What is Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an essential electronic document issued by a licensed UK education sponsor (university or college) to international students. It acts as an official confirmation of an unconditional course offer and is required to apply for a UK Student Visa.
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The UK Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique 14-character reference number issued by UK universities via the Home Office Sponsor Management System (SMS). It compiles student details, course data, tuition fee payments, and the academic qualifications used to secure admission.
Deep-Dive & Operational Guidelines
Before you can apply for a UK Student Visa, your university must issue your CAS. To get a CAS, you typically must accept your unconditional offer, pay your initial tuition deposit, and pass the university's internal credibility check.
A CAS is valid for a single student visa application and must be used within six months of its date of issue. If your visa is refused, you must request a new CAS from your university to draft a redraft or reapplication.
The information on your visa application must exactly match the CAS data. This includes details of tuition fees already paid, scholarships received, and English language proficiency scores.
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Book Free AssessmentConfirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed answers regarding compliance guidelines and registration details.
Q. What is a UK Student Visa CAS Letter?
A CAS is a unique digital reference number issued by a UK university confirming they have accepted you as a student and will sponsor your student visa.
Q. How does a university issue a CAS reference number?
The university inputs your details into the Home Office Sponsor Management System (SMS), which generates the unique CAS number once you meet all admission conditions.
Q. Is there an expiry date on a CAS letter?
Yes. A CAS is valid for six months from the date of issue. You must submit your student visa application before the CAS expires.
Q. What are the key details included in a CAS statement?
It contains your name, passport number, course title, start and end dates, tuition fees, deposit paid, and the academic qualifications used to obtain the offer.
Q. Can I apply for my UK visa before receiving my CAS?
No. You must enter your unique CAS reference number in the UK Home Office online visa portal to successfully submit your application.
Q. How much deposit do I need to pay to get my CAS?
Deposit requirements vary by university, typically ranging from £1,000 to £5,000, or a percentage of the first-year tuition fee.
Q. What is a Pre-CAS Credibility Interview?
It is an interview conducted by the university before they issue your CAS to check your intentions, financial preparation, and academic background.
Q. What happens to my CAS if my UK visa application is refused?
The CAS is marked as 'Used' and cannot be reused. You must contact your university, submit the refusal letter, and request a new CAS for any reapplication.
Q. Can a university refuse to issue a CAS after sending an offer letter?
Yes. If you fail their internal credibility interview or do not provide satisfactory financial documents, the university can refuse to issue a CAS.
Q. How long does it take for a UK university to issue a CAS?
It typically takes 5 to 15 working days after you pay your deposit and submit all required financial and academic documents.
Q. Can I hold multiple active CAS numbers at the same time?
No. You can only use one CAS for your visa application. If another university issues a CAS, it may override or conflict with your previous sponsorship.
Q. Do I need to submit paper documents listed on my CAS?
You must upload scanned copies of all academic transcripts and certificates that are listed in the 'Evidence Used to Obtain Offer' section of your CAS.
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