A child can come to the UK and complete a study program. They will need to be genuine student, must not fall for general grounds of refusal and will need to have a valid confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) assigned.
As part of your Tier 4 child student application, you must submit a valid immigration application, lodge a valid identity document, and submit the biometric information at the date of application.
All educational establishments that wish to sponsor students under the Tier 4 child student visa must hold a valid sponsor licence and the type of licence will impact your student application. So when you choose an institution, make sure you check their details before starting a course with them.
Your educational provider is responsible for your stay in the UK. They will need to adhere to strict immigration policies and maintenance of their student record system. They can risk losing their sponsor licence, which will adversely impact your student visa.
Those parents’ wishing to come to the UK and their child is under the age of 14 years, can apply for a visa. The requirements of the immigration rules will need to be met.
Meeting the requirements of the Tier 4 Child Student Visa
Similar to what a Tier 4 General student will need to meet, to apply for a Tier 4 student visa, you must be 4 years of age or older, under the age of 18 years and have care arrangements arranged in the UK unless you have a foster carer or relative in the UK who will care for the child in the UK.
The Tier 4 child student application must be supported by your parent or legal guardian. Permission from the parent is required as part of the visa application.
When the educational provider issues a CAS, this document is required to support the student visa application as a child. The CAS is a virtual document and is assigned by your educational provider. It contains your personal details, sponsor, course of study, finances and also the assessment documents.
How to apply for the Tier 4 Child Student Visa
The visa application is applied online; this is whether you are in the UK or outside of the UK. Once you have completed your Tier 4 Child Student Visa application, you will be able to pay for the visa fees and book the visa appointment.
As part of the submission, you will need to submit your legal representation and also the evidences to support your Tier 4 Child Student Visa application. You must be able to provide evidences of your previous studies, reasons to complete the studies in the UK and be able to prove your reasons to study in the UK.
The decision making of a Tier 4 Child Student Visa does not take more than 15 working days. However in some circumstances, a decision can take longer, if checks need to be made.
When your application is under consideration, the Home Office may contact you to provide further evidences and information. There will be limited time to provide the documents were required. Once the visa is granted, you will be given the term as stated in your visa application form.
Your visa would be granted based on the type of course and the length of the course. For example, if your total course length is 12 months, you will be allowed entry to the UK 1 month prior to start of the course and an additional 4 months following the end date of course.
Tier 4 Child Student Visa in a glance
Once your visa to study in the UK has been approved, you must comply with your conditions of your study program. The Home Office allows flexibility on your student visa.
In terms of your period of residency, if you are under 16 years of age, you will be given leave to enter or remain as stated on the CAS or maximum period of 6 years. For those who are 16 years and 17 years of age, the length as stated on the CAS with a maximum period of 3 years.
As a child, you will not have access to public funds, may need to register with the police and may be given right to work for those over 16 years of age.
Refusal of your Tier 4 Child Student Visa
If your application for the Tier 4 child student visa is refused, the decision letter will outline the reasons why you it had been refused and you will have a right to challenge the decision. This is done through administrative review and you must outline the case working errors.
If the decision was wrong, the Home Office can overturn the decision. It is important whenever a Tier 4 student visa is refused, you should look at the application & the evidences lodged. At ICS Legal, we can assess the refusal and advise on what you can do to challenge the decision. We may also advise you to re-apply if we find that the decision was correct.
Applying for indefinite leave to remain as a Tier 4 Child Student
The immigration policy does not allow someone to apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 years continuous residency, however you may be able to add periods of residency towards your long residency provisions. You will need to take legal advice at the date of application.
Taking legal advice on the Tier 4 Child Student Visa
At ICS Legal, we will advise you on the correct process of applying under the Tier 4 Child Student Visa and support you throughout the visa application process. We will assess the circumstances, advise on the grounds of the application and help on the submission for the Tier 4 child student visa.
You can speak to one of our UK Immigration Lawyers on the Tier 4 Child Student Visa requirements by sending us an email on info@icslegal.com or you can call us on 0207 237 3388. You are also open to complete our free visa assessment by clicking here.
