A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number your UK university or college assigns to you before you can apply for a UK Student visa. Without a CAS, you cannot submit your visa application.
This guide explains what a CAS is, how your institution assigns it, what it contains, and how to use it when applying for your UK Student visa.
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What Is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?
A CAS is not a physical letter or document. It is a unique reference number that a UK-licensed educational institution assigns to you through the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online system. Think of it as a code that connects your personal details, your course, and your institution in one place.
When you apply for your Student visa online, you enter your CAS number. This automatically pulls your course details, tuition fees, and other key information into your application.
Note: Only institutions with a valid UKVI sponsor licence can assign a CAS. Before accepting an offer, confirm your university or college appears on the UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors.
Who Needs a CAS?
You need a CAS if you are applying for a UK Student visa (previously called the Tier 4 General visa). This applies if you are:
- Studying a course at degree level or above, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs.
- Studying a course below degree level that lasts longer than six months.
- Aged 16 or 17 and studying at an independent school in the UK.
If you are taking an English language course for up to six months, you may qualify for a Short-term Study visa instead. That route does not require a CAS. Check with your institution to confirm which visa applies to your situation.
What Information Does Your CAS Contain?
Your CAS contains the details UKVI uses to assess your Student visa application. Once your institution assigns your CAS, it includes the following:
Note: ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance is required for students from certain countries who are studying sensitive subjects in science, engineering, or technology at postgraduate level. If your CAS flags an ATAS requirement, you must obtain your ATAS certificate before submitting your Student visa application.
How Does Your University Assign Your CAS?
You do not apply for a CAS. Your university or college assigns it to you. The process usually works like this:
- Meet all your offer conditions. Most institutions will only assign a CAS once your offer is unconditional. This typically means submitting your final exam results, English language scores, and any other required documents.
- Complete your institution's CAS request process. Many universities have a dedicated portal or form where you submit your passport details and a photograph. This step is separate from your original application.
- Your institution enters your details into the UKVI system. The institution assigns your CAS through the UKVI Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
- You receive your CAS number by email. Your institution will send your CAS number and a CAS statement letter. The letter summarizes the information attached to your CAS reference number. Keep this document safe.
Tip! Check that your passport details are correct and up to date before submitting your CAS request. If your passport will expire soon, renew it first. Your CAS must be linked to the same passport you use for your Student visa application.
When Will You Receive Your CAS?
Timing varies by institution. Most universities assign a CAS approximately one to three months before the course start date. Some institutions begin earlier, particularly for popular intakes.
You can apply for your Student visa only after receiving your CAS number. Do not pay your visa application fee or book a biometric appointment until you have it.
Warning! Institutions cannot assign a CAS more than six months before your course start date. If you receive your offer early, you may need to wait before your CAS can be issued. Plan your visa application timeline around your expected CAS date, not your offer date.
How Long Is a CAS Valid?
A CAS is valid for six months from the date your institution assigns it. You must submit your Student visa application within this window. If your CAS expires before you apply, you will need to ask your institution to assign a new one.
A CAS can only be used once. Once you submit your visa application, the CAS is consumed. If your visa is refused and you need to reapply, your institution must assign you a new CAS before you can submit another application.
Know what documents to gather
Our UK Student visa guide explains every document you need alongside your CAS to complete your application.
How to Use Your CAS to Apply for a UK Student Visa
Once you have your CAS number, you are ready to start your Student visa application. Here is what to expect:
- Apply online through the UK government website. Complete the Student visa application form at gov.uk. Do not use third-party sites.
- Enter your CAS reference number. The application will ask for this number. Enter it exactly as your institution provided it.
- Prepare your supporting documents. You will need your passport, proof of English language ability, financial evidence, and your CAS statement letter.
- Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Book and attend a biometric appointment. You will give your fingerprints and photograph at a UK Visa Application Centre in your home country.
- Wait for your decision. Processing times vary by country. Apply well before your course starts to allow enough time.
Note: You can apply for your UK Student visa up to six months before your course start date. UKVI recommends applying at least three months before your intended travel date where possible. Check the UK Student visa page on gov.uk for current processing times in your country.
How Much Money Do You Need to Show?
Your Student visa application requires you to show that you have enough funds to cover your remaining tuition and living costs. The amount is calculated like this:
- Start with the tuition fees shown on your CAS.
- Subtract any fees already paid (also shown on your CAS).
- Add the UKVI living cost requirement for your study location and course length.
UKVI sets different living cost figures for London and for locations outside London.
Note: Your funds must have been held in a bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. The closing balance on the most recent statement must show the required amount.
What If There Is a Mistake in Your CAS?
Check your CAS statement letter carefully as soon as you receive it. Compare every detail with your passport and your official offer letter. Errors in your CAS can delay your visa application or lead to a refusal.
If you find an error, contact your institution's international admissions or student visa team immediately. Do not submit your visa application with incorrect CAS information. Your institution can request corrections through the UKVI Sponsorship Management System before your visa appointment.
Warning! Your name, date of birth, and passport number on your CAS must exactly match the details in your passport. Even a small spelling error can cause your visa application to be refused. Report any discrepancy to your institution before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About the CAS
No. Most institutions only assign a CAS after all offer conditions are met. This typically means your final exam results and English language test scores have been submitted and accepted. Contact your institution's international admissions team to confirm their policy.
If your CAS expires before you submit your Student visa application, you need to contact your institution and ask them to assign a new one. You cannot use an expired CAS. Reach out to your institution's international student visa team as soon as possible.
No. A CAS is tied to a specific institution and course. If you change your university or program, your original institution will withdraw your CAS and your new institution will need to assign you a new one. Make sure you have received your new CAS before submitting your visa application.
No. Once you use a CAS to submit a visa application, it is consumed, even if your application is refused or withdrawn. If you reapply, contact your institution to request a new CAS before you start your next application.
Yes. If you need to extend your time in the UK to complete your course, your institution will need to assign you a new CAS before you apply for a visa extension or a new Student visa. Contact your institution's student visa or international office as early as possible.
Receiving your CAS is a major milestone on your path to studying in the UK. With it in hand, you are one step away from submitting your Student visa application. If you applied through ApplyBoard, your counsellor can help you check your documents and understand each step before you apply.
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