Child Student visa changes: safeguarding updates under Appendix Child Student

If you are a parent, guardian or education provider supporting a child studying in the UK, it is important to be aware of the recent updates to Appendix Child Student. The Home Office has strengthened safeguarding measures to ensure children have suitable living arrangements and appropriate guardianship. These changes may impact visa applications and the requirements for guardians and carers.

Key updates to Appendix Child Student

1. Nominated guardians now recognised

Nominated guardians must now provide a letter of undertaking, confirming their responsibility for the child’s welfare. This requirement aligns with the existing rules for close relatives and private foster carers.

2. Stricter background checks for guardians and carers

The Home Office can refuse a Child Student visa if the child’s nominated guardian, close relative or private foster carer (or anyone living with them) has:

• A custodial sentence of 12 months or more (UK or overseas).
• A record of persistent offending.
• Committed an offence causing serious harm.

The Home Office may also refuse applications where the carer has received a shorter custodial or non-custodial sentence, registered on their criminal record.

3. Clearer living arrangement requirements

Child applicants must show that approved adequate arrangements have been made regarding their care and living circumstances in the UK. The child’s parental consent letter or the intended carer’s letter of undertaking must confirm one of the following:

• Full boarding at a residential independent school with suitable holiday arrangements.
• Weekly or flexi-boarding combined with living with a close relative or private foster carer.
• Full-time residence with a private foster carer or close relative who is a British citizen or settled in the UK.
• Living with a parent or legal guardian who has a Parent of a Child Student visa.
• Aged 16 or 17 and living independently.

4. New requirements for nominated guardians and carers

If a child will live with a nominated guardian, close relative or private foster carer, that person must be:

• A British citizen, or
• Settled in the UK.

The guardian or carer must also provide a letter of undertaking, including:

• Their contact details and relationship with the child’s parents or legal guardians.
• Confirmation that the accommodation is private (not a hotel or hostel).
• A list of other people they are supporting.

What you need to do

If you are applying for a Child Student visa or acting as a guardian, make sure to:

• Provide a properly completed letter of undertaking for nominated guardians.
• Check that the child’s accommodation meets the new requirements.
• Check that the intended carer meets the legal and financial criteria.

These changes strengthen child safeguarding and set higher standards for student welfare in the UK. If you need guidance on these updates, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Updated: 17 March 2025

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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