help with application for 14 yo niece visiting uk for 6weeks

[tusken]

I would be grateful for some advice please on this application, particularly because my niece is only 14 years old and the plan is for her to travel unaccompanied to the UK, to stay with me for 6 weeks this summer, because her mother will be working in China.

I am chinese and have indefinite leave to remain in the UK (my spouse is a UK national). The plan is for my niece, who is 14.5 years old and resident in China, to come and stay with us in our home for 6 weeks this summer (the trip to be funded by us). Previously, my parents have also stayed with us (again funded by us) so we are familar with the documents that need to be provided to show evidence of our funds ,and suitability of accommodation. Reading the guidance for our nieces visa, which will just be a standard visitor visa application it appears because she would not fit within the family visa category, the main areas which we need advice on are as follows:
1. she will be travelling unaccompanied. At 14.5 years old is this likely to be refused - and what evidence needs to be provided? We are aware of the letter of consent that needs to be provided by her mother and guardian -anything else?
2. The guidance states that she requires a letter from her school to state that the school is aware of the foster care arrangements and that the school will contact the local authority here. We find the second part of this requirement bizarre -it is the school holiday so why is this (apparently) an absolute requirement? Does anyone have any experience of this as such documents are extremely hard to obtain in China and could take months, if at all to obtain. The china school may well refuse to get involved in contacting a UK council.
3. are there any other common pitfalls to avoid, documents to be provided, where minors come to stay unaccompanied? -i could not find any guidance on this aspect.
4. My husband and I work full time, although we do plan to take time off to be with my niece, obviously - but there will inevitably be times over the six week period where my niece will be in the home alone during the day. Given that the Home Office need very little excuse to find a reason for refusal -do you think this will give them a reason?

thanks in advance for any help

[reabs]

This is an interesting question. Can anyone shed light on it or maybe the OP has found a solution?