Key takeaways
- CAS is an essential document issued by UK universities. The CAS letter contains a unique 14-digit CAS number, which is mandatory to apply for a student visa.
- You can apply for the CAS letter after accepting the course offer from the university and meeting other conditions required by the university.
- While applying for the CAS, ensure that you provide accurate information and submit all required documents to avoid delays.
- Once you receive the CAS letter, check it carefully. Errors in the CAS letter can result in a delay in your visa processing or rejection of your visa.
- If you spot any errors in the CAS letter, contact the university’s admissions team immediately.
- The CAS letter is valid for 6 months.
Studying in the UK is a great choice for a bright and promising future. But before you start your journey to the UK, there are several formalities you need to complete, like applying for the UK student visa. Needless to say, an essential prerequisite to applying for a student visa is obtaining the CAS.
You might be having several questions about the CAS. What does a CAS mean? How do I apply? and many more concerns. Not to worry, we’ll provide you with a clear picture of CAS, guide you on how to apply for the CAS, and also help you in dealing with delays and other roadblocks.
Table of Contents
- The crucial role of CAS in UK university admissions
- How to obtain CAS from a university
- What is the CAS number
- Common issues in obtaining the CAS and the solutions
- How to address delays in obtaining CAS
- How to address errors in the CAS letter
- Next steps after receiving your CAS
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
The crucial role of CAS in UK university admissions
CAS is a secure electronic document issued by a UK-based university and is mandatory for applying for your student visa. It contains a unique 14-digit reference number, known as the CAS number. Apart from this, the document contains other information like your personal details, course of study, course duration, and fees. The CAS letter is valid for only 6 months.
The CAS number stores all your details in secure databases. These details can be accessed by the university and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The UKVI uses the CAS number as a reference for confirming that you are enrolled in an approved academic institution and meet all the criteria for studying in the UK.
Without the CAS number, you cannot apply for a UK student visa. So, we recommend that you apply early to avoid delays in your visa processing.
How to obtain CAS from a university
If you have accepted an offer from a UK university, you can apply to the university and obtain a CAS. Usually, CAS applications should be made within 90 working days of the course start date. However, it’s possible to delay the application if you make an extension request and the university grants the same.
Follow the below steps to obtain a CAS letter from your university.
- Application: Apply to the university for your desired course.
- Accept the offer: Once you receive the offer from the university, accept it. Check the conditions attached to the offer and ensure that you meet all the conditions.
- Pay the tuition deposit: The deposit requirement varies from university to university. Most universities will require you to pay a portion of your tuition fee.
- Submit the necessary documents: You will need to submit the required documents, which include the academic marksheets, updated passports, proof of English language proficiency, and other required credentials.
- Receipt of CAS letter: Once you have successfully completed the application, the university will confirm your details and issue the CAS letter. You’ll receive it via email a few weeks before your course commencement.
| Note: Please double-check and ensure that you provide accurate information and submit all necessary documents. Errors in the CAS letter can result in the rejection of your student visa. |
The time required to receive the CAS letter may vary based on the university. Typically,
you’ll receive the CAS letter via email two or three months before your course starts. You might receive CAS letters from multiple universities. In that case, you can choose any one of them while applying for your student visa.
What is the CAS number
The CAS number is a 14-digit unique number that’s embedded in the CAS letter. It stores your details securely in databases that are accessible to the university and UKVI.
The purpose of the CAS number is to help authorities verify that you meet the eligibility criteria of an approved UK university and that you are a genuine international student. The details in the CAS number are accessed and cross-checked by the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) during your visa process.
Let’s understand more about the CAS letter:
- 14-digit unique CAS reference number
- Course details such as the course name, start and end dates
- Details about the university or educational institution that issued the CAS
- Personal details like your name and passport number
- English language proficiency scores
- Tuition fee details like the course fee, scholarships, and partial tuition fee paid
- Any course requirements you must meet before the commencement of the course
Common issues in obtaining the CAS and the solutions
It’s essential to receive the CAS on time to apply for a student visa. However, obtaining the CAS could sometimes become a complicated process. You might run into many issues, like delays in receiving the CAS and errors in the CAS letter you received. So, let’s understand how to avoid these issues and obtain the CAS smoothly.
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How to address delays in obtaining CAS
Your CAS letter can get delayed due to several reasons, like incomplete details, inaccurate information in the application, the university’s administrative backlog, or issues in verifying your credentials.
If your CAS letter is delayed, act promptly to avoid complications with your visa application.
- Contact the university’s admissions office to know about the status of your application.
- You can speed up the process by paying additional fees to the university.
- Ensure that you have submitted all the required documents and have paid the deposit fee.
- Verify that there are no other outstanding issues from your side.
How to address errors in the CAS letter
The CAS letter you receive might contain errors. This could significantly impact your visa application as the errors in the CAS delay the visa processing, raise concerns about your authenticity, and even lead to visa rejection. You might need to reapply, which can be time-consuming and also stressful.
So, once you receive the CAS letter, review it carefully. Some of the common errors that can happen include spelling errors in your name, wrong course details, or wrong course duration.
If you notice any errors in the CAS letter, contact the university’s admission office immediately. Provide your application reference number and explain the errors in the CAS letter. You might need to provide documents or other evidence to support your request to correct the errors.
Here are a few tips for ensuring that your CAS process goes smoothly
- Verify the information before you submit the application. The details should match the information in the documents, like the passport or academic credentials.
- Submit all the required documents.
- Follow up regularly and check the status of your application. If you notice any errors, address them immediately through the university or the Home Office.
Next steps after receiving your CAS
Now that you’ve received your CAS, the next step in your study abroad journey is to apply for your UK student visa.
While applying for the visa, make sure that you enter the CAS number accurately in the application form and fill out all the required information. Also ensure to submit the necessary documents, like the English language proficiency proof and financial statements.
Keep in mind that your CAS is valid only for a period of 6 months. Therefore, it’s best to apply for the visa as soon as you receive the CAS and avoid last-minute stress.
Final thoughts
The Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) is a crucial document in your UK student visa process. Without the CAS, you cannot apply for a student visa. It’s issued by the university where you have been accepted into a course.
When you apply for the CAS, please ensure that you have provided all information correctly to avoid delays in CAS processing. It’s also essential to review the CAS document carefully after receiving it so that you can spot the errors and correct them promptly. Since the CAS is an important document for your study abroad journey, apply early to receive it on time and avoid last-minute stress.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for my CAS number directly to the UK Home Office?
No. You can apply for the CAS number only through an approved student sponsor or university. To apply for a CAS number, you must have an unconditional offer from the student sponsor.
Why was my CAS application rejected?
Your CAS application might get rejected for many reasons, like providing inaccurate information or not submitting the required documents. Further, there is also a possibility of your application being rejected if you do not meet UKVI’s criteria or the admission requirements of the university.
Does CAS guarantee a student visa?
Getting the CAS is an important prerequisite to applying for your UK student visa. However, receiving the CAS letter does not guarantee you a student visa. It depends on several other factors, like your financial capabilities or the visa requirement compliance.
