should be prepared carefully before biometrics. We coordinate school, guardian, and parent documents so the application presents a coherent care plan.

Costs & processing time

Visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge apply to the child (and any accompanying parent on a separate route). Amounts change — confirm on GOV.UK as of 2026. Legal fees reflect the welfare and consent evidence needed; we quote after an initial review.

Common reasons applications are refused

• Inadequate or unclear parental consent

• Welfare or accommodation arrangements not properly evidenced

• CAS from a school that is not a licensed independent-school sponsor for this route

• Insufficient funds for fees and living costs

• Age outside the 4–17 range at the date of application

Related guidance: Adult Student Visa, Student Dependants, Graduate Visa, and Settlement & ILR.