What is Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for International Students? How to Get CAS

Embarking on a global academic journey is an exciting and transformative experience for many international students. Apart from just learning how to apply and win study abroad scholarships. Its also important to know tips and Tricks To Win fully funded Scholarships.

So, If you are an international student who wants to study in the UK, before setting foot on foreign soil, there’s a crucial step that acts as the gateway to your educational adventure – the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, commonly known as CAS.

You will also need to apply for a student visa. To do that, you will need Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). CAS is one of the 10 Important Documents for a Successful UK Student Visa Application.

In this article, we will explain what CAS is, its significance, and a step-by-step guide on how to obtain it.

What is CAS?

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies ( CAS) is a document issued by UK educational institutions to formally confirm that a student has been accepted into a specific program of study.

This document contains the CAS number.

The CAS number is an unique exclusive reference number assigned to a student by their UK university for the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

It also contain some information about your course and education provider. It confirms that you have been accepted to study at a licensed student sponsor in the UK, and that they support your visa application.

The CAS document will be sent to you by the university on your email ID. This letter will have one CAS number which must be mentioned in your UK student visa application.

You will need a CAS to apply for a student visa, as it is one of the main requirements for your visa application. You will need to enter your CAS reference number and some details from your CAS in your online student visa application form.

Why do you need a CAS?

You need a CAS because it proves to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you meet the academic eligibility criteria for a student visa.

It also shows that your education provider has checked your qualifications, English language level, and financial situation, and that they are confident that you will complete your course successfully.

A CAS also helps the UKVI to verify your identity and your course details, and to prevent fraud and abuse of the student visa system.

Why is the CAS Number Required for Visa application?

A CAS number is necessary to confirm your visa application. This letter serves as proof that you’ve received an admission offer from a UK university.

Visa officers use this to verify your enrolment before starting the General Student Visa process. If the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies information doesn’t align with your application, your visa request may be declined.

When Does the University Send the CAS Number?

The UK university will issue the CAS number once you meet the following conditions:

You have accepted the admission offer from the university.
You have deposited the required amount to confirm your admission to the university.
It is less than 3 months before the starting date of your applied course.

You might wonder if students have to request or apply for the CAS letter themselves. The answer varies by university. Some UK universities require students to request the CAS number, while others automatically provide it. To clarify the process, check the specific university’s website where you’re enrolling.

Read Also: Best Universities in the UK for International Students: 100 Ranking Universities in UK.

Why is CAS Important?

CAS holds immense significance in the life of an international student.

Without it, securing a Tier 4 student visa – a prerequisite for studying in the UK – becomes nearly impossible.
The document includes vital information such as your personal details, details of the course you’re accepted into, and the financial information that proves your ability to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Essentially, CAS is the linchpin that connects your acceptance into an academic program to your ability to legally study in the UK.

How to Obtain CAS Number?

Now that we understand the importance of CAS, let’s navigate the steps to obtain it:

The process of obtaining the CAS letter is simple. You can get a CAS from your education provider, but not automatically. You will need to follow some steps before you can request a CAS from them. These steps may vary depending on your level of study and your education provider, but they usually include:

Step 1. Receive an Offer of Admission

The journey begins with receiving an offer of admission from a UK educational institution. This offer typically includes details about the course, its duration, and any specific conditions you must meet.

You can check the Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for all Students: All Expenses Coveredto apply for a scholarship if you have not.

The university will first send you an email on the ID you use for enrollment purposes. In some cases, you can be asked to send some important documents. Then you will get the link to your CAS statement, from this link, you will have to log in to your account.

Once you log in, you will be able to check your CAS statement which contains your admission details. Check if all the information mentioned in your CAS statement is correct.

If you find that the information mentioned in the CAS statement is incorrect, you have to inform about the corrections to the admission authorities.

Step 2: Fulfill Conditions (if any):

In some cases, your offer of admission may come with conditions, such as achieving a certain level of English language proficiency or completing a specific qualification. Ensure you meet these conditions promptly.

Accepting an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor. You can find a list of licensed student sponsors on the UKVI website.

Step 3: Pay Tuition Deposit (if required):

Many institutions in Uk require a tuition deposit as a commitment to securing your place in the program. Pay this deposit promptly to initiate the CAS issuance process.

By Paying a non-refundable deposit or tuition fee (if required by your education provider).

Step 4: Provide Documents and Financial Evidence:

To satisfy visa requirements, you must demonstrate your ability to cover tuition fees and living expenses. Prepare and submit the necessary financial evidence, which may include bank statements or sponsorship letters.

Provide your passport details and any previous UK visa details (if applicable). Provide evidence of your qualifications, English language level, and finances (if requested by your education provider).

Wondering where to get your English Level Qualifications don’t worry this guide contain how you can obtain the certificate: What is Proof of English Language Proficiency? And How do You Get a Proof Of English Proficiency to Study abroad.

You can Then Complete an online immigration questionnaire or form (if required by your education provider), and lastly Apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate (if your course involves sensitive subjects or research at RQF level 7 or above). Get in here

Step 5. Receive CAS from the Institution

Once you have completed these steps, you can request a CAS from your education provider. You will need to do this at least six months before your course start date, or as soon as possible if your course starts sooner. Your education provider will then check your details and issue you a CAS, which they will send you by email.

Once you have confirmed, you will get an email again. You will be issued the final CAS number and CAS statement.

You should also keep your CAS safe and secure, as it contains personal and sensitive information. You should not share your CAS with anyone else, or use it for any other purpose than applying for a student visa.

Step 6. Prepare Visa Application

Armed with your CAS, you can now proceed to complete your Tier 4 student visa application. This involves filling out the application form, paying the visa fee, and attending a visa application center for biometrics.

You will only need a CAS number in the visa application. You do not need to provide a CAS statement but it is better to print it out and keep it for future reference.

Step 7. Attend Visa Interview (if required)

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to attend a visa interview. Be prepared to discuss your study plans, financial situation, and intentions to return to your home country upon completion of studies.

Step 8. Receive Visa and Travel to the UK:

Upon successful completion of the visa application process, you’ll receive your Tier 4 student visa. With visa in hand, you can embark on your journey to the UK and commence your academic adventure.

Documents required for obtaining CAS Number

In the CAS issuance process, the UK university you’ve enrolled in may request specific documents to proceed. The required documents typically include:

Academic proofs(academic transcripts and degree certificate)
Financial documents,
Tuberculosis (TB) certificate,
An ATAS certificate

Processing Period of the CAS Number

Typically, the institution takes 10 days to issue the CAS number after you confirm the accuracy of the information in your CAS statement. If you haven’t received your CAS letter within 20 days, it’s advisable to contact the admission committee via email.

What Does the CAS Statement Contain?

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies statements includes the following information:

14-digit CAS number
Student details – name, birth details, nationality, passport, etc.
Course details – name, ID, qualification awarded, duration and type (full-time or part-time),
Sponsor details – name, license number, address, etc.
Exam details – SELT, ATAS, English language level attained, test provider, etc.
Accommodation details – accommodation charges.
Work placement details

What is the Validity Period of a CAS Number?

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number is applicable for a single visa application, and its validity lasts for only 6 months. This implies that you must apply for your UK student visa within 6 months from the date of issuance of the CAS number.

What Happens to the CAS Number if the Visa Application is rejected?

Your CAS number is a one-time use for a student visa application. If your initial application is unsuccessful, the CAS number becomes void.

To acquire a new CAS number, reach out to the international student support team or admissions committee of the university. Explain your situation, and after their investigation, they will inform you if a new CAS number can be issued. If granted, you can proceed with a fresh visa application.

Important Points about CAS Number

1. Obtaining a CAS number does not guarantee that you will obtain the visa as well.

2. The university in UK has the right to not issue a CAS letter to the student if:

There is not required time left for the processing of the CAS letter.
The student is not able to provide proof of sufficient funds.
The student submits fraud or invalid/incorrect documents.
You send a request for the CAS letter after the deadline.

Conclusion.

A CAS is a vital document for international students who want to study in the Top UK Universities. It confirms that you have been accepted to study at a licensed student sponsor, and that they support your visa application. You will need a CAS to apply for a student visa, and you will need to enter your CAS reference number and some details from your CAS in your online visa application form.

To get a CAS, you will need to accept an unconditional offer of a place on a course, pay a deposit or tuition fee (if required), provide your passport and visa details, provide evidence of your qualifications, English language level, and finances (if requested), complete an online immigration questionnaire or form (if required), and apply for an ATAS certificate (if your course involves sensitive subjects or research). You can then request a CAS from your education provider, who will check your details and issue you a CAS by email.

You should check your CAS carefully and make sure that all the information is correct and matches your passport and other documents. If you find any errors or discrepancies, you should contact your education provider immediately and ask them to correct them. You should also keep your CAS safe and secure, and not share it with anyone else or use it for any other purpose than applying for a student visa.

We hope this article has helped you to understand what a CAS is, why you need it, and how you can get it. If you have any questions or need any assistance with your CAS or visa application, please contact your education provider or a professional immigration adviser. We wish you all the best with your studies in the Top ranked UK Universities!.