CAS Letter for the UK

Filling out the application form, qualifying for English proficiency tests, writing a personal essay, and completing other formalities, the Study Abroad journey comes with a lot of doable challenges. Along with other essential documents, the importance of a CAS Letter can not be overlooked as it is important to apply for a Visa, especially, to study in the UK. Furthermore, a CAS Letter or a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies Letter is a unique letter issued by the institution to which you have applied. Thus, it is one of the necessary documents for a UK Visa Application. Are you still confused about the CAS letter or have a query about why there is a delay with your CAS Letter? Read on to learn more in detail about the CAS Letter and how you would need to go about acquiring it for your Study Abroad time in the UK.

What is a CAS Letter?

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a Letter issued by the institution stating where you have been accepted for a course as well as the necessary details.

• Moreover, it has to be submitted while applying for a new Tier 4 student visa.
• The Letter has a unique number that reflects that the particular university stated in it has agreed to be the educational sponsor of your Tier 4 visa.
• Additionally, the CAS Letter is vast and gives the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department thorough details about your candidature, the chosen program, and the university. 
• Apart from the 14-digit CAS number, here are the other necessary details which can be found in the CAS Letter:
  • Sponsor university license number.
  • Title of your course. 
  • Start and end date of your course. 
  • The tuition fee for the course. 
  • The amount you have already paid from the tuition fee.
  • The amount that you have paid for the accommodation (if any).
  • Scores of your English language proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.

CAS Letter UK Sample

Furthermore, here is a CAS Letter UK Sample of the University of South Wales that has been issued to an international student, just like you!

CAS Letter Sample PDF

Why is the CAS Letter Important?

A CAS Letter is a very important document that is used to apply for a Student Visa.

• It is a verification that a student has been offered an unconditional letter to study at a specific university in the UK.
• In addition, students have to either request for a CAS Letter from their university or the university issues it to the students so that they can get a valid Student Visa and then move to the UK to begin their full-time course.
• Each candidate is assigned a unique CAS number which the Visa officer uses to verify whether the candidate has been issued an unconditional offer or not.  

Also Read: What are the Requirements to study in the UK?

What are the Requirements for a CAS Letter?

To receive your CAS Letter without any obstacles, you need to submit some documents during the application process. Here are the documents you would need to submit:

• An updated passport.

• Transcripts or mark sheets of the previous PG or UG course you completed.

You need to make sure that all the documents are valid and have all the correct credentials mentioned. Moreover, your CSA number will be issued after verification of the documents.

Also Read: What is the Difference between Visa and Passport?

What is the Validity of your CAS Letter?

The CAS letter comes with validity. If you fail to use it in due time, you might lose your chance of studying abroad for a particular session. Keep in mind, the CAS Letter will be valid for 6 months but it can be used only 3 months before the commencement of the course!

Key Points to Remember about CAS Letter

There are certain reasons which can lead to delay or denial of the CAS letter. It thus becomes crucial to carefully complete all the formalities to receive the Letter on time. Here are a few reasons why you might not get your CAS Letter:

• Not enough time left to apply for the Tier 4 Visa
• The candidate is not able to arrive at the university before the start of the course
• Lack of required funds 
• The applicant is already enrolled in a part-time course
• Submission of illegal documents
• The request for CAS is filed after the deadline 

Also Read: How long does a Student Visa last?

How to Apply for a CAS Letter?

International students who have accepted the offer from the university and paid the deposit amount for the program are issued a CAS Letter and a number from the university.

• Once students have the CAS Letter, they can start applying for the student visa application.
• Every UK University has a different procedure after the offer is accepted.
• Moreover, the University on behalf of the student contacts the UK government’s UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) for the CAS number and confirms that the student has been accepted to study at the university.
• UKVI issues the CAS number to the university and the university in return issues it to the student.

Some universities automatically issue the letter after the offer is accepted and the fee deposit is paid while other universities like the University of Kingston require students to register on the official website and then procure the CAS Letter. 

Also Read: Cheapest Universities In London 2024

What is the Issuing Procedure for a CAS Letter?

Furthermore, here is the Issuing Procedure for a CAS Letter that is mostly followed:

• Once you submit your application, the university will send an email with login instructions to your provided email address.
• The email will include a link to the university’s applicant portal to access important application information.
• Within the portal, you’ll find an option to view your CAS statement, which summarizes your application details.
• Sometimes, you may need to request a CAS number before viewing your statement. This normally includes uploading required documents such as:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Financial proof
  • An ATAS certificate (if applicable).
  • A TB test certificate
• Once you have a CAS number, you can access your CAS statement.
  • This document will contain all relevant details regarding your application and admission offer.
  • You may also be asked to give additional information or verify existing details.
• If you discover any errors in your CAS statement you will need to contact the university’s admissions office via email, telling them the mistakes and proposed corrections.
• After resolving any discrepancies and submitting all necessary information, you will receive a final email with your confirmed CAS statement and CAS number.

Also Read: Know the UK Student Visa Processing Time in 2024

What is the Processing Time for a CAS Letter?

Generally, the CAS Letter is given on a first-come-first-served basis. Due to this, the applicants who have submitted their application at an early date will be given preference.

• Furthermore, the institution will verify the set of documents given by the students and once confirmed, you will receive the Letter in 2 to 3 business days (it might take a few days more).
• Although CAS is an important document, no fixed duration of time is taken by a university to release it. 

When is a CAS Letter Issued?

The CAS Letter is issued after a student accepts an offer and completes all the other requirements. Additionally, the Letter will include personal details, the course and its duration and a unique CAS number. Moreover, CAS is an important document but no fixed duration of time is taken by a university to issue it.

Also Read: How to Balance Education and Fun While Studying Abroad?

What should you do in case of a CAS Letter Delay?

A CAS number is issued 4 months before the commencement of the programme to the international students. This is so that they have ample time to apply for a Student Visa and prepare for their journey to a foreign country. In case of a CAS Letter delay, international students can reach out to the University and got to know and understand the reason for the delay. 

Can a Visa be Rejected After CAS?

If they think that a subsequent application will again be denied, it is doubtful that they will issue another CAS. If your Visa has been refused because of credibility, it is usually recommend that you submit an administrative review to get the decision overturned rather than issuing a new CAS to make a fresh application.

Also Read: 5 Best Countries for Student Visa

What is the CAS Interview in the UK?

The Pre CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) Interview is the first interview you must attend. Moreover, it is conducted by the university’s admissions office. To get admitted to a UK college or university, you must successfully complete the pre-case interview.

What is a Student Visa?

Student Visa is an important document that all international students require in order to study abroad and pursue their careers. After the CAS Letter is issued, students can start the Student Visa application process. Here are some important details about the UK General 4-Tier Student Visa:

• The minimum age requirement for applying for a Student visa in the UK is 16 years of age
• Students accepted to a course by a licensed student sponsor and have been approved
• Students must have enough money to support themselves and pay for the course 
• Students who are proficient in the English language
• Students who have consent from their parents if they are 16 or 17.
• Students can apply for the Visa 6 months before the start of their course
• The cost of a Student Visa is £348 (INR 35,865)
• Other documents needed are your passport, recent photos, and tuberculosis test results.

Read Also: Important Questions for the UK Student Visa

Which Universities Issue CAS Letter under £2000?

Here is a list of universities issuing CAS letters under 2000 pounds (INR 2 Lacs). Depending upon the level and course, students can be issued a CAS Letter with a fee deposit of £0 to £2000:

University in the UK	Deposit for UG & PG Courses
Cranfield University	£1000 (INR 1 Lakh)
University of East Anglia	£2000 (INR 2 Lakh)
University of Essex	£1000 (INR 1 Lakh)
University of Strathclyde	£2000 (INR 2 Lakh)
University of Bristol	£1500 (INR 1.5 Lakh)
University of Liverpool	£1000 (INR 1 Lakh)
University of Hull	£2000 (INR 2 Lakh)
University of York	£2000 (INR 2 Lakh)
University of Sussex	£2000 (INR 2 Lakh)

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Thus, we hope that this blog on the CAS Letter was insightful for you. The application process to get admission to universities abroad can be a tedious task, and to complete the procedure hassle-free, you should seek expert guidance. Reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu who will help in completing your visa application while also taking care of the hassles of writing an impressive SOP!