Immigration, Simplified

Parent of a Child Student Visa

The Parent of a Child Student visa allows one parent to live in the UK to care for their child (or children) attending an independent, fee-paying school. This route is specifically for parents of younger children who require direct supervision.

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Official UK Government Updates

For accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK Government source:

Parent of a Child Student Visa Updates

Core Eligibility

To qualify for this visa, you must meet several specific criteria:

Child’s Age: The child must be between 4 and 11 years old at the time of your application.
School Type: The child must be enrolled at an independent, fee-paying school with a valid Student sponsor license.
Single Parent Rule: Only one parent can be in the UK on this route. The other parent must remain living outside the UK.
Intent: You must demonstrate that you maintain a home abroad and intend to leave the UK when the visa expires or the child turns 12.

Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities

While in the UK on this visa, your primary role is to care for your child.

You can: Live with your child and bring other siblings along if they also hold a valid Child Student visa.
Full-time and below degree level (RQF levels 3–5) with at least 15 hours of daytime study per week.
You cannot: Work (paid or unpaid), start a business, or study. You also cannot apply for public funds (benefits) or make the UK your permanent home.

2026 Financial Requirements

You must prove you can support yourself and your child without working. The funds must be held in a regulated bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.

Requirement	Amount (per month)	Max Calculation
First Child + Parent	£1,560	Up to 9 months (£14,040)
Each Additional Child	£625	Up to 9 months (£5,625)

Exemption: If you have already been living in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you typically do not need to provide financial evidence for an extension.

2026 Application Costs

Visa Fee: The application fee is currently £682.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): You must pay £1,035 per year for each year of your stay to access the National Health Service (NHS).

Duration and Extensions

Length of Stay: Your visa is usually granted to match your child’s visa or until the child turns 12, whichever is sooner.
Turning 12: Once your child turns 12, the Home Office expects them to either move into a boarding school arrangement or be cared for by a UK-based guardian. You will be required to leave the UK or apply for a different visa from abroad.
Switching: You cannot switch from this visa to any other visa category while inside the UK. If you wish to stay in a different capacity (such as a Skilled Worker), you must leave and apply from your home country.