Parent of a Child Student Visa

What is the Parent of a Child Student Visa?

The Parent of a Child Student Visa is for parents whose primary residence remains abroad, with children aged 4 to 11 holding or applying for a Child Student visa (formerly Tier 4 (Child) visa) and attending independent, fee-paying schools in the UK.

This visa permits one parent to accompany and care for their child while studying in the UK. However, only one parent can stay in the UK under this visa, meaning the other parent must remain abroad.

Dependents

Only one parent accompanying the child can stay in the UK, and the other parent must remain abroad. While other children can come if they have or are applying for a Child Student visa, other family members cannot accompany the visa holder. They would need to explore different UK visa types or apply for separate short-term visit visas if they wish to visit.

You can bring your other children if they also have, or are applying for their own Child Student visa.

Visa Pathway

The Parent of a Child Student Visa does not lead to settlement or count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain or British Citizenship.

If you want to settle in the UK, you should apply for a visa that leads to ILR, such as a UK Work visa or a UK Family visa. These visas enable you to apply for permanent residence after 5 years.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Parent of a Child Student Visa, you must be over 18, and your child must either have or be applying for a Child Student visa or currently hold a Tier 4 (Child) visa.

Child Eligibility Requirements

The Child Student you are accompanying must be:

• Between 4 and 11 years old
• Enrolled at an independent school in the UK

Parent Eligibility Requirements

Only one parent is permitted to accompany the child to the UK. The parent must be:

• Over 18
• The parent of a child who has, or is at the same time applying for, entry clearance or permission to stay as a Child Student
• Intending to live with the Child Student while in the UK
• Able to demonstrate sufficient financial resources without relying on public funds
• Not intending to make the UK their permanent home

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your child in the UK. The minimum requirement is £1,560 for each month of your stay, up to a maximum of 9 months. If you intend to stay longer than 9 months, you must show funds of at least £14,040.

For each additional child coming to the UK, an extra £625 per month is required.

You must have held the money for at least 28 consecutive days, ending not more than 31 days before your Parent of a Child Student Visa application date.

Documentation Requirements

The documentation requirements can vary depending on your circumstances when applying for the Parent of a Child Student Visa. In most cases, you will be required to provide:

• A current passport or other proof of identity and nationality
• Proof of financial resources to support yourself and your child, unless you have been in the UK for more than 12 months on another visa
• Evidence that you have a permanent home outside of the UK
• TB test results

A certified translation must accompany any documents not in English or Welsh.

Application Fees

The application fee for the visa is £637.

Visa Fees and Healthcare Surcharge

In addition to the application fee, you must pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your online application. This surcharge is typically £1,035 per year and provides access to the NHS during your stay.

Processing Times

After applying, verifying your identity, and submitting your documents, you will typically receive a visa decision within 3 weeks.

Priority Service

Depending on the country you are applying from, priority service may be available for an additional fee if you need faster processing.

How to Apply for the Parent of a Child Student Visa

All applications must be made online via the UK Government website before you travel to the UK. You can apply up to 6 months before your intended travel date.

Online Application

Complete the online application form for the Parent of a Child Student Visa. Provide accurate details about yourself and your child.

Upload Documents

Upload all required documents, including passports, evidence of your relationship to the child, proof of your child’s enrollment at an independent school, and financial evidence showing you meet the maintenance requirements.

Declaration

Review your application carefully and confirm that all information is accurate.

Pay Fees

Pay the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Biometrics Appointment

Book and attend a biometric appointment at your nearest visa application centre.

After you submit your application, the Home Office may contact you for additional information before deciding.

Duration and Conditions of Stay

If your Parent of a Child Student Visa is approved, you can stay in the UK until your child’s visa expires or they turn 12, whichever comes first. While in the UK on a Parent of a Child Student visa, you are not allowed to:

• Work (paid or unpaid)
• Study
• Start a business
• Settle in the UK permanently
• Access public funds or claim the State Pension
• Bring other family members with you
• Switch to another visa category

Extending Your Parent of a Child Student Visa

You can extend your Parent of a Child Student visa if you still meet the requirements and your child is under 12. However, you must apply before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying it.

Get Support with Parent of a Child Student Visa Applications

If you need help applying for a Parent of a Child Student Visa or want to check your eligibility—or that of your other children—QC Immigration can assist.

Our expert UK immigration lawyers will review your case, ensure all requirements and supporting documents are in order, and prepare a strong application to maximise your chances of approval.