UK CHILD STUDENT VISA FOR SWISS RESIDENTS

The UK Child Student Visa allows Swiss (and non-Swiss) children residing in Switzerland aged 4 to 17 to study at an independent school in the UK, which must be a Home Office approved student sponsor.

If you are a Swiss citizen (or non-Swiss citizen) residing in Switzerland who is 18 or older and want to pursue further or higher education in the UK, you should apply for a UK Student Visa instead. For those aged 16 or 17, you can choose to apply either as a Child Student at an independent school or as a Student if your course is at or above Level 3 of the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

Requirements for a UK Child Student Visa in Switzerland

To qualify for a UK Child Student Visa in Switzerland you must meet the following criteria set by UK Visas and Immigration:

• Age: Be aged between 4 and 17.

• Course Offer: Have an unconditional offer for an approved course of study at an independent school in the UK with a valid student sponsor licence.

• Care Arrangements: Have suitable arrangements for your care and reception in the UK.

• Financial Sufficiency: Have sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for your course without relying on public funds.

• Parental Consent: Have the consent of your parent(s) or legal guardian.

Specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. Consulting with a specialist UK immigration lawyer is advisable for tailored advice.

Course Requirements for a UK Child Student Visa from Switzerland

Child Student Visa applicants from Switzerland can apply to study the following courses in the UK:

• Courses taught according to the National Curriculum.

• Courses aligned with the Recognised Qualification Framework (RQF), excluding foundation courses intended for higher education preparation.

• Courses equivalent in academic status to the above, as accepted by Ofsted (England), the Education and Training Inspectorate (Northern Ireland), Education Scotland (Scotland), or Estyn (Wales).

• Courses provided according to prevailing Independent School education inspection standards.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for Swiss School Students

Once offered a place at an approved independent school in the UK, your education provider will send you a CAS reference number.

• The CAS must be from a UK student sponsor with a valid licence.

• Apply for your UK Child Student Visa within 6 months of receiving your CAS.

• The CAS must not have been used in a previous application that was granted or refused, and the offer must not be withdrawn by the institution.

The CAS will include details about the course, accommodation costs, tuition fees, and any payments made.

Financial Requirement for a UK Child Student Visa for a Swiss International Student in the UK

Students from Switzerland who wish to study at an independent fee-paying school in the UK need to prove that they have enough funds to cover their course fees and living costs.

Course Fees: You must show funds to cover outstanding course fees for one academic year.

Living Costs: The required amount depends on your living arrangements:

• Boarding at a residential independent school: Boarding fees for one academic year.

• Living with a private foster carer or close relative with British citizenship or ILR: £570 per month for each month of the course, up to 9 months.

• Living with a parent/guardian holding a Parent of a Child Student Visa: £1,560 per month for each month of the course, up to 9 months, plus £625 per month per additional child for up to 9 months.

• Aged 16 or 17 living independently: £1,334 per month for studying in London, or £1,023 per month for studying outside London, up to 9 months.

You must have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your application date.

Special Categories

These applicants from Switzerland will automatically satisfy the financial requirement:

• Those with valid leave in the UK for at least 12 months prior to the application.

• British Nationals (Overseas) or those from specified countries subject to the 'differential evidence requirement.' Such applicants must still hold the required funds as UKVI may request evidence.

Genuine Student Rule for Swiss Residents

If you are 16 or 17 and a Swiss resident, you must satisfy the genuine student requirement. This includes an assessment of your immigration and education history, course details, reasons for studying in the UK, future plans, and personal and financial circumstances.

Switching into the Child Student Route

As a Swiss national (or non-Swiss national) you can switch to the Child Student route if you have valid leave to remain in the UK, provided you were not last granted permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, or outside the Immigration Rules.

Apply for a Child Student Visa in Switzerland

From Switzerland: Apply no more than 6 months before your course start date.

From inside the UK: Apply no more than 3 months before your course start date. Your course must begin within 28 days after your current leave expires.

Child Student Visa Processing Times in Switzerland

From Switzerland: Decision typically within 3 weeks.

From inside the UK: Decision typically within 8 weeks.

Travel from Switzerland to the UK on a Child Student Visa

If approved, you can travel from Switzerland to the UK up to 1 month before your course starts. If less than 1 month remains before the start date, travel is allowed 7 days prior.

Duration of Stay on a UK Child Student Visa

• Under 16: Visa valid for the course duration or up to 6 years, whichever is shorter.

• Aged 16 or 17: Visa valid for the course duration or up to 3 years, whichever is shorter.

Working on a UK Child Student Visa

If you are from Switzerland and 16 or older, you can work up to 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.

Extension of Stay as a Child Student

To extend your stay, you must:

• Be in the UK.

• Be aged 4-17.

• Be sponsored by an independent school.

• Have an unconditional offer for a course.

• Have sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for the course.

Settlement in the UK as a Child Student

The Child Student route does not lead to settlement.

Switching into the Student Route

Child Student Visa holders from Switzerland can switch to the Student route.

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services for Swiss nationals (and non-Swiss nationals) residing in Switzerland encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our UK immigration lawyers assist international child students and their families in moving to or extending their stay in the UK for education. Our experts can help you navigate the complex Home Office rules and policies, providing clear and reliable advice in a professional and friendly manner.

To discuss your UK Child Student visa application with one of our UK immigration lawyers in Switzerland, contact us on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form.