Tier 4 Child Student Visa

There are two types of Tier 4 leave: Tier 4 (General) and Tier 4 (Child). Those aged eighteen or over must apply in the Tier 4 (General) category. Children under the age of sixteen must apply in the Tier 4 (Child) category – see Tier 4 General Student information page.

The Tier 4 (Child) student category is for children aged 4-17 coming to the UK for education and they must be applying to study at an independent fee-paying school. Child students who turn 18 during their course can continue their course until completion.

Those aged 16-17 can, with the agreement of their Tier 4 sponsor, apply in either the General or Child category (although you must apply as a Tier 4 Child student if you wish to study at or below Level 2 of the National Qualifications framework). This will depend on the type of institution, the type of Tier 4 licence the institution holds and the level of the course.

Child students do not need to show an English language ability but must be accepted on an appropriate course by their Tier 4 sponsor.

Note, Tier 4 Child students cannot study a dedicated English language course although English language can be part of a broader study curriculum. Children wishing to study English can apply as a ‘short-term student child’ in order to study English for up to six months.

Length of stay in the UK

Children under 16 years old who hold a Tier 4 Child Visa can be given up to the six years’ stay in the UK, although for no longer than the length of their course. They will also be given an additional four months after the end of the course.

Tier 4 Child Student Visa rules allow them to come to the UK up to one month before the course start date.

Care arrangements and parental control

Suitable care arrangements must be in place before a Tier 4 (Child) student would be granted leave to enter or remain in the UK. An adult close relative or a private foster carer approved by the UK local authority can act as a carer. Students who hold a Tier 4 Child Student Visa also need their parents’ permission to travel to the UK and, if aged 16 or 17 and living independently, must further have their parents’ written consent to their independent living arrangements.

Maintenance funds

Funds can be shown in the student’s or the parent’s accounts. As with all Tier 4 Child Visa applications, the required funds must be held for a consecutive 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before the date of application. All Tier 4 (Child) students must show they have funds for the course fees. The additional maintenance funds required depends on the care arrangements of the child. (Note, Tier 4 Child students are in certain circumstances not required to show as much in maintenance funds as Tier 4 General students.)

Those Tier 4 (Child) students who will attend a boarding school must show course and accommodation fees for the first year of their course.

If staying with a carer who provides accommodation, the carer must show they have £570 for each month of the course up to a maximum of nine months.

If under the age of 12 and being accompanied by a parent to the UK, there must be £1560 for every month of the course to a maximum of nine months.

If aged 16 or 17 and living independently, the student must show a balance of £1265 for each month of the course up to a maximum of nine months, if studying in London. If studying outside London, the amount is £1015 for each month.

Extensions of stay

Tier 4 Child students under the age of 16 can apply to extend their stay in the UK to a maximum of six years, if the relevant requirements are met, and can switch into the Tier 4 General category inside the UK. Children aged 16 or over can apply to extend their stay for a maximum of three years. This route does not lead to settlement.

Our Service

We can provide Tier 4 Child Student Visa guidance with all stages of the process and fully prepare the application on behalf of the client. Our Tier 4 Child Student Visa lawyers will advise on the merits at the outset and make clear the legal and evidential requirements so that the application is set up on the best footing from the very start. We of course advise on all the supporting documents and evidence required and take the client through the immigration process from start to finish.

Our Tier 4 Child Student Visa solicitors can assist with templates for documents specified by the Rules and deal with third parties where necessary and we aim to make the whole process as smooth as possible. If there are any issues in your immigration matter you will know before applying and we can help best overcome them. In short, we prevent mistakes and ensure any application meets the requirements of the Tier 4 Child Student Visa rules. We are here to help you safely navigate your way through the UK immigration process.

Contact our Tier 4 Child Student Visa Solicitors London, UK

Qore Legal  is based in Central London and we assist clients from throughout England. We also specialise in immigration services for Chinese companies and individuals. For further Tier 4 Child Visa guidance, please contact a Tier 4 Child Student Visa solicitor at Qore Legal – call 020 3946 2560, email info@qorelegal.co.uk or use our online contact form.