UK Child Student Visa

The visa application process is as follows:

1. Apply to a private and independent educational institution for a placement
2. Receive an unconditional offer from the school
3. Submit a request for a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies number
4. Book a tuberculosis test (if necessary)
5. Complete the child visa application form
6. Pay the application fee and immigration health surcharge
7. Book your biometrics appointment at the visa application centre (where relevant)
8. Attend a visa interview (where relevant)
9. Submit information to receive a biometric residence permit (where relevant)
10. Wait for a decision to be issued on the visa application

Upon applying, the applicant will need to provide the child’s current passport, the CAS number, written consent from the parent/guardian, and proof of relationship.

When completing the application, identification verification is an important step. As a Canadian, you are permitted to do this using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document online and create/sign in to your personal UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

It normally takes around 3 weeks to get a decision, though sometimes when going through the UK immigration: ID Check, applicants will be prompted to opt for quicker processing. If this does occur, it could only take up to 5 days to receive a Child Student visa.

A child visa application from Canada does not typically require an interview unless the case is considered complex.

When/if your application is approved, the applicant will receive a shareable code as proof of your new status through the ‘UK Immigration: ID check.’

The  visa will be valid in line with the time frame of the child’s studies. This depends on the age of the child and the length of the course being taken. For example, if the child is under 16, they can stay for up to 6 years and 4 months after completing theirstudies. Those who are aged 16-17 can stay up to 3 years and 4 months after completing their studies.

The fee for getting a Child student Visa is £348 or approximately CAD$595.00. Applicants must also pay UK immigration healthcare surcharge, which is about £470 or CAD$632.62 per year, each year of their visa.

Applicants will also need sufficient finances to pay for travel, accommodation, and tuition fees for their course(s). As Canada is listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement,’ there is no need to prove your funds on how you’ll support yourself.

Parents are not permitted to join their children in the UK unless they have a visa of their own. If parents wish to join the child, they have to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa.

If you wish to apply for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your child must be between 4-11 years old
• Your child must be attending an independent school in the UK
• You are the only parent of your child accompanying them in the UK
• You must continue to maintain your primary residence in your country of residence
• You must have concrete plans to leave the UK when your visa expires

You are permitted to stay in the UK until the expiration of your child’s visa, or until they turn 12 years old (whichever happens first). It may be possible to extend the visa if you meet the criteria. If your child continues studying in the UK after 12 years old age, you must make ensure that arrangements are in place to facilitate their ongoing care.

While in the UK on a Parent of a Child visa, you are not allowed to work, study, start a business, apply for benefits, or bring any other family member to the UK. Furthermore, you may not make the UK your primary residence.

It is possible to apply for an extension on a Child Student visa. Applicants should apply before their current visa expires. It is recommended that applicants apply within 28 days of the start of the course and/or when the current visa expires.

To extend a Child Student visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• You must already be in the UK on an existing Child Student visa
• You must have an unconditional offer on a course with a licensed Child Student sponsor – shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

If the child is older, 16 or 17 years, and is on a course that lasts longer than the maximum permitted time of three years, they will have to apply again before the expiration date of their current visa.

Applications should be online and must include identification verification. The fees to extend the visa are £475 (approximately CAD$812) to extend this visa.

Any Canadians who are 18 and over will have to transfer to a Student visa route if they wish to continue their studies in the UK.

Typically, it takes 8 weeks to get a decision on an extension of a visa.

It is important to note that in the majority of cases, the time you spend in the UK on a Child Student Visa does not count towards indefinite leave to remain or permanent residency, which is the next step to citizenship.