Moving abroad in seek of better chances or a better quality of life could be difficult. This is especially relevant in relation to families and the academic success of their children. As therefore, a large number of parents decide to send their children overseas for school. That might be a problem for the parents, nevertheless. The Parent of Child Student Visa is designed to alleviate this problem by allowing parents to join their children in the UK.

One parent may accompany a child between the ages of 4 and 11 who has a child student visa and is enrolled in an independent school in the UK with the Parent of a child Student visa. Parent of a Child Student visa holders are permitted to stay in the UK for the same duration as the permission given to their child. Parents of a Child Student visa holders can remain in the UK until their child’s Child Student visa expires or when their child reaches the age of 12, whichever happens, soonest.

For parents who wish to join a child who is over 12 years old, other visa options to consider include a Work visa, a Business visa, and a Visitor visa(for periods of up to 6 months in the UK).

Who can apply for the Parent of a Child Student Visa?

There are specific requirements that must be met in order to apply for the Parent of a Child Student Visa. Firstly, the child needs to be studying at an independent school in the United Kingdom. This means that the schools should not be receiving state funding. Secondly, the child must be under 12 years of age. Finally, the parent needs to be able to prove they will be able to financially support themselves while in the UK.

Parent of a child student visa requirements

As a Parent of a Child Student visa applicant, you will need to meet the following visa requirements:

• Be the parent or guardian (i.e. have legal parental responsibility) of a child who is aged between 4 and 11 (on the date of application) and will be attending an independent school in the UK with a Child Student visa.
• Be the only parent of the child who is coming to the UK on a Parent of a Child Student visa (the child’s other parent can still visit the UK on a short-term visitor visa).
• Have sufficient support funds for yourself and your child in the UK.
• Fully intend to keep your main home outside the UK.
• Intend to depart the UK when your visa expires.

Requirement for Childcare and Financial Support

Applicants for a parent of a child student visa must provide evidence of their sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate themselves, the Child Student(s), and any additional dependents.  The applicant can rely on funds held in their name or by a partner living outside the UK, subject to meeting additional requirements.

The level of funds that the applicant must show will depend on both who will be supported, and when the application is made. The different financial requirements apply in circumstances where:

• The parent has lived in the UK for 12 months or more;
• The parent is applying at the same time as their child; and,
• The parent is applying at a different time to their child.

If you are concerned as to how you will meet the financial requirements, and what evidence must be provided, you may wish to contact one of our immigration experts.

It is also important to note that in addition to meeting the financial requirements set out above, applicants must also be able to maintain their main home outside the UK.

Is it possible for both parents to apply for a Parent of a child student visa?

The main restriction on this route is that, although one parent may apply, the other parent of the child student must not be residing in the UK or intending to do so. Nevertheless, the second parent can enter the UK under the Visitor Visa route, enabling them to see the child student or help them settle into life abroad. The key point is that the child’s other parent should not be attempting to relocate to the UK.

Therefore, only one parent is allowed to provide care for multiple children students from a single family. It is not possible for one parent to act as a carer for one Child Student while the other parent acts as the carer for another Child Student.

In some circumstances, the Home Office may allow a parent outside the UK to swap places with the relevant carer living in the UK, subject to the submission of a fresh application. This ordinarily results in the cancellation of the other parent’s visa.

If one parent is in the UK through a different immigration route and the other parent is in the country under extraordinary circumstances, one parent may apply for a Parent of a Child Student Visa. This may, for example, include situations involving divorce or separation, as long as the parent making the application is the only one responsible for the child student.

Can I work or Study on a Parent of a child student visa?

As a Parent of a Child Student visa holder, you will be able to join and care for your child in the UK and do voluntary work if you wish. However, you will not be permitted, to do paid work, study, set up a business, settle in the UK, apply for public funds (e.g. benefits or State Pension), or bring other family members (except siblings of the Child Student visa holder), or switch visa type in the UK.

Is it possible to extend a Parent of a child student visa?

It is possible to extend your Parent of a Child Student visa as long as you are still eligible. This means that in addition to meeting the above eligibility requirements, your child must still be under 12 years old when you apply. If you wish to extend your Parent of a Child Student visa, it is essential that you do this before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying in the UK.

Your time spent in the UK on a Parent of a Child Student visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). If you wish to settle in the UK, you should apply for an ILR-qualifying visa such as a UK Work visa or business visa, which will typically allow you to acquire permanent residence after 5 years.

The application process for the Parent of a Child Student Visa can be quite complex, and it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer to help you with your application.

For expert advice and assistance in obtaining a Parent of a Child Student Visa, contact our immigration lawyers in London on 0203 865 6219 or via the enquiry form below.