If you’re planning to send your child to a private school in the UK, it’s essential to consider visa requirements well in advance. This blog will help you understand the visa process and when to start planning.
Understanding Visa Requirements
If you’re a foreign national residing outside the UK, you’ll need to reach out directly to the independent school you’re interested in. This school must be a licensed student sponsor. If the school accepts your application, they will provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You’ll need a CAS to apply for your child’s visa.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens
For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, the rights to continue attending school in the UK depend on their immigration status. If they arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020, they may have the right to continue their studies on the basis of their EU Settlement Scheme application. However, children arriving after this date will be treated as other foreign nationals and may need a visa.
Child Student Visa
Children aged 4-17 intending to study at a UK independent school can apply for a Child Student visa. To be eligible, you’ll need an unconditional offer of a school place, proof of financial support and parental consent. You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before your course starts if you’re applying from outside the UK. If you’re applying from inside the UK, you can apply up to 3 months before your current visa expires.
Dependant of a Foreign National Parent
Another option for children to enter the UK and attend school is by entering as a dependant of a foreign national parent who has UK settled status or is in the UK on a work or student visa. However, for parents on student visas, their ability to bring a dependant is contingent on when the parent’s course started. Specifically, for courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, the parent must be studying for a doctorate or a research-based higher degree.
Registration for UK Private Schools
Many independent schools require registration a year or more in advance, especially for competitive schools and popular entry points. Common entry points are at ages 4, 7, 11, 13, and 16.
Key Points to Remember
It is crucial that you start this process well in advance, as it can take a long time. Here are a few key pointers to help you get started with this journey:
- Start researching schools and visa requirements well in advance.
- Ensure the school you choose is a licensed student sponsor.
- Obtain a CAS from the school before applying for a visa.
- Understand the specific visa requirements for your child’s nationality and circumstances.
- Be prepared to demonstrate adequate financial means to support your child’s studies, provide various documents, and make accommodation arrangements.
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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