[shadia90292]

Does anyone know if it is possible to get a student visa to England together with a child. I don't want to leave my daughter behind, so I was hoping someone could shed some light on this? Please let me know if you have any ideas what I can do. Thanks so much.

[Cookie]

Its possible. You have 2 options if you have the cash (for tuition, living expenses, etc)

1. Assuming the child needs to be looked after, you can pay for childcare while you are in classes or away from home. Will cost upto 100 pounds per week (mon-fri). the younger the child the more expensive.

2. Travel with a maid. you will have to apply for the 3 visas all at once. You will have to prove that the maid has been your employee for at least one yr. you should show proof of continued employment in the UK (contract, funds). You will be both be required to pay taxes for the salary plus social security/national insurance. the maid gets a one yr visa, renewable if taxes have been paid.

if you are going for one yr or less, option number 2 is fine if you have a lot of money to spare (dont pay taxes and come back before maids visa expires). it might be cheaper to travel to kenya every 4 months to see your kid.

if you are going for more than 1 yr, option 1 is 'cheaper'.

I know 1 person who opted for option 1 and has retuned to kenya and another who opted for option 2 and now the maid is staying in the UK illegally as renewal of the visa was impossible without paying taxes.