What is a CAS Letter for UK Student Visa?
A CAS Letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique 14-digit reference number issued by a UK university to international students after they accept their offer and meet all admission requirements. The CAS confirms that the university will sponsor the student’s studies in the UK and is required to apply for a UK Student Visa through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Although it is commonly called a CAS letter, it is actually an electronic record generated by the university and sent to students via email along with their CAS number and course details.
A CAS is usually valid for 6 months and can only be used once for a visa application.
After receiving their CAS, most international students begin preparing for visa applications, travel plans, and accommodation arrangements before arriving in the UK.
What is a CAS Letter UK?
A CAS Letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is an electronic confirmation issued by a UK university to international students who have accepted an offer to study at that institution.
The CAS contains a unique reference number that the student must include when applying for a UK Student Visa.
Without a CAS number, students cannot submit a UK student visa application.
Key Points About a CAS Letter
• Issued by UK universities licensed by the UK government
• Contains a unique 14-digit CAS reference number
• Required for applying for a UK Student Visa
• Confirms the student’s admission to a specific course
• Includes academic and financial information related to the program
Universities usually send the CAS after verifying student documents and confirming the tuition fee deposit.
Why is a CAS Letter Important?
Required for UK Student Visa
A CAS number is mandatory for applying for a UK Student Visa. Without it, students cannot complete the visa application process.
Confirms University Admission
The CAS confirms that the student has been officially accepted by a UK university licensed by the government.
Used for Immigration Verification
UK immigration authorities use the CAS to verify a student's course details, qualifications, and financial information.
Helps Students Prepare for Relocation
Once students receive their CAS, they can begin planning:
• Visa application
• Travel arrangements
• Student accommodation
• Arrival in the UK
CAS Letter Processing Time
Most UK universities issue a CAS letter within 1-3 weeks after students complete the required steps.
Processing time may vary depending on:
• Document verification
• Tuition fee payment confirmation
• University processing timelines
Students should ensure all documents are accurate and submitted on time to avoid delays.
Requirements for a CAS Letter
To receive a CAS letter, international students must meet several requirements.
Academic Documents
Students must submit academic qualifications such as:
• High school certificates
• Bachelor's degree certificates
• Academic transcripts
English Language Test
Most universities require proof of English proficiency through tests such as:
• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE Academic
Tuition Fee Deposit
Universities often require students to pay a tuition deposit between £3,000 and £8,000 before issuing a CAS.
Required Documents
Common documents include:
• Valid passport
• Academic certificates
• English language test results
• University offer letter
CAS Number vs CAS Letter
Many students confuse the CAS number and CAS letter, but they are slightly different.
CAS Number
The CAS number is the 14-digit reference number used during the visa application.
CAS Letter
The CAS letter is the email confirmation sent by the university containing the CAS number and course information.
Students only need the CAS number when applying for their UK Student Visa.
Universities That Issue CAS Letters
Many UK universities are licensed sponsors under the UK immigration system and can issue CAS letters to international students.
Some popular universities include:
- Coventry University
- Northumbria University
- Ulster University
- Brunel University London
- University of Portsmouth
- University of East London
- University of Glasgow
- Anglia Ruskin University
- University of Bedfordshire
- University of Chester
- London Metropolitan University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Wolverhampton
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Middlesex University
- University of Hull
- Oxford Brookes University
How to Get a CAS Letter for the UK
Step 1: Receive an Offer Letter
Students first receive a conditional or unconditional offer from a UK university.
Step 2: Accept the Offer
Students confirm acceptance of the university offer.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Submit documents such as:
• Passport copy
• Academic transcripts
• English language test results
Step 4: Pay Tuition Fee Deposit
Students must pay the required tuition deposit requested by the university.
Step 5: CAS Issuance
After verification, the university issues the CAS number via email.
What to Do After Receiving Your CAS
Receiving a CAS is an important milestone for international students. After receiving it, students should prepare for the next steps.
CAS Preparation Checklist
• Verify CAS details carefully
• Prepare financial documents for visa application
• Apply for the UK student visa
• Book student accommodation
• Plan travel arrangements
Thousands of international students arrive in the UK during each intake, so it is recommended to secure accommodation early before availability becomes limited.
Finding Accommodation After Receiving a CAS
Once students receive their CAS letter, finding accommodation becomes one of the most important steps before arriving in the UK.
University halls often have limited availability, which is why many international students choose private student accommodation near their campus.
Platforms like Acolyte Living help students explore verified housing options near major UK universities before arriving in the country.
Booking accommodation early can help students secure:
• Better locations near universities
• Early booking options
• Verified student housing
• A smoother relocation experience
CAS Letter Mistakes to Avoid
Students should review their CAS details carefully before applying for a visa.
Incorrect Passport Details
Ensure your name and passport number match your passport exactly.
Incorrect Course Information
Verify the course title, start date, and course duration.
Missing Academic Information
Check that all academic qualifications are correctly listed.
Incorrect Tuition Fee Details
Ensure your tuition fee payments are properly recorded.
If you find any errors in your CAS, contact your university immediately to request corrections.
CAS Letter FAQs
How long is a CAS letter valid?
A CAS letter is usually valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
Can I apply for a UK visa without a CAS?
No. A CAS number is mandatory for applying for a UK Student Visa.
How long does it take to receive a CAS letter?
Most universities issue a CAS within 1-3 weeks after verifying documents and receiving the tuition deposit.
When should students book accommodation after receiving CAS?
Students should start booking accommodation as soon as they receive their CAS, since student housing fills quickly before each intake.
How can international students find accommodation in the UK?
Students can explore verified student accommodation platforms like Acolyte Living, which help students secure housing near universities before arriving in the UK.
Conclusion
The CAS Letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is one of the most important documents for international students planning to study in the UK. It confirms admission to a licensed university and is required when applying for a UK Student Visa.
After receiving a CAS, students should begin preparing their visa application, financial documents, travel plans, and accommodation arrangements.
Planning ahead ensures a smooth transition to the UK and allows students to focus on starting their academic journey successfully.
