The full form of CAS is Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
Understanding Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
The CAS, or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, is a unique electronic document issued by a licensed UK education provider to international students. It serves as crucial evidence that an educational institution has officially offered you a place on a course and that you have accepted it. This confirmation is absolutely essential for anyone applying for a Student visa to study in the United Kingdom.
Why is a CAS Important for International Students?
Without a valid CAS, international students cannot successfully apply for a UK Student visa. It acts as a digital reference number linked to your visa application, allowing UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to verify that you meet the academic entry requirements and have been genuinely accepted by a registered sponsor institution.
Key aspects of a CAS:
- Proof of Acceptance: Confirms your place on a specific course at a UK institution.
- Unique Reference Number: A 14-digit alphanumeric code that is central to your visa application.
- Time-Sensitive: A CAS is only valid for six months from the date it's issued or for one month after the course start date, whichever comes first. You must apply for your visa before it expires.
- One-Time Use: Each CAS can only be used for a single visa application. If your application is refused, you might need a new CAS for a reapplication.
Key Information Contained in a CAS Statement
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is not a physical certificate but a virtual document with specific details that the UKVI can access. When your sponsoring institution issues your CAS, they send you a CAS statement, which is a document containing all the information linked to your unique CAS number.
This statement typically includes:
- Your Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Sponsor Licence Number: The unique licence number of your sponsoring educational institution.
- Course Information: Title of the course, academic level (e.g., Bachelor's, Master's), start and end dates, and the total tuition fees.
- Course Location: The primary address where you will be studying.
- Tuition Fees Paid: Any amount of tuition fees you have already paid to the institution.
- Accommodation Fees Paid: If applicable, any accommodation fees paid through the institution.
- Academic Progression: If you are extending your visa in the UK, the CAS will confirm that your new course represents academic progression from your previous one.
- Documents Used: A list of documents the university assessed to offer you a place (e.g., academic transcripts, English language test results).
The CAS Issuance Process
The process of obtaining a CAS typically involves several steps:
- Application and Offer: You apply to a UK university or college and receive an unconditional offer of admission.
- Offer Acceptance: You formally accept the offer and often pay a deposit for your tuition fees.
- Pre-CAS Checks: The institution will usually conduct internal checks, such as verifying your financial documents and academic qualifications, to ensure you meet the visa requirements.
- CAS Issuance: Once all checks are complete and your place is confirmed, the institution will assign a CAS to you through the UKVI sponsor management system. They will then send you a CAS statement via email.
It's crucial to review your CAS statement carefully for any errors as soon as you receive it. Any discrepancies could lead to delays or refusal of your visa application.
Important Considerations for Your CAS
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Validity Period | Valid for 6 months from issuance or 1 month after the course start date (whichever is earlier). You must apply for your visa within this window. |
| Accuracy is Key | Ensure all personal details, course information, and financial records on your CAS statement precisely match your visa application documents. Minor errors can cause significant delays. |
| Financial Evidence | While the CAS indicates paid fees, you must still demonstrate you have sufficient funds for remaining tuition and living costs, as specified by UKVI, held in your bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. |
| Academic Progression | If you are already in the UK on a Student visa, your new course must typically be at a higher academic level than your previous one, unless specific exceptions apply (e.g., completing a PhD after a Master's). |
| Change of Course | If you decide to change your course after receiving a CAS, your institution will likely need to withdraw your existing CAS and issue a new one, which can impact your visa application timeline. |
For more detailed and up-to-date information on Student visas and CAS, always refer to the official UK government website: Gov.uk - Student visa and Gov.uk - Guidance for sponsors: Student and Child Student routes.
