UK Parent of Child Student Visa: Key Insights and Overview

The United Kingdom boasts world-class educational institutions, drawing students from across the globe. The Parent of Child Student Visa offers parents an ideal opportunity to accompany their children during their studies in the UK. This visa category is designed for parents of international students under the age of 12, attending an independent fee-paying day school in the UK. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the requirements, application process, and key considerations for the Parent of Child Student Visa in the UK.

Updated on March 20, 2023: This article has been revised and updated to reflect the latest information and regulations regarding the Parent of Child Student visa requirements as per Appendix V for Visitors, Immigration Rules.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Parent of Child Student Visa

To apply for a Parent of Child Student Visa, you must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

Your child must be under 12 years old, have a valid Child Student Visa, and be attending an independent fee-paying day school in the UK.
You must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your child without accessing public funds.
You must have suitable accommodation for yourself and your child in the UK.
You must intend to leave the UK when your visa expires.

Parent of Child Student Visa Application Process

The application process for the Parent of Child Student Visa includes the following steps:

Create an online account on the UK government’s visa application website.
Complete the online application form, providing accurate information about your personal details, your child’s details, your financial status, and your accommodation arrangements in the UK.
Pay the visa application fee, which is £531 for the main applicant and an additional £531 for any dependents.
Gather and prepare the necessary supporting documents, as discussed in the Supporting Documents section below.
Attend a biometric appointment to have your fingerprints and photograph taken for your biometric residence permit.
Submit your application and supporting documents to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) office.
Await a decision on your application, which usually takes 3 weeks.

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*What happens next?

Multilingual qualified London based immigration specialists will get back to you, usually within 2-3 working days. If you have not attached any documents, then the UK based Law firm may ask for the relevant Case-Specific Document(s) such as Refusal Letters, Deportation Orders, Application Forms etc. Moreover, after reviewing the papers and information, the legal advisor may advise a course of action and quote the fees for processing the application.

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Supporting Documents for Parent of Child Student Visa Application

When applying for the Parent of Child Student Visa, you’ll need to submit the following supporting documents:

Your current passport or other valid travel identification.
Proof of your child’s enrolment in an independent fee-paying day school in the UK.
Evidence of your financial capacity, such as bank statements or payslips, demonstrating your ability to support yourself and your child without accessing public funds.
Proof of suitable accommodation arrangements for you and your child in the UK.

Duration and Extension of Parent of Child Student Visa

The Parent of Child Student Visa is typically granted for 12 months or until your child finishes their course at the independent fee-paying day school, whichever is shorter. You can apply to extend your visa if your child is still studying at the school and you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Keep in mind that you cannot stay in the UK for more than 12 months on this visa category.

Working and Studying Rights for Parent of Child Student Visa Holders

As a Parent of Child Student Visa holder, you are not allowed to work or study in the UK. Your primary purpose should be to take care of your child while they study in the country.

Bringing Family Members to the UK on a Dependent Visa

You can bring your partner or other dependent children to the UK on a Dependent Visa if they meet the eligibility criteria. They will also need to apply for their visa separately, and you must demonstrate that you can financially support them during their stay in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I work or study in the UK on a Parent of Child Student Visa?
A: No, as a Parent of Child Student Visa holder, you are not allowed to work or study in the UK. Your primary purpose should be to care for your child while they study.

Q: Can I bring my partner and other children to the UK with me?
A: Yes, you can bring your partner or other dependent children on a Dependent Visa if they meet the eligibility criteria. They must apply separately, and you must show that you can financially support them during their stay.

Q: How long is the Parent of Child Student Visa valid for?
A: The visa is usually granted for 12 months or until your child finishes their course at the independent fee-paying day school, whichever is shorter. You can apply for an extension if your child is still studying, and you meet the eligibility criteria.

Q: How long does the visa application process take?
A: The processing time for a Parent of Child Student Visa application is typically 2-3 months.

Q: What is the biometric appointment for?
A: The biometric appointment is for the collection of your fingerprints and photograph, which will be used for your biometric residence permit.

Conclusion

The Parent of Child Student Visa offers a great opportunity for parents to accompany their children while they study in the UK. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, and visa conditions, you can ensure a smooth and successful application. It’s essential to prepare your documents thoroughly and plan your finances to support your family during your stay in the UK.