UK Guardian Visa: What You Need to Know
The UK Guardian Visa allows parents or legal guardians to accompany their child to the United Kingdom while the child is studying at a UK boarding school or private institution. This visa is essential for families who want to ensure the safety, well-being, and emotional support of their child during their education in the UK.
Who Can Apply for a UK Guardian Visa?
To qualify for a UK Guardian Visa, you must:
- Be the parent or legal guardian of a child under 12 years old (in some cases, up to 18 years old for private care arrangements).
- Have sufficient financial means to support yourself and your child without needing public funds.
- Show proof of the child’s enrolment in a UK private school.
- Demonstrate that you intend to leave the UK when the visa expires.
Main Features of the UK Guardian Visa
- Non-Work Visa:
Guardian visa holders are not allowed to work or engage in business activities in the UK. - Temporary Stay:
This visa is usually granted for the duration of the child’s education, but typically for 6 to 12 months at a time, with the possibility of extension. - Multiple Entry:
Guardian visas usually allow for multiple entries, making it easier to travel between the UK and your home country if needed.
Why Do You Need a Guardian Visa?
UK immigration law requires children under a certain age—especially those studying in boarding schools—to have a designated guardian in the UK. If parents cannot arrange for a local guardian, they may choose to accompany their child using a Parent of a Child Student Visa, commonly referred to as the Guardian Visa.
Required Documents
When applying for a UK Guardian Visa, prepare the following:
- Valid passport
- Proof of relationship to the child (birth certificate, legal guardianship papers)
- Proof of the child’s enrolment in a UK school
- Financial documents showing you can support yourself and your child
- Accommodation details in the UK
- Proof of return travel plans after the child’s education ends
How to Apply for a UK Guardian Visa
1️⃣ Complete the online application on the UK government website
2️⃣ Pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge
3️⃣ Book a biometric appointment for fingerprinting and photograph
4️⃣ Submit your documents to the visa application center
5️⃣ Wait for the decision, usually within a few weeks