Student Visa/bring children

Hello,

I am going to be applying for a student visa to study in the UK... is there a way I can bring my lil ones with me while I am enrolled in college? They are young school age.

Thanks a bunch!
Jillian

Hi Jillian!

I work at a UK college in the International Office and we have many students that have brought their children with them.

If they are over 4 they can be placed in schools if you contact the Local Education Council in the town where you will live. I don't think there would be a problem with it as I know many people do it - I just don't have the specifics. Goodluck in your research and with your plans!

Your husband, wife or civil partner and any of your children under 18 can come to the UK with you during your studies, as long as you can support them and live without needing any help from public funds.

Thank you so much for the quick reply... that makes my stress levels drop dramatically... also, since you work in a UK college, is there any restrictions on the course studies?  I am intending to become a teacher and am hoping there arent limitations on my studies that will prevent that.  My lil ones are ages 3-7 so what an exciting "adventure" that will be.

Also... just a thought, I am seperated, so will I need a notarized paper stating they are allowed to travel with me? 

Thanks again!
Jillian

To my knowledge there are no course restrictions. As Kate mentioned, I think you just have to provide evidence that you can support them. We have many mature students on an assortment of courses and none have had any problems bringing their children. I do not know any details about needing to prove they can travel with you, but I'm sure there is information on the visa website. Do you know where in the UK you want to study?

If your former partner has given permission for them to leave the country then no problem.

However were he to object he could apply for full/part custody and refuse to allow international travel without his consent. Much depends on his attitude. If hes ok with it, it may be a wise precaution to get him to make a declaration consenting to his children leaving the country, including the period of time that your course study will take. This should be notarised in the US.

Thank you so much... I can now "breathe in... and out".

I am researching several schools... but will be self funding.  I am researching Guilford and that looks like a good way to start.  I was reading the Visa site and it says I need to get accepted into a degree program before applying for a visa. 

Emily, I am sending a small note to you since you work in the office at a local college there.

Kate thank you so much for the information regarding the babies.. there should be no problems with them coming then! 

Thanks again.
Jillian

If your former partner has given permission for them to leave the country then no problem.

However were he to object he could apply for full/part custody and refuse to allow international travel without his consent. Much depends on his attitude. If hes ok with it, it may be a wise precaution to get him to make a declaration consenting to his children leaving the country, including the period of time that your course study will take. This should be notarised in the US.

Just to say that you do not need to get any declaration from your former partner notorised.

Victoria