The Child Student Visa allows children aged 4 to 17 to study at an independent school in the UK. Independent schools and admissions teams need to check CAS, parental consent, living arrangements and finance evidence before the child applies.
Previously known as the Tier 4 (Child) student visa.
Reviewed by the Morgan Smith Immigration team — IAA-regulated UK immigration specialists. Last reviewed 2026-07-10.
TL;DR
The Child Student Visa is for children aged 4 to 17 with an unconditional offer from an independent school in the UK. The government application fee is £558, children under 16 can stay for up to 6 years plus 4 months, and the typical decision time is 3 weeks from outside the UK or 8 weeks from inside the UK.
£558
Application fee
Up to 6 years
Under-16 course stay
3 weeks
Typical decision outside UK
What is the Child Student Visa?
The Child Student Visa is for children aged between 4 and 17 who want to study at an independent school in the UK. It replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa and is not for applicants aged 18 or over, who usually need the Student route instead.
The route requires an unconditional offer from an independent school, a CAS, suitable living arrangements, sufficient funds and parental or legal guardian consent. Schools should ensure the CAS, accommodation arrangements and safeguarding-related evidence are aligned before the application is made.
Stay length depends on the child’s age and course. GOV.UK says children under 16 can stay for the course length, up to 6 years, plus 4 months afterwards; children aged 16 or 17 can stay for the course length, up to 3 years, plus 4 months afterwards.
Eligibility Requirements
You must satisfy all three conditions to qualify for the Child Student Visa.
📄
Age and Independent School
The applicant must be aged 4 to 17 and have an unconditional offer at an independent school. Applicants aged 18 or over should normally consider the Student Visa instead.
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CAS, Consent and Accommodation
A Child Student application needs a CAS, parental or legal guardian consent, and suitable living arrangements in the UK. The evidence should match the school’s sponsorship records.
£
Finances and Care Arrangements
The child must show enough money for course fees and living costs unless exempt. Living-cost calculations differ depending on whether the child boards, lives with a parent, lives with a close relative or lives independently as a 16 or 17 year old.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Your rights and restrictions while in the UK on a Child Student Visa.
✓ You Can
- Study at an independent school named on the CAS.
- Arrive up to 1 month before the course starts if the visa permits.
- Work limited hours from age 16 during term and vacations.
- Extend or switch to Child Student status if eligible.
- Use suitable care arrangements such as boarding, parent accommodation or approved relative arrangements.
✗ You Cannot
- Study at a maintained school or academy on this route.
- Study at a further or higher education institution as a Child Student.
- Claim public funds while in the UK.
- Take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed.
- Apply for settlement or bring dependants under this route.
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: July 2026.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £558 per person |
| IHS | £776 per year |
| CAS fee | £55 sponsor charge |
| Foster/relative funds | £570 per month |
| Parent route first child | £1,560 per month |
| Priority decision | Additional fee — check gov.uk |
How to Apply
Five steps from preparation to decision.
Confirm the School Place
Check that the child has an unconditional offer from an independent school and meets the age requirement.
Receive the CAS
The school issues a CAS with the child’s course, fee and sponsorship details.
Prepare Evidence
Gather passport, CAS, parental consent, living arrangement evidence, finance evidence and TB evidence where required.
Submit the Application
Apply online, pay the £558 fee and IHS, then complete the identity process.
Receive Your Decision
GOV.UK says decisions usually take 3 weeks outside the UK and 8 weeks inside the UK.
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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 Child Student Visa from employers and applicants.
What is the Child Student Visa UK?
The Child Student Visa is the UK study route for children aged 4 to 17 who will study at an independent school. It replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa.
How much does a Child Student Visa cost in 2026?
The Child Student Visa fee is £558 per person from outside the UK or inside the UK. The child will usually also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £776 per year for under-18 and student applications.
How long does a Child Student Visa take?
GOV.UK says applications from outside the UK usually take 3 weeks. In-country extension or switching applications usually take 8 weeks.
How long can a child stay on a Child Student Visa?
Children under 16 can stay for the course length, up to 6 years, plus 4 months afterwards. Children aged 16 or 17 can stay for the course length, up to 3 years, plus 4 months afterwards.
What school can a Child Student Visa holder attend?
The route is for study at an independent school. It cannot be used to study at an academy, maintained school, or further or higher education institution.
Can a Child Student Visa holder work?
If the child is 16 or over, they can work part time during term for up to 10 hours per week and full time during vacations. They cannot take a full-time permanent job or be self-employed.
Can parents come with a Child Student?
The Child Student cannot bring dependants. A parent may need to apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa if they wish to accompany the child and meet that separate route’s rules.
What money is needed for a Child Student Visa?
The amount depends on where the child will live. GOV.UK guidance includes boarding fees for one academic year, £570 per month where living with a foster carer or close relative, and separate amounts for living with a parent or independently as a 16 or 17 year old.
Can a Child Student Visa be extended?
Yes, a child may be able to extend if eligible and if the application is made before current permission expires. GOV.UK lists the same £558 fee for extending or switching inside the UK.
Does the Child Student Visa lead to settlement?
No. GOV.UK states Child Student Visa holders cannot apply for settlement under this route.
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