Navigating the path to studying in the United Kingdom can feel complex, but understanding one key document makes the entire process clearer: the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). As you plan for your 2026-2027 academic journey, this guide will serve as your single most authoritative resource on the CAS letter UK, a critical component for your student visa application.
Think of the CAS not just as a letter, but as the golden key that connects your university offer to your official visa application. It’s the proof the UK Home Office needs to see that a licensed student sponsor has accepted you for a full-time course. Without it, your student visa application cannot proceed.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what a CAS is, the step-by-step process to secure one, the documents you’ll need, and how to avoid common pitfalls that can cause delays or rejections.
Decoding the CAS: What is a CAS Letter for a UK Student Visa?
First, let’s clarify the terminology. The CAS full form in UK is “Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies“. While often referred to as a CAS letter, it’s not a physical letter that you’ll receive in the mail. Instead, it is a unique digital reference number and an electronic document, often referred to as a CAS statement, provided by your chosen university.
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This statement is generated by a UK university that holds a Student Sponsor licence from the UK government. It confirms to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you are a genuine student who has met all the necessary conditions to be accepted onto a specific course.
It's crucial to understand that a CAS is different from your university offer letter. The offer letter is the university's invitation to you; the CAS is the university's official endorsement of you to the UK government for visa purposes. The information on your CAS statement is vital, as it directly informs the details of your visa application.
How to Get a CAS for the UK in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Securing your CAS is a sequential process that begins right after you've decided which UK university you'll be attending. Here’s a breakdown of the typical journey for the 2026-2027 intake.
Step 1: Receive and Accept an Unconditional Offer
Before a university can issue a CAS, you must hold an unconditional offer from them. This means you have met all academic and English language requirements. Once you have this offer, you must formally accept it through the university's portal and, in most cases, pay a tuition fee deposit.
Step 2: Complete Pre-CAS Checks
Universities have a duty to the UK Home Office to ensure they are sponsoring genuine students. To do this, they will conduct pre-CAS checks. This often involves you completing a questionnaire or form where you confirm your personal details, immigration history, and financial standing. Be prepared to provide accurate information.
Step 3: Gather Your Essential Documents
This is the most critical stage. You will need to submit a portfolio of documents to your university so they can verify your information and issue the CAS. They need to be confident that your subsequent visa application will be successful.
Step 4: The Credibility Interview (If Required)
Don't be surprised if the university requests a brief video interview. This is a standard part of the genuineness assessment. They want to hear about your study plans, why you chose your course and the UK, and how you are funding your education. Prepare for this just as you would for a formal interview.
Step 5: Receive Your CAS Statement
Once the university is satisfied with your documents and interview (if applicable), they will issue your CAS. You will receive a CAS statement, typically as a PDF, containing your unique CAS number and all the information they have provided to the Home Office. Review this document meticulously for any errors in your name, date of birth, course details, or fees.
CAS Letter UK Requirements for Indian Students in 2026
Preparing your documents in advance is key to a smooth process. While each university might have slight variations, the core CAS letter UK requirements are standard across the board.
- Valid Passport: A clear, readable copy of your current passport.
- Academic Transcripts: All mark sheets, certificates, and transcripts for qualifications listed in your university application (e.g., Class 12, Bachelor's degree).
- English Language Proficiency: Your certificate from an approved test like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, showing you meet the required score.
- Financial Evidence: Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your first year's tuition fees and living costs. This can be in the form of bank statements or a loan sanction letter. Understanding the cost of studying in the UK and the cost of living in the UK is essential for this step.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate: If you are applying from India, a valid TB test certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic is mandatory.
- ATAS Certificate (If applicable): Students applying for certain sensitive postgraduate science and technology subjects may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
CAS Letter UK Sample for Indian Students
| University Name & Logo University of London Senate House, Malet Street London, WC1E 7HU United Kingdom Date of Issue: 15 August 2025 CAS Reference Number: A1234567890 Student Details Full Name: John Doe Date of Birth: 12 March 2003 Nationality: Indian Passport Number: N1234567 Course Details Course Title: MSc Data Science Course Level: RQF Level 7 (Postgraduate) Mode of Study: Full-time Course Start Date: 25 September 2025 Course End Date: 24 September 2026 Location of Study: University of London, Bloomsbury Campus Financial Information Tuition Fees for the Course: £20,000 Tuition Fees Paid: £5,000 (deposit received) Outstanding Balance: £15,000 ATAS Requirement This course does not require ATAS clearance. Sponsor Licence Details The University of London is a licensed Student Sponsor approved by UK Visas and Immigration. Important Notes This CAS is valid only for one visa application. You must use this CAS number while applying for your UK Student Visa. Ensure that all personal and course details are correct. Contact the admissions office immediately if corrections are needed. Authorised by: Admissions Office University of London |
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Common Reasons for CAS Rejection and How to Prevent Them
A university can refuse to issue a CAS if they are not confident you will be granted a student visa. Here are the most common reasons for rejection and how you can proactively avoid them.
Financial Discrepancies
This is a primary reason for refusal. You must demonstrate that you have the required funds held in an acceptable format for the specified period (usually 28 consecutive days). Using unacceptable financial institutions or having unexplained large deposits can raise red flags.
Inconsistent Information
The details across your university application, CAS request form, and financial documents must be perfectly aligned. Any inconsistencies, even minor ones in names or dates, can lead to a refusal. Double-check every single detail.
Doubts About Genuineness
If a university feels you are not a genuine student whose primary intention is to study, they will not issue a CAS. This is often assessed during the credibility interview. Be clear and passionate about your academic and career goals.
Missing Deadlines or Incomplete Submissions
Universities operate on strict timelines, especially concerning the CAS letter processing time in UK. Submitting documents late or providing an incomplete application can lead to an automatic refusal as the deadline for visa applications approaches.
Understanding Your CAS Timeline: Processing Time and Validity
Once you have submitted all required documents correctly, the CAS letter processing time in UK can range from 5 working days to 3-4 weeks, depending on the university and the time of year. Peak season (June-August) often sees longer wait times.
Crucially, a CAS number is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued. However, you can only use it for one visa application. If your visa application is refused, you will need to request a new CAS from your university to apply again. Should your visa application be delayed for any reason, it's vital to contact your university's international office immediately. They will advise on the best course of action, which could involve deferring your start date.
After Your CAS: The Next Steps to Your UK Journey
Receiving your CAS is a massive milestone, but it's not the final step. It is the key that unlocks the final stage: your official Student Visa application. You will input your unique CAS number into the online visa application form, which will auto-populate all the course and university details submitted by your sponsor.
This is the time to start planning for your future. Research your options for part-time work while you study and explore the promising jobs in the UK available to graduates. Understanding the Post-Study Work Visa UK will also be crucial for your long-term career planning. For a holistic view of what studying in the UK entails, explore our comprehensive guide on the UK for international students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the CAS Letter UK
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How can I get CAS in the UK?
To get a CAS, you must first receive and accept an unconditional offer from a UK university with a Student Sponsor licence. You then need to pay your deposit, pass the university's pre-CAS checks, and submit all required documents, including academic, financial, and identity proofs.
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Who is eligible for CAS?
Any international student who has received an unconditional offer for a full-time course from a licensed UK university is eligible for CAS. You must also demonstrate that you are a genuine student with the financial capacity to fund your studies and living expenses in the UK.
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Why is CAS being rejected?
A CAS can be rejected by the university if there are inconsistencies in your application, you fail to provide adequate proof of funds, or they doubt your genuineness as a student. Failing a credibility interview or submitting fraudulent documents are also firm grounds for rejection.
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What do you mean by CAS in the UK?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is a unique reference number and an electronic statement issued by your university directly to the UK Home Office. It confirms that you have been accepted onto a course and is a mandatory requirement for your Student Visa application.
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Does CAS guarantee a UK visa?
No, a CAS does not guarantee a visa. It is an essential prerequisite for the visa application, confirming you have a valid place at an institution. The final decision rests with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), who will conduct their own checks on your application and documentation.
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Is a TB test required for CAS?
While the TB test certificate itself is a visa requirement, most universities will ask to see a valid certificate before issuing the CAS. They do this to ensure your subsequent visa application will be successful. It's best to have it ready for your CAS application.
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Do I need IELTS for CAS?
Yes, in most cases. You need to prove you meet the English language requirements of your course. Submitting a valid IELTS certificate (or another Secure English Language Test) is a standard part of the CAS application process, as this is also a visa requirement.
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What is the time limit for CAS?
A CAS number is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. You must use it to apply for your student visa within this period. You cannot use a CAS that is more than 6 months old.
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Why am I not eligible for CAS?
You may be deemed ineligible for a CAS if you cannot meet the academic or financial conditions of your offer, have a poor immigration history in the UK, or if the university is not convinced you are a genuine student. Not having an unconditional offer is the most common initial reason.
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Can I apply for a visa without CAS?
No. It is impossible to apply for a UK Student Visa without a valid CAS number. The CAS is the foundational piece of evidence that links your application to your sponsoring institution and confirms your eligibility to study.
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What is the most common visa rejection?
The most common reasons for student visa rejection, even with a valid CAS, are related to financial evidence. This includes failing to show sufficient funds, not holding the funds for the required 28-day period, or submitting documents from an unapproved financial institution.
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Is it possible to fail CAS?
You don't "fail" a CAS itself. Rather, a university can refuse to issue you a CAS. This happens if you fail to meet their requirements, such as providing correct documents, proving you have enough money, or passing a credibility interview.
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