Who Needs a Nominated Guardian?
Any boarding student under the age of 18 applying under the Child Student visa route is required to have a nominated guardian in the UK.
What Is a Nominated Guardian?
A Nominated Guardian (NG) is:
- Appointed by the student’s parents
- The emergency UK contact for the student
- Responsible for caring for the student outside of term-time (less than 28 days)
- Expected to fulfil specific guardianship duties as set out by the school or college
Who Can Be a Nominated Guardian?
To qualify, the individual must:
- Be over 25
- Hold British citizenship or Settled Status (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Provide a signed Letter of Undertaking (NG Consent Letter)
- Have no serious criminal record, including:
- Convictions with custodial sentences over 12 months
- Persistent or serious offenders
If a guardianship company is used, a named contact must be identified who meets these criteria.
Required Documents
- Passport
- eVisa share code (if not British)
- Completed NG Consent Letter
- Information on other adults in the same household
- Details of other students under their care
- Confirmation of criminal history
Travel Responsibility
Under new UKVI requirements, the college must:
- Collect and record student travel details
- Record who is collecting the student and where the student will stay (if not going directly to school)
- Report if the student fails to enrol
Practical Reminders
- Guardianship details must be submitted before a CAS can be issued
- The NG Consent Letter must accompany other documents prior to the CAS request
- All guardianship and travel forms must be reviewed and submitted promptly
