Child student visa (Tier 4)

Extend your visa

You may be able to apply to extend your stay in the UK under a Tier 4 (Child) visa.

You must:

  • meet the eligibility requirements of this visa
  • already be in the UK
  • be sponsored by an independent school

When to apply

You must apply:

You can stay in the UK until you get your decision.

Fees

For each person, you’ll need to pay:

A decision will usually be made within 8 weeks if you use the standard service.

Get a faster decision on your application

If you want to get a decision more quickly, you can pay an extra £500 for the priority service to get a decision within 5 working days.

You can pay an extra £800 for the super priority service to get a decision:

  • by the end of the next working day after providing your biometric information if your appointment is on a weekday
  • 2 working days after providing your biometric information if your appointment is at the weekend

Working days are Monday to Friday, not including bank holidays.

Once you’ve got your decision letter, your biometric residence permit will take up to 10 working days to arrive.

Apply

You must apply online.

Providing biometric information and supporting documents

When you apply, you’ll be asked to make an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and a photo).

You’ll also need to submit your supporting documents. You can:

  • upload them into the online service
  • have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment

You must not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.

What happens next

You’ll be contacted if your application is complex and will take longer, for example because:

  • your supporting documents need to be verified
  • you need to attend an interview
  • of your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
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Part of Study in the UK on a child student visa (Tier 4)

  1. Step 1 Check if this visa is right for you

    You might be eligible for different visas depending on:

    • where you'll be studying
    • how long your course is
    • how old you are
    1. Check which visas you're eligible for
    2. Check what you can and can't do on this visa
    3. Check what courses you can study on this visa

  2. Step 2 Prepare the evidence you need

    1. Check what documents you can use as evidence
    2. Check if you need a TB test

  3. Step 3 Apply from outside the UK

    1. Apply from outside the UK and book an appointment £348
    2. Check where your visa appointment will be

    You should get a decision within 3 weeks of your appointment. You may be able to pay more to get a decision faster.

  4. or Apply from inside the UK

    1. You are currently viewing: Apply to extend if you're already in the UK on a Tier 4 (Child) visa £475
    2. Apply to switch to this visa if you're already in the UK £475

    You should get a decision within 8 weeks from when you apply. You may be able to pay more to get a decision faster.

  5. Step 4 Attend an appointment

    You'll be told when you apply if you need to bring anything to your appointment.

    At your appointment you’ll have your fingerprints and photograph (‘biometric information’) taken.

    You'll be told when a decision has been made about your visa.

  6. Step 5 Check what you can bring with you to the UK

    1. Check what you can bring in your hand luggage
    2. Check what to do if you're bringing cash with you
    3. Check what goods you can bring with you
    4. Check what food, animals or plants you can bring into the UK

  7. Step 6 Check what you need to show at the UK border

    1. Check what you need to show at the UK border

    If you're not accompanied by an adult, the official at the border will check that you know where you're going and how you're getting there.

    If you said in your application that you would be accompanied by an adult, they need to be with you when you arrive at the border.

  8. Step 7 After you arrive in the UK

    1. Find out how to get your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

    If you applied from outside the UK, your BRP will need to be collected within 10 days of you arriving. Check your BRP to find out when you must leave the UK.

    If you break the conditions of your visa you may not be able to return to the UK again.

    You might be able to extend your visa once you're in the UK.

    1. You are currently viewing: Check if you can extend your visa