PARENT OF A CHILD STUDENT VISA
You can only apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa if your child has or is applying for a Child Student visa, or if they currently have a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
Your child must be aged between 4 and 11 when you apply, and be attending an independent school in the UK.
You can stay in the UK until your child’s visa expires or they turn 12, whichever happens first.
You can extend your visa while in the UK as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
To be eligible for a Parent of a Child Student visa you must be the only parent accompanying your child in the UK. The child’s other parent must live abroad, and cannot apply to join you in the UK.
If your child is staying in education in the UK without you, you must make arrangements for their ongoing care. For example, if your child turns 12 and their visa is still valid, they may be able to start boarding at their current school or live with other family members in the UK.
Maintenance
You’ll need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your child in the UK.
You’ll need £1,560 for each month of your stay up to a maximum of 9 months. This amount is to support both you and your child.
If you want to bring your other children, you’ll need an extra £625 per month, up to a maximum of 9 months, for each additional child that accompanies you to the UK. They must be a sibling of your other child and also have a Child Student visa.
Other requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, you may need to obtain a tuberculosis test certificate, unless you are applying from an exempt country.
While you’re in the UK on a Parent of a Child Student visa, you can:
- You can bring your other children with you if they also have or are applying for a Child Student visa.
- Extend your visa without having to show maintenance funds
You cannot:
- do paid work
- study
- start a business
- make the UK your main home
- apply for benefits (public funds), or the State Pension
- bring other family members with you
- switch to a different type of visa
Fairmont Lawyers can provide you with professional legal assistance every step of the way to obtain a Parent of a Child Student visa.
FAQ
You can stay in the UK until your child’s visa expires or they turn 12, whichever happens first. You can extend your visa while in the UK as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
If you leave the UK and your child is staying in education in the UK without you, you must make arrangements for their ongoing care. For example, if your child turns 12 and their visa is still valid, they may be able to start boarding at their current school, or live with other family members in the UK.
A Parent of a Child Student visa costs £516. You will also need to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your visa.
The earliest you can apply is 6 months before you travel to the UK.
You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
- 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
- 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
A Priority Service may be available at an additional cost.