Applying to Work in the UK
Are you hoping to work in the UK? Have you been offered a job role and seek permission to work here? Our immigration lawyers are experts in the operation of UK and European legislation that affects foreign workers.
Child Student Visa
The Child Student visa is available to 4-17 year-olds who wish to study at an independent school in the UK. The intended course of study must meet various requirements, and the applicant may also need to satisfy financial provisions. Consent from the applicant’s parent or guardian will also need to be provided.
Course requirements
To apply for a Child Student visa, the applicant must have an unconditional offer from a licensed Child Student sponsor. The sponsor must be an independent school; the course of study cannot be at a local authority-funded school or academy, or institute for further or higher education. The course also can’t be a foundation course in preparation for higher education.
The intended course of study must be taught in line with one of the following:
- The National Curriculum;
- The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at level 3 or below; or
- The independent school education inspection standards.
Studying on a course of the same level as above is also permitted, if accepted as such by one of the following:
- Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted)
- Education Scotland
- Estyn (in Wales)
- Education and Training Inspectorate (in Northern Ireland)
The sponsor will need to provide the applicant with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) – this is a reference number that will be needed to submit the application.
Financial requirement
The exact financial requirement an applicant will need to meet depends on their intended living situation in the UK.
If they satisfy the eligibility requirements, one parent of a Child Student aged up to 12 can apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa. If successful, the child can live with them in the UK. If an applicant intends to live with their parent in the UK, then they will be required to show:
- They have enough money to pay for one year’s academic tuition (up to 9 months), and
- £1,560 for up to 9 months, which covers the applicant and their parent.
If the parent is accompanying any additional Child Students to the UK, they will also need to demonstrate an additional £625 a month for each extra child.
Applicants can also live with a foster family or close relative, who must be British or settled. If this option applies, the financial requirement is as follows:
- The applicant must show they have enough money to pay for one year’s academic tuition (up to 9 months), and
- The foster family must have at least £570 a month, for up to 9 months.
Applicants aged 16 or 17 who will live independently must show that they have:
- Enough money to pay for one year’s academic tuition (up to 9 months), and
- Either £1,334 per month if studying in London or £1,023 per month is studying outside of London
Applicants who will board at their sponsoring school must show they have sufficient funds to pay their boarding and course fees for up to 9 months.
The relevant funds, as listed above, must be held by the applicant or their parent for at least 28 days, with day 28 of that period falling within 31 days of the application’s submission.
There are some exceptions to meeting the various financial requirements. No financial requirement applies when:
- The applicant is in the UK, and has held a Child Student visa for at least 12 months immediately prior to applying, or
- If the applicant is a national of certain countries; a full list can be found here on the gov.uk webpage, or
- If the applicant is a British National (Overseas).
Conditions of stay
Permission will be granted for the duration of the intended course of study plus 4 months; the duration of the course will depend on the applicant’s age.
- If the applicant is under 16, the course can last for up to 6 years
- If they are 16 or 17, the course can last for up to 3 years
An applicant may come to the UK up to 1 month before the course starts. Child Student visas may be extended if all requirements are met.
Applicants aged 16 or over may work part-time for up to 10 hours during term time, and full-time during the holidays, as well as undertake work placements as part of their course.
Child Students visas will be granted with various conditions such as no access to public funds and full-time permanent employment. They are also not able to bring dependents; as explained above, a parent can apply for a Parent of a Child Student visa.
Joining Family in the UK
If you need help securing a visa to travel to the UK to join family settled here, the immigration solicitors at Latitude Law are here to help. We can help you through the application process and provide legal advice and guidance on complex matters, such as appeals.
Global Talent Visa
Are you hoping to work in the UK? Have you been offered a job role and seek permission to work here? Our immigration lawyers are experts in the operation of UK and European legislation that affects foreign workers.
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What our clients say…
From securing skilled worker sponsor licence to dealing with visa applications
"Dear Gemma and Victoria, I wanted to thank you for your amazing effort! This is a personal achievement for me as a director of a small SME. It feels great that our firm is now able to sponsor workers and we could only do it with your guidance and professional help"
Mr Maida - Beta Design Consultants
April 2023
Assisting partner & step-son of British citizen with securing UK entry clearance to successfully naturalising / registering as British citizens
“My wife & I wish to thank Gemma and the team at Latitude Law for the professional , supportive and successful service you have provided for us. We are so pleased with all that we have achieved with you and your team. Thank you again.”
Mr & Mrs Williams
April 2023
Successful entrepreneur and partner dependant visas
Deciding to choose Latitude Law firm for my visa application was the best decision my husband made. They first assisted him with his tier-1 Entrepreneur visa which was a success and later my PBS partner-dependent visa.
My first two applications were refused due to lack of relationship evidence as my marriage was fairly new at that time. Similarly we went ahead with the administrative review which again upheld the decision to refuse my application. This painstaking process was two years long which took a toll on my mental health.
By the blessing of God, we came across Mr.Hafejee at Latitude Law. His excellence, determination and guidance helped us at every step of our application. Mr.Hafejee was extremely patient with our countless queries and calmed our anxiety humbly. He is one of the most approachable solicitors we ever came across and is equipped with brilliance in his field of work. He helped me reunite with my husband after 2 years and the credit goes to his hard work behind our application.
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All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 11/02/2019