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A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter is an official electronic document issued by UK educational institutions that confirms an international student has been offered and accepted a place on a specific course. It contains your course information, tuition fees, start date, and a unique CAS number required to apply for a UK Student visa.
You cannot apply for a UK Student visa without a valid CAS letter. It is a mandatory requirement set by the UK Home Office, and many students only realise its importance when they reach the visa stage and find that their application cannot proceed without it.
This guide explains what a CAS letter is, why it matters for your UK visa, how the CAS process works, and what to do if there are delays or errors in your CAS details.
What Information Does a CAS Letter Include?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter contains detailed information about you, your chosen course, and your financial status. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) uses this information to assess whether you meet the requirements for a UK Student Visa. It is important to make sure all the information in your CAS is correct and matches the documents you submit with your visa application.
A CAS letter includes:
- Your full name exactly as shown on your passport, along with your passport number
- The official course title and its qualification level (RQF level)
- The confirmed course start and end date
- The total tuition fees for the course and any payments you have already made
- Information about how you met the English language requirement
- The sponsor licence number of the university or college issuing the CAS
Why Is a CAS Letter Required for a UK Student Visa?
A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter is required because it officially confirms that you have been offered and accepted a genuine place at a licensed UK institution.
The UK government, through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), uses the CAS to verify that:
- You have an unconditional offer from a recognised university or college
- The institution is approved to sponsor international students
- Your course meets student visa requirements
- You meet academic and English language conditions
- You have paid the required deposit or tuition fees
Without a valid CAS number, you cannot submit a UK Student Visa application. The CAS acts as proof that you are a genuine student and that a licensed sponsor is taking responsibility for you during your studies.
How to Obtain Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?
To obtain your CAS letter, the university must first verify your admission, review all required documents, receive your tuition deposit, and confirm that you meet all UKVI requirements.
1. Receive and Accept Your Offer
First, you must receive an unconditional offer from a UK university or college of your choice. Once you accept the offer, the institution will begin the CAS preparation process.
2. Submit Required Documents
You may need to provide a copy of your passport, academic certificates & transcripts, English language test results, and financial documents. The university will verify these documents before assigning your CAS.
3. Pay the Required Tuition Deposit
Most universities require you to pay a tuition fee deposit between £2,000 and £5,000 before issuing the CAS. The amount varies by institution and course.
4. University Verifies Your Information
The admissions team checks your academic qualifications, minimum English language requirements, payment confirmation, and the accuracy of your personal information based on your passport details.
5. Complete a CAS Request Form
Many institutions ask students to fill out a pre-CAS questionnaire. This form confirms your personal details, previous visa history (if any), and financial readiness.
6. CAS Issuance
Once everything is verified, the university assigns a CAS number through the UK government system managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You will receive:
- A CAS statement by email
- Your unique CAS number
This CAS number is what you will use when applying for your UK Student Visa.
7. Receive CAS Statement by Email
The university sends your CAS number electronically. It is not a physical certificate.
What Documents Are Required Before CAS Is Issued?
You must submit academic certificates, English test results, a copy of your passport, and financial documents.
Required Documents:
- SEE, +2, Bachelor transcripts
- IELTS or PTE result
- Valid passport
- Personal statement
- Offer letter acceptance form
- Tuition fee deposit receipt
- Bank statement (for financial verification)
Financial Requirement (UKVI 2026 Standard):
You must show:
- Remaining tuition fees for the first year
- Proof of funds to cover the living costs: £1,334 per month in London and £1,023 per month outside London (for up to 9 months).
Always check the official UKVI website for the most recent financial requirements before applying. These figures are subject to change under UKVI updates.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a CAS?
In most cases, universities issue a CAS within 2 to 4 weeks after you have met all conditions, submitted your documents, and paid the required tuition deposit.
The exact timing depends on two things: how quickly you complete the university’s requirements and how busy the university is during that intake season. During peak periods, it may take a little longer, which is why submitting everything as early as possible is important.
Typical Processing Timeline
Although timelines can vary, the process generally follows this pattern:
- Document verification: 5 to 10 working days
- Deposit confirmation: 3 to 5 working days
- CAS generation and approval: 3 to 7 working days
What to Do If Your CAS Is Cancelled?
If your CAS is cancelled, contact your university immediately to ask why it was cancelled. Once you understand the reason, correct the issue and request a new CAS again. Pay any outstanding fees, submit updated documents, or clarify missing information. The university will then review your case and decide whether to issue a new CAS.
Do not apply for a Student visa with a cancelled CAS. UKVI rejects applications with invalid or withdrawn CAS numbers under the Appendix Student rules. Apply only after the university confirms a new, valid CAS number.
Common CAS Delays, Issues & Mistakes to Avoid
CAS-related problems can include incorrect personal details, delayed tuition deposit payments, missing academic documents, or mismatched information between the university application and visa application. These issues can usually be avoided by preparing documents early, checking all details carefully, paying the required deposit on time, and responding quickly to university communication.
- Incorrect Personal Details: Even small errors in your name, date of birth, or passport number can lead to visa refusal because UKVI cross-checks your CAS with your application.
- Delayed Tuition Deposit Payment: Late or pending payments delay CAS issuance, especially during peak intakes such as September and January.
- Unmet Academic Conditions: Failing to submit final transcripts or required certificates prevents the university from issuing your CAS.
- Expired or Missing English Test Results: IELTS or PTE scores must meet university and UKVI requirements; expired results can stop CAS approval.
- Last-Minute Visa Preparation: Waiting too long to request your CAS increases the risk of missing visa timelines.
- Ignoring CAS Draft Review: Not checking your draft CAS for errors may result in incorrect details being submitted to UKVI.
Need help reviewing your CAS before applying?
A quick review of your offer letter, tuition deposit receipt, passport details, and CAS information can prevent small mistakes that may lead to visa delays or refusal. Seek guidance from an experienced UK education consultancy to review your CAS and ensure your visa application is accurate and complete.
FAQs
No, a CAS letter is not the same as an offer letter. An offer letter confirms your admission, while a CAS confirms that the university is officially sponsoring your UK Student visa. You need a CAS number to apply for the visa.
No, you cannot apply without a valid CAS number. The UK Home Office requires the CAS to verify your admission, course details, and sponsor information. Your visa application cannot proceed without it.
A CAS is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued. However, you must use it before it expires, and it can only be used once per visa application.
You receive your CAS after you accept an unconditional offer, submit all required documents, and pay the tuition deposit. Most universities issue it within 2–4 weeks after completing all requirements.
No, a CAS does not guarantee visa approval. UKVI will still check your financial documents, English language requirement, and credibility before making a final decision.
