Parent of a Child Student Visa
Our Parent of a Child Student Visa package helps parents stay legally in the UK while caring for their child at school. We run eligibility checks, prepare the financial evidence, and carry out the application work listed in this package. Fixed fee per person, and fast appointments so you can focus on your child, not paperwork.
- Full eligibility review
- Your application documents prepared and checked by your lawyer
- Application drafted and submitted to the Home Office
- Routine Home Office correspondence about your application
- Direct lawyer contact at every stage of the package, no paralegals
"Alexander helped us throughout the entire process of obtaining the Family Visa. He was very attentive to detail, we always received prompt responses, and we finally achieved our goal. I'm arriving in Scotland with my family on March 26th."
What your fixed fee does and doesn't cover
The advertised fixed fee is per person and covers the standard legal work specifically described in this package. It does not include third-party costs, translations, interpreters, expert reports, counsel/advocate/barrister fees or substantial additional work outside the agreed scope unless expressly stated.
Additional work arising after submission, including correspondence or complaints concerning Home Office delays, is not automatically included in the fixed fee. We may undertake such work without additional charge at our discretion, but where substantial additional work is required a separate fee may apply.
This fixed fee is for standard applications. If you've had a previous refusal, entered the UK illegally, claimed asylum, had any immigration law breaches, prior convictions or any other adverse immigration history, please book a consultation first. These cases may need additional work and a separate quotation, and we'll recommend the right route.
Book a consultation →A qualified lawyer handles your application from eligibility check to submission
Fixed pricing, fast appointments, and Home Office representation covering everything listed in your package. No paralegals.
Pay online
Fixed prices.
Book in
Meet your lawyer, often within 48 hours.
We prepare
Documents reviewed, application drafted.
We submit
Filed with the Home Office. You stay informed.
Prefer to start with a consultation?
Talk through your case with a qualified lawyer. Clear route, expected timeline, fixed quote.
"Spouse visa done in 25 days, after 5 prior rejections. My family is now together."
Parent of a Child Student Visa: Complete Guide 2025
What is the Parent of a Child Student Visa?
The Parent of a Child Student visa allows one parent to live in the UK to care for a child who is studying at an independent fee-paying school under a Child Student visa. It ensures younger children, aged 4 to 11, receive the parental support they need while studying in the UK.
Unlike other routes, this visa is strictly limited to one parent, and the family must show that the other parent continues to live abroad. It does not provide a pathway to settlement, work rights, or long-term residence in the UK.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Parent of a Child Student visa, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Be the parent of a child who has, or is applying for, a Child Student visa (or previously held a Tier 4 Child visa).
- Prove that your child is aged between 4 and 11 years old and is attending, or will attend, an independent school in the UK.
- Show that you are the only parent accompanying the child in the UK. The other parent must live abroad.
- Intend to live with and care for your child during your stay.
- Have enough money to support yourself and your child without relying on public funds.
- Maintain a main home outside the UK, showing that you do not plan to settle permanently.
Visa Duration and Extensions
- Your visa will normally last until the expiry date of your child’s Child Student visa, or until your child turns 12 — whichever comes first.
- If your child continues studying, you can apply to extend your visa, provided they remain eligible and you continue to meet the requirements.
- Once your child reaches 12, you cannot remain on this route. Instead, your child may board at their school or live with relatives in the UK.
What You Can and Cannot Do
What you can do
- Live in the UK to care for your child.
- Bring other children with you if they also hold a Child Student visa.
- Travel in and out of the UK while your visa is valid.
What you cannot do
- Work in the UK (paid or unpaid).
- Study or start a business.
- Apply for public funds or the State Pension.
- Switch into another visa route while in the UK.
- Bring other family members who are not Child Student visa holders.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must show they have enough money to support themselves and their child.
- £1,560 per month of your intended stay (up to a maximum of 9 months).
- An additional £625 per month for each additional child who also has a Child Student visa.
For example, if staying 9 months with one child, you would need to show £14,040.
You must hold these funds for 28 consecutive days, with the final day falling within 31 days of your application date.
If you have already been in the UK for at least 12 months on a valid visa, you do not need to show proof of funds.
Required Documents
Typical documents include:
- A valid passport or travel document.
- Evidence of financial support (bank statements, savings, etc.).
- Proof that your child has or is applying for a Child Student visa.
- Proof of a permanent home outside the UK.
- Tuberculosis test results (if applicable).
- Certified translations if documents are not in English or Welsh.
Application Process
- Apply online before travelling to the UK. Applications cannot be made from within the UK unless you are switching from an eligible route.
- Earliest application date: 6 months before travelling.
- As part of the application, you will need to:
- Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge.
- Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Submit your supporting documents, either uploaded in advance or provided at your appointment.
- Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge.
Decisions are usually made within 3 weeks. Priority services may be available for faster processing.
Rules for Family Members
- Only one parent can accompany a Child Student under this visa route. The other parent must live abroad.
- You can bring other children to the UK, but only if they are also Child Student visa holders.
- You cannot bring dependants such as a spouse, partner, or other relatives. They may only visit on a standard visitor visa.
Application Costs and Processing Times
Costs
- Visa application fee: £682
- Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year
- Extension fee: £1,321 (plus healthcare surcharge)
Processing times
- Outside the UK: around 3 weeks
- Extension inside the UK: around 8 weeks
Summary
The Parent of a Child Student visa is a short-term option designed to allow parents to care for their child in the UK while they attend an independent school. It does not lead to settlement, nor does it allow work or study, but it provides peace of mind for families sending younger children to the UK for education.
Parent of a Child Student Visa FAQs
Who is eligible for the Parent of a Child Student visa?
Parents of children aged 4–11 studying in the UK on a Child Student visa at an independent school.
Can both parents come to the UK?
No. Only one parent can join the child on this visa.
How long does the visa last?
Until the expiry of the child’s visa or their 12th birthday, whichever comes first.
Can I work on this visa?
No. You cannot work, study, or start a business while on this visa.
Can I extend the visa?
Yes, but only if your child remains eligible and you continue to meet the requirements.
Can I switch to another visa while in the UK?
No, switching is not permitted under this route.