Child Student Visa — United Kingdom

You have to meet strict age, school, accommodation, financial, and consent requirements before UKVI will grant a Child Student Visa. Each is mandatory, and you must document them clearly in your application.

Age and course offer

You must be at least 4 years old and under 18 on the date you apply.

You also need an unconditional offer from an independent school in the UK. The school must confirm your place before you submit your application.

Your eligibility in this category depends on your age and school placement:

The offer must be genuine and confirmed. If you don't have an unconditional offer, UKVI will refuse the application.

This route is different from the main Student visa, which is for adults, and it's not the same as the Short-term Study Visa, Graduate Visa, or Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. Apply under the correct category based on your age and purpose of study.

Living arrangements

You need suitable accommodation arranged in the UK before you apply.

UKVI wants clear details of where you'll live during your studies. The accommodation must be right for your age and situation.

You'll need to show:

• The full address where you'll live
• Who is responsible for your care
• That the arrangement is suitable for a child

UKVI checks if your living situation protects your welfare. If the arrangements are unclear or unsuitable, your application can be refused.

You can't rely on informal or vague plans. Confirm your housing before submitting your application.

UK Border Force may also ask about your accommodation when you arrive. Carry documentation that matches what you provided to UKVI.

Financial and guardian consent

You must prove you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK.

This covers both tuition fees and living costs. You must show the funds are available.

If medical screening is required, include a valid Form TB Test Certificate with your application.

You also need written consent from your parent or legal guardian. The consent must confirm:

• Permission for you to study in the UK
• Permission for you to live in the UK
• Agreement with your care and accommodation arrangements

Without proper financial evidence or parental consent, UKVI will refuse the application. These documents are a core part of your eligibility.

You apply online through UKVI and must get a decision before you travel. The timing of your application, the steps online, and your identity verification are important to avoid delays.

When to apply

Your application window depends on where you apply from.

Wait for approval before you travel to the UK. Don't book travel based on an expected outcome.

Apply only after your education provider issues your Form CAS Statement. If you apply too early or without the required documents, UKVI may refuse the application.

The Child Student Visa is different from the Student Visa, Short-term Study Visa, Graduate Visa, and Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. Select the correct category when starting the form.

Online steps

You submit your application through the UKVI online system.

1. Create or sign in to your UKVI account.

2. Complete the Child Student Visa application form.

3. Upload required documents, such as your CAS Statement and, if needed, a Form TB Test Certificate.

4. Pay the applicable fees in GBP (£). Check the fee information from UK Visas and Immigration.

5. Submit the application.

If approved, you'll use your UKVI account to access your eVisa. Keep your login details safe.

Complete every section accurately. Inconsistent details between your form and documents can delay a decision.

Identity checks

You must verify your identity as part of the application. UKVI will tell you how after you submit the form.

Identity checks confirm:

• Your passport or travel document
• Your personal details
• Your biometric information, if required

Follow the instructions in your UKVI account carefully. Delays often happen if you miss appointments or submit incomplete identity information.

UKVI decides your visa application. When you travel, UK Border Force officers check your permission to enter at the UK border. Carry the documents linked to your approved Child Visa when you travel.

You’ll need to budget for the visa application fee, the immigration health surcharge, and biometric enrolment. processing times depend on UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and how soon your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Statement is issued.

Application fees

The main application fee for a UK Child Student Visa is £500 (as of February 2026). This payment goes to UKVI when you submit your online application.

If you’re applying from outside the UK, you’ll pay the fee during the online submission process. Your application won’t move forward until payment is complete.

Other study routes—like the Student Visa, Short-term Study Visa, Graduate Visa, or Youth Mobility Scheme Visa—have different fees. Each route has its own amount.

Fees can change. Always confirm the current amount with UKVI before you pay.

Other fee components

You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, listed as £363 (as of February 2026). This covers access to the UK’s National Health Service during your stay.

A biometric enrolment fee of £19.20 (as of February 2026) is also required. UKVI will need your fingerprints and a photograph as part of the application.

Depending on your situation, you might also need:

• A Form TB Test Certificate, if your country of residence requires it
• Replacement or reissued nationality certificates (£428, where applicable)
• Official notices, certificates, orders, or declarations (£428, where applicable)

Not everyone will need these. Requirements depend on your country of residence and personal circumstances.

Processing expectations

UKVI processing times shift depending on where you apply and how busy they are. You’ll need to check current timelines with UKVI before making travel plans.

Your Form CAS Statement is essential. For the “Student” category, CAS processing takes about 3 weeks (as of February 2026). Times vary by sponsor and location.

You can’t submit a valid Child Student Visa application without a CAS number. Factor this into your planning.

Here’s the usual sequence:

1. Obtain your CAS Statement from your licensed sponsor.

2. Gather all required documents, including a TB Test Certificate if you need one.

3. Submit your online application and pay all required fees.

4. Attend your biometric appointment.

Delays are common when documents are incomplete or if your sponsor issues the CAS late. Early planning and a buffer before your travel date can help.

You must extend your Child Student Visa before it expires and make sure your new course starts on time. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) checks both your application date and course start date for in‑country extensions.

Timing for extensions

Apply before your current visa expires. Submitting late can lead to refusal.

If you’re extending from inside the UK, your new course must start no more than 28 days after your current visa expires. A later start date risks refusal.

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (Form CAS Statement) must be issued before you apply. As of February 2026, CAS processing under the Student category takes about 3 weeks. Times vary by category and location.

processing times change, so check with UKVI and your education provider before making plans.

Restrictions when extending

You can extend a Child Student visa only if you continue eligible study. A Short-term Study Visa, Graduate Visa, or Youth Mobility Scheme Visa doesn’t convert automatically into a Child Student visa.

UKVI checks:

• Your valid CAS Statement
• Your current immigration status
• Your compliance with visa conditions

If UKVI asks for supporting documents such as a Form TB Test Certificate, provide them as instructed. Requirements depend on your location and circumstances.

Holding another UK visa doesn’t mean you can switch without meeting Child Student requirements. Each route has its own rules and eligibility.

What to avoid

Common mistakes include:

• Applying after your visa has expired
• Listing a course start date more than 28 days after expiry
• Submitting without a valid CAS Statement
• Using outdated processing timelines

Request your CAS early. Even a three‑week processing time can affect your ability to apply on time.

Confirm these dates before you submit:

1. Current visa expiry

2. New course start date

3. CAS issue date

UKVI decides based on what you provide. Inaccurate dates or missing documents can result in refusal and loss of lawful status.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) reviews consent, supporting documents, and medical evidence in every Child Visa application. Missing or incorrect evidence often leads to delays or refusals under the UK Child Student Visa route.

Parental and guardian consent issues

UKVI expects clear proof that both parents or legal guardians consent to your study in the UK. If you don’t provide this evidence, UKVI may question whether your living and care arrangements are legitimate.

Common consent problems:

• Missing written consent from one or both parents
• No proof of legal guardianship where needed
• Inconsistent names or signatures across documents
• Consent letters that don’t match the details in your Form CAS Statement

If a guardian, not a parent, is involved, you’ll need to show the guardian has lawful authority to act for you. UKVI checks these documents carefully, since the Child Visa category requires confirmed care arrangements.

Mistakes in consent documentation can also affect related routes later, like the Student Visa or Graduate Visa, especially if UKVI notes past credibility concerns.

Documentation gaps

Incomplete applications raise immediate concerns. UKVI expects you to follow the official document checklist exactly.

Reduce risk by:

1. Reviewing UKVI guidance before submitting.

2. Including every required supporting document.

3. Making sure details match your CAS Statement.

Discrepancies between your passport, consent letters, and CAS information often trigger further scrutiny.

Here are common document issues:

Small inconsistencies can delay processing. Accuracy matters more than volume. Extra but irrelevant documents won’t fix missing required evidence.

These issues differ from other routes like the Short-term Study Visa or Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, but UKVI expects document consistency across all categories.

Health checks and TB testing

If a TB test is required, use a clinic approved for UK visa testing. UKVI won’t accept results from non-approved clinics.

The Form TB Test Certificate stays valid for 6 months from the test date. If it expires before you apply, you’ll need a new certificate.

Steps to follow:

1. Book your TB test early to avoid last-minute issues.

2. Make sure the clinic is approved for UK visa testing.

3. Submit the valid TB Test Certificate with your application.

Missing or unacceptable certificates can result in refusal. UKVI treats medical screening as mandatory.