Parent of Child Student Visa UK

The Parent of a Child Student Visa allows one parent to accompany their child to the UK while the child studies at an eligible independent fee-paying day school. It is a short-term immigration route designed for family support during a child’s early education. This visa ensures that a young student is cared for in the UK while studying, but it carries specific restrictions — including the inability to work, study (beyond limited recreational courses), or bring dependants. This route sits under Appendix Parent of a Child Student of the Immigration Rules and is separate from the family migration routes under Appendix FM. Time spent on this route does not count towards qualifying residence for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

What this article is about: This article provides a full legal and practical guide to the Parent of a Child Student Visa under UK immigration law. It explains who qualifies, how to apply, the documentation required, and what conditions apply to those granted leave under this route. It also covers how long parents can stay, the visa’s restrictions, compliance risks (including the consequences of overstaying), and the available options when the child turns 12 or the parent’s visa ends. The article is written for parents planning to support a child’s education in the UK and for schools advising international families on compliance and sponsorship implications.

Section A: Eligibility for the Parent of a Child Student Visa

The Parent of a Child Student route is governed by Appendix Parent of a Child Student of the Immigration Rules. It enables one parent to live in the UK to care for a young child who is studying at an eligible independent fee-paying day school. This section sets out the mandatory criteria, evidential standards, and common refusal points. Applications are also subject to the general grounds for refusal in Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.

1. Age and School Requirements

To qualify, the child must be under 12 years old on the date of application and either hold, or be applying for, a valid Child Student visa to study at an independent fee-paying day school in the UK.

• Day pupil only: The child must attend as a day pupil. If the child boards, this route is not available, even where the school offers both day and boarding places.
• Licensed sponsor: The school must appear on the Register of Licensed Sponsors (Child Student) and hold a valid Child Student sponsor licence.
• State schools ineligible: Study at a state-funded school does not qualify under this route.

Only one parent can accompany the child under this route. The second parent may visit under the Standard Visitor route but cannot live in the UK under this category.

2. Parental Relationship and Proof

The applicant must be the child’s parent or legal guardian. Where parents are separated or share custody, the applicant must show sole responsibility for the child or that the other parent is not living in the UK during the period of leave. The evidence should be consistent and documentary.

• Relationship evidence: full birth certificate naming the parent(s), or adoption/guardianship order.
• Responsibility/care: court orders, notarised custody agreements, or other official documents showing day-to-day decision-making and care are with the applicant.
• Consent/whereabouts of the other parent: a signed letter confirming they are not resident in the UK during the applicant’s stay, with identification evidence where appropriate.
• School confirmation: letter from the school confirming enrolment and term dates.

Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by certified translations meeting Home Office standards.

3. Financial Requirement

The parent must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to maintain themselves and the child in the UK without recourse to public funds, including accommodation and living costs, and the child’s school fees where relevant. There is no single fixed Home Office figure; caseworkers assess whether the evidence shows adequate and sustainable maintenance.

Cash savings timing rule: Where relying on cash funds, they must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the closing balance dated no more than 31 days before the online application date.

• Recent personal bank statements showing the required balance across the full 28-day period.
• Evidence of regular income (employment or business), if relied on.
• Tenancy or accommodation agreements and evidence of affordability.
• School invoices/receipts or formal fee confirmations.

Funds should be readily accessible and in the applicant’s name (or in a permitted account type). Third-party support is scrutinised and should be avoided unless clearly permitted and fully evidenced.

4. Exclusion Criteria and Common Refusal Points

• Boarding: ineligible if the child boards at school.
• Two-parent residence: this route cannot be used for both parents to live in the UK.
• Wrong category/switching: new applications must be made from outside the UK; applying from within the UK in the wrong category will be refused.
• Unsatisfactory maintenance evidence: gaps in the 28-day period, unexplained large deposits, or inaccessible funds commonly lead to refusal.
• Part 9 issues: adverse immigration history, deception, or criminality may trigger refusal under general grounds.

Section summary: Eligibility turns on the child’s age (under 12), study at a licensed independent day school, proof of the parental relationship/sole responsibility, and robust maintenance evidence meeting the 28-day/31-day timing rule. Only one parent can accompany the child, and boarding pupils do not qualify. Applications are additionally tested against Part 9 grounds for refusal.

Section B: Application Process and Required Documents

Applications for the Parent of a Child Student Visa must be made from outside the UK using the online Home Office form for this specific route. Switching into this category from another visa type within the UK is not permitted, although extensions for existing holders may later be made from within the UK. This section explains how to apply, what to include, and how decisions are made under the current Immigration Rules.

1. How to Apply from Outside the UK

The process is online via the GOV.UK Parent of a Child Student Visa service. The parent must:

• Complete the online application form accurately and truthfully.
• Pay the Home Office application fee (£637 as of October 2025).
• Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – currently £1,035 per year of leave, subject to change.
• Book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre (VAC) to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photograph).

Applicants must not travel to the UK until a decision is issued. Standard processing times are around three weeks after biometrics are enrolled, though priority services may be available in certain countries.

2. Supporting Documentation

Applications are document-sensitive. The following evidence is typically required:

• Valid passport or other travel document with a blank visa page.
• Full birth or adoption certificate proving the parental relationship.
• Letter from the child’s school confirming enrolment, attendance type (day pupil) and term dates.
• Financial evidence proving sufficient maintenance under the 28-day/31-day rule.
• Accommodation details such as tenancy agreements or hotel bookings.
• Court orders or consent letters confirming sole responsibility, if applicable.
• Certified translations of any documents not in English or Welsh.

Incomplete or inconsistent evidence is a leading cause of refusal. Documents should be clearly labelled and, where possible, submitted electronically through the application portal.

3. Tuberculosis Testing and Health Surcharge

Applicants residing in countries listed by the Home Office must obtain a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic before applying. The certificate is valid for six months and must be submitted with the visa application.

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory payment granting access to the UK’s National Health Service during the visa holder’s stay. It must be paid in full when submitting the application online.

4. Decision and Visa Grant Period

Successful applicants receive a visa vignette in their passport allowing entry to the UK within a 90-day window. Upon arrival, they must collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within ten days. The visa is usually granted for up to 12 months or until the child’s visa expires, whichever is shorter.

Extensions: Parents may apply online from within the UK to extend their stay, provided the child remains under 12 and continues to study as a day pupil at a licensed independent school. Applications must be submitted before the existing visa expires.

If the visa is refused, the decision notice will explain the reasons and confirm whether the applicant is eligible for an administrative review.

Section summary: The application is made entirely online from outside the UK and requires full payment of fees and the IHS. Supporting documents must prove relationship, maintenance, and schooling. Extensions are permitted from within the UK if eligibility continues. Errors or missing evidence are the most common reasons for refusal.

Section C: Rights, Conditions and Restrictions

The Parent of a Child Student Visa provides temporary permission to live in the UK to care for a child, but it comes with strict conditions on employment, study, residence, and family accompaniment. Compliance with these conditions is essential to maintain lawful status and protect future immigration prospects.

1. Right to Work and Study

Parents under this route are not permitted to work in any form while in the UK. This includes paid or unpaid employment, self-employment, voluntary work, or business activity. They are also not permitted to study, except for short recreational or leisure courses lasting fewer than 30 days that are not the main purpose of the visit.

Access to public funds such as benefits or social housing is prohibited. Any breach of these conditions may lead to visa curtailment, cancellation, or enforcement action. The Home Office monitors compliance through both visa renewal checks and data sharing with other UK agencies.

2. Travel and Residency Conditions

The parent must maintain their main home outside the UK, even while accompanying their child. This confirms to the Home Office that the stay is temporary and for childcare purposes only. During their stay in the UK, parents must:

• Reside with and care for the child full-time.
• Not bring a partner or any other children as dependants.
• Ensure that if the child attends a boarding school, this visa route no longer applies.
• Inform the Home Office of any change of address or change of school.

If both parents wish to spend time in the UK, only one can apply under this route; the other must apply separately for a Standard Visitor Visa or another appropriate category.

3. Duration of Stay and Extensions

Leave is typically granted for up to 12 months or until the child’s visa expires, whichever is sooner. A parent can apply for further extensions provided:

• The child remains under 12 years old; and
• The child continues to study as a day pupil at a licensed independent school.

Applications for extension must be submitted before the current visa expires and can be made from within the UK. The parent must continue to meet all eligibility and maintenance requirements at the time of renewal.

4. When the Visa Ends

The parent’s permission automatically ends when the child:

• Turns 12 years old;
• Leaves or completes studies at their independent day school; or
• No longer holds a valid Child Student Visa.

Once the child reaches 12, the Home Office expects them either to attend boarding school or to be cared for by another approved guardian. The parent must leave the UK before their visa expires. Overstaying by more than 30 days may lead to a re-entry ban of up to 10 years under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.

Section summary: The Parent of a Child Student Visa allows residence solely for childcare. Parents cannot work, study (beyond short courses), or claim public funds and must maintain a home outside the UK. Permission usually lasts up to 12 months and ends when the child turns 12 or completes their studies. Compliance with these terms is critical to preserve lawful status and avoid re-entry bans.

Section D: Alternatives and Transition Options

The Parent of a Child Student Visa is a temporary, non-settlement route intended to support young children studying at independent schools. It does not provide a direct pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). This section outlines what happens when the visa ends, what alternative routes may be available, and how to manage lawful departure or reapplication.

1. When the Child Turns 12

Once the child turns 12, the parent’s permission to stay under this route automatically ceases. At that point, the parent must either:

• Leave the UK before the visa expires; or
• Apply for a different visa category from outside the UK if eligible.

The child may continue studying in the UK under the Child Student Visa until age 17, but the parent will no longer qualify under this route. The Home Office assumes that older children can board or be cared for by a guardian, in line with child welfare and immigration control policy.

2. Switching to Other Visa Categories

Switching from this visa to another category within the UK is not permitted. The parent must leave the UK and apply from abroad for a different route. However, the parent may qualify for a new visa depending on personal or family circumstances. Common alternatives include:

• Skilled Worker Visa – if offered eligible employment by a licensed sponsor.
• Family Visa – if joining a spouse, partner, or child who is a British citizen or settled in the UK (under Appendix FM).
• Parent Visa – if the applicant has a British or settled child living in the UK and meets the parental responsibility test (under Appendix FM).
• UK Ancestry Visa – available to Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent.

Each visa type carries different eligibility and financial requirements. Legal or professional immigration advice is strongly recommended before applying. Time spent on the Parent of a Child Student Visa does not count towards residence for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

3. Returning Home or Reapplying

If the parent is not eligible for another visa category, they must depart the UK before their current visa expires to avoid overstaying penalties. Overstaying by more than 30 days may result in a re-entry ban of up to 10 years.

A new Parent of a Child Student Visa application can be made from abroad if the child continues to meet the eligibility rules — being under 12, enrolled as a day pupil at a licensed independent school, and still requiring parental care in the UK. The parent must also continue to meet the financial and relationship requirements at the time of the new application.

Section summary: The Parent of a Child Student Visa is a strictly temporary route that ends when the child turns 12 or no longer studies at an independent day school. It cannot be switched to another visa inside the UK. Parents wishing to remain longer must reapply from abroad under an eligible visa category such as Family, Parent, or Skilled Worker. Applications continue to be governed by Appendix Parent of a Child Student and Part 9 of the Immigration Rules.

FAQs

Can both parents come to the UK under this visa?
No. Only one parent is permitted to accompany the child under the Parent of a Child Student Visa. The other parent may visit under a Standard Visitor Visa but cannot live in the UK under this route.

Can I bring other children with me to the UK?
No. This visa route does not allow dependants. Other children cannot accompany you unless they hold their own Child Student Visas and attend eligible independent schools.

Can my spouse visit me while I am in the UK?
Yes. Your spouse or partner may apply for a Standard Visitor Visa to spend time in the UK temporarily, but they cannot remain in the UK permanently or work while visiting.

How long can I stay in the UK under this visa?
You can stay in the UK for up to 12 months or until your child’s visa expires, whichever comes first. You may apply to extend your visa while your child remains under 12 and continues studying as a day pupil at a licensed independent school.

What happens if my child changes schools or turns 12 during our stay?
If your child transfers to another eligible independent day school, you must notify the Home Office and provide confirmation from the new school. If your child turns 12, your visa will cease to be valid, and you must leave the UK or apply for another visa from abroad.

Does this visa lead to settlement or Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?
No. This route does not lead to settlement and time spent on it does not count towards qualifying residence for ILR.

Can I apply for another visa while I’m in the UK under this route?
No. You cannot switch to another visa from inside the UK under this category. You must leave the UK and apply for a different visa from abroad if you meet the requirements.

Can I apply if my child attends a boarding school?
No. This visa only applies where the child attends an independent fee-paying day school. If the child boards, the Home Office expects the school or a guardian to provide residential care instead.

What happens if I overstay my visa?
Overstaying by more than 30 days may lead to a re-entry ban of up to 10 years under Part 9 of the Immigration Rules. You should always leave the UK or apply for an extension before your visa expires.

Section summary: Only one parent may apply under this visa route, no dependants are allowed, and it does not lead to settlement. The parent cannot work or study except for short leisure courses, and must comply strictly with visa expiry dates to avoid serious immigration consequences.

Conclusion

The Parent of a Child Student Visa enables one parent to remain in the UK to care for a young child studying at an independent fee-paying day school. It is a valuable but strictly limited immigration route, designed to facilitate parental support during early education rather than to create a pathway to long-term residence.

To qualify, the child must be under 12, attend a licensed independent day school, and hold or be applying for a valid Child Student Visa. The parent must demonstrate the parental relationship, sole responsibility (if relevant), and sufficient financial means to support themselves and the child without public funds. The applicant must also show that their main home remains outside the UK and that only one parent will accompany the child.

The visa typically lasts for 12 months or until the child’s visa expires, whichever is shorter, and can be extended while the child remains eligible. However, parents cannot work, study beyond short recreational courses, or access public funds. When the child turns 12 or leaves the school, the parent’s permission automatically ends, requiring them to leave the UK or apply for another visa category from abroad if eligible.

Overstaying or breaching the visa’s conditions can result in future immigration difficulties, including re-entry bans of up to 10 years. Time spent under this route does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain. Parents considering longer-term residence should explore alternative options such as the Family, Parent, or Skilled Worker Visa routes, depending on their circumstances.

In summary: The Parent of a Child Student Visa is a temporary immigration category that prioritises the welfare of young students while ensuring compliance with UK immigration controls. Careful preparation, documentary accuracy, and full adherence to the visa’s conditions will ensure a smooth experience and protect eligibility for future UK immigration applications.

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