After receiving the CAS letter, when can I apply for the visa in UK?
You can apply for your UK Student visa immediately after receiving your CAS letter, as early as six months before your course start date if applying from outside the UK, or three months if applying from within. Your CAS itself expires six months after issue, so do not delay.
Once your CAS letter arrives, you can apply for your UK Student visa right away, and you should, since the letter itself expires after six months. How early you can submit depends on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK.
Your Application Window
| Where you apply from | How early you can apply | Extra condition |
|---|---|---|
| Outside the UK | Up to 6 months before your course start date | None |
| Inside the UK | Up to 3 months before your course start date | Your current visa must not have expired |
What You Need Ready Before You Apply
- Financial evidence held for a consecutive 28 days, with your bank statement dated no more than 31 days before you apply.
- Your TB test certificate if required for your country, and an ATAS certificate if your course needs one.
- The visa application fee of 558 pounds plus the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge.
My Advice
Apply the moment your 28-day fund window clears rather than waiting closer to your course date, since processing can stretch to 6 to 8 weeks during peak summer season even though it usually takes about 3 weeks. Mark your CAS's 6-month expiry date on your calendar the day you receive it, so you never risk letting it lapse.
Not sure which documents your UK visa needs?
Interview prep, funds proof and timelines. Get a checklist for your case.
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