If your child is aged 4 to 11 and starting at an independent school in the UK, one parent may be able to live in the UK with them on the Parent of a Child Student visa. This page explains who qualifies, how much money you must show, how long you can stay and what the visa does not allow.
A personal application for one parent accompanying a child on a Child Student visa.
Reviewed by Morgan Smith Immigration · IAA-regulated UK immigration advisers · Last reviewed
TL;DR
The Parent of a Child Student visa lets one parent live in the UK with a child aged 4 to 11 who is studying at an independent school on a Child Student visa. The government application fee is £726 from outside the UK, you can stay until your child’s visa ends or they turn 12, and a decision usually takes 3 weeks. You must also show £1,560 a month in funds, up to 9 months, and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
£726
Application fee (outside the UK)
Until age 12
Longest stay, or until your child’s visa ends
3 weeks
Usual decision (outside the UK)
What is the Parent of a Child Student Visa?
The Parent of a Child Student visa lets one parent live in the UK with a child aged 4 to 11 who is studying at an independent school. Your child must hold, or be applying at the same time for, a Child Student visa. It is a temporary route: you must keep your main home outside the UK and plan to leave when your visa ends.
Only one parent can be in the UK under this route. The child’s other parent must live abroad and cannot apply to join you. You can bring other children only if they have, or are applying for, their own Child Student visa. Other family members cannot come on this visa, although they may be able to apply for a short-term visit visa.
Your visa lasts until your child’s visa expires or they turn 12, whichever comes first. For a step-by-step explanation of the rules, read our guides to eligibility, fees and requirements and to the Home Office rules and refusal grounds.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Parent of a Child Student Visa.
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Your Child’s Age and School
Your child must be aged 4 to 11 on the day you apply and attend an independent school in the UK. They must hold, or apply at the same time for, a Child Student visa, or currently hold a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
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One Parent, Main Home Abroad
You must be 18 or over, the only parent in the UK with your child, and intend to live with them. The other parent must be outside the UK and not seeking to join you. You must keep your main home outside the UK and plan to leave when your visa ends.
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Money and TB Test
You must show £1,560 for each month of your stay, up to 9 months, held for 28 days, unless you have already held permission in the UK for 12 months. You may also need a TB test certificate if you come from a country where it is required.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Parent of a Child Student Visa.
✓ You Can
- Live in the UK with your child while they study at their independent school
- Apply up to 6 months before you travel from outside the UK
- Bring other children if they hold, or are applying for, their own Child Student visa
- Extend from inside the UK if you and your child still meet the requirements
- Stay in the UK while your extension is decided if you apply before your visa expires
✗ You Cannot
- Do paid work, start a business or study on this visa
- Claim public funds or the State Pension
- Bring a partner or other family members (they may qualify for a visit visa)
- Make the UK your main home, as you must plan to leave when the visa ends
- Switch to a different type of visa from inside the UK
- Stay on this visa after your child turns 12
Costs & Fees
Current fees as of 2026. Set by the Home Office — subject to change.
Fees set by the Home Office and subject to change. Last reviewed: October 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee, outside the UK | £726 |
| Extension fee, inside the UK | £1,407 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £1,035 per year |
| Funds for you and your child | £1,560 per month (max 9) |
| Funds for each extra child | £625 per month (max 9) |
| Faster decision | Additional fee — check current fees |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm Your Child’s Visa
Check that your child has, or is applying at the same time for, a Child Student visa and has a place at an independent school.
Gather Your Documents
Prepare your passport, evidence of funds held for 28 days, proof of your permanent home outside the UK, a TB test certificate if required, and certified translations of any document not in English or Welsh.
Apply Online and Pay
Apply from outside the UK up to 6 months before you travel. Pay the £726 application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 for each year of your stay.
Prove Your Identity
Book and attend a visa application centre appointment to give your fingerprints and photograph.
Receive Your Decision
GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. If approved, you receive an eVisa, an online record of your immigration status.
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Sources
Legal information on this page is based on guidance from GOV.UK, the UK Home Office / UK Visas and Immigration, legislation.gov.uk, and Free Movement. Rules change frequently — speak to our team to confirm current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Parent of a Child Student Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Parent of a Child Student visa UK?
It is a UK visa that lets one parent accompany a child aged 4 to 11 who is studying at an independent school on a Child Student visa. It is a temporary route: you must keep your main home outside the UK and plan to leave when it ends.
How much does the Parent of a Child Student visa cost in 2026?
The application fee is £726 from outside the UK and £1,407 to extend from inside the UK. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), usually £1,035 per year of stay. A faster decision may be available for an extra fee. The Home Office fee table shows no change from 8 October 2026.
Who can apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa?
You must be 18 or over, the only parent in the UK with your child, and intend to live with them. Your child must be aged 4 to 11, attend an independent school and hold, or be applying for, a Child Student visa. The other parent must live abroad and cannot apply to join you.
How much money do I need for a Parent of a Child Student visa?
You must show £1,560 for each month of your stay, up to 9 months, which covers you and your child: £14,040 for a stay of 9 months or more. Add £625 a month, up to 9 months, for each extra child in your care. The funds must be held for 28 days, and you must be able to keep your main home outside the UK. You do not need to show funds if you have already held permission in the UK for 12 months.
How long can I stay on a Parent of a Child Student visa?
You can stay until your child’s visa expires or they turn 12, whichever comes first. If your child stays in education in the UK without you, you must arrange their ongoing care, for example boarding at their school or living with other family in the UK.
Can both parents get a Parent of a Child Student visa?
No. Only one parent can be in the UK under this route. The child’s other parent must live abroad and cannot apply to join you. Other family members may be able to apply for a short-term visit visa.
Can I work or study on a Parent of a Child Student visa?
No. You cannot do paid work, study or start a business, and you cannot claim public funds or the State Pension. The visa is for living with your child and caring for them while they study.
Can I bring my partner or other children on this visa?
You cannot bring a partner or other family members, although they may be able to apply for a short-term visit visa. You can bring other children only if they have, or are applying for, their own Child Student visa, and they count towards the extra funds you must show.
Can I extend a Parent of a Child Student visa inside the UK?
Yes, if you and your child still meet the requirements and you apply before your current visa expires. The extension fee is £1,407 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and a decision usually takes 8 weeks. Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision, or your application will be withdrawn.
How long does a Parent of a Child Student visa take?
GOV.UK says a decision usually takes 3 weeks from outside the UK once you have applied, proved your identity and provided your documents. Complex cases, such as those needing document checks, can take longer. A faster decision may be available for an extra fee.
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