How to Get a CAS Letter for Studying in the UK?

✓ Application Process For CAS Letter

✓ What to do if the Visa Application is Unsuccessful

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Table of content

  1. What is a CAS letter?
  2. What does the CAS letter contain?
  3. CAS Requirements
  4. How to Apply for a CAS Letter?
  5. CAS letter processing time
  6. What happens to the CAS number if the visa application is Unsuccessful?
  7. How to avoid delay in getting the CAS letter?
  8. What is CAS Interview UK?
  9. FAQ's
  10. Need Help? Ask Here!
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What is a CAS letter?

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter is an essential document issued by a UK university to international students who have secured admission to study in the UK. This letter is crucial as it substantiates the student's acceptance and plays a vital role in the UK student visa application process.

The CAS letter is significant because it serves as concrete proof of a student's acceptance at a UK university and confirms their eligibility for a student visa. It contains vital information such as the student's name, chosen course of study, course duration, and the financial requirements necessary to sustain themselves throughout their academic journey.

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What does the CAS letter contain?

The CAS letter, which stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, includes a comprehensive set of details which contain 

  • CAS Number, a unique identifier for the document, as well as the Date of Issue
  • Additionally, the CAS letter includes the Personal ID or Application Reference Number, enabling efficient tracking and reference for both the institution and the applicant. 
  • Personal details such as Name, Address, Nationality, and Passport Number are also included in the CAS letter.
  • The letter contains information related to the academic aspects of the student's enrollment, including the Sponsor License Number, which signifies the institution's authorization to sponsor international students. 
  • It also includes details about the academic program, such as the Unconditional Offer Letter, specifying the student's acceptance status.
  • Academic details like Academic Level, Start Date, End Date, and Mode of Study.
  • The Last Enrollment Date serves as a reference point for the institution's records.
  • Financial aspects, Location of Study, Course Fee, Course Fee Paid to Date, and the associated Receipt Number. 
  • Living expenses and details about Accommodation Fees Paid to Date and the corresponding Receipt Number.
  • Academic specifics such as Course Title, Course Type, Awarding Body, English Course Title, and Grade provide a comprehensive overview of the student's academic pursuits, ensuring clarity and accuracy throughout the enrollment and visa application process.
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CAS Requirements

It seems like you are discussing the financial requirements for international students applying for a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate in the UK. Here's a breakdown of the information you provided:

  • Down Payment for CAS/ATAS: Applicants or students may be required to make a down payment of around 1-3 Lacs (Lakhs) before applying for their student visa. This payment could be used to cover tuition fees or living expenses during the initial period in the UK.
  • Loan Disbursement: If you intend to use a loan to cover this down payment, it's essential to ensure that the loan amount is disbursed before you apply for your UK student visa. This is because you'll need to show proof of funds when applying for the visa, and the loan amount should be in your bank account or readily accessible.
  • Financial Requirement for Living Expenses: You provided estimated living expenses for international students in the UK for nine months:
    • For living in London: Approximately 1,334 Euros
    • For living outside of London: Approximately 1,023 Euros
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How to Apply for a CAS Letter?

Below is the general process to obtain a CAS Letter 

Step 1: Complete the CAS Request Form

  • Upon accepting your offer to study, you will be sent an email containing a link to the CAS Request Form. Ensure that you fill out the CAS Request Form comprehensively and submit all required documents; otherwise, your CAS request will not be processed.

Step 2: Accept an Unconditional Offer

  • You would generally need to accept an unconditional offer to continue with the process of obtaining CAS.

Step 3: Make a Deposit Payment for Course Fees

  • After accepting your offer to study at a university,  you will generally be asked to make a deposit payment, which will be deducted from your total course fees. It's important to note that this payment is not for receiving a CAS but rather a deposit payment toward course fees for international students.

Step 4: Evaluation of Student Visa Sponsorship

  • You may be required to participate in an online interview with the Visa Compliance Team of the university, and you will receive further instructions via email if this applies to you.
  • Please keep in mind that it cannot estimated how long this assessment will take, as it depends on various factors, including your chosen course of study, immigration history, previous studies in the UK, and your home country.

Step 5: Provide Financial Documentation

  • You will receive an email requesting the submission of financial evidence for your visa application. Before issuing you a CAS, it must be verified that it meets the university’s requirements. 
  • If you qualify for any of the university’s exemptions for certain international students, the university will not request verification of your financial evidence, as it is not necessary for your visa application. 

Step 6: Receive Your CAS Statement

  • In most cases, you will be sent a CAS Statement email containing your CAS number and other essential information needed for your online visa application. Once you have received your CAS statement, you can proceed with your Student visa application.
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CAS letter processing time

The processing time for a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter in the UK typically falls within a range of 10 to 28 business working days. This period represents the time it takes for a university or educational institution to review and assess the necessary documentation submitted by an international student, determine their eligibility for a CAS, and generate the CAS letter.

  • CAS validity:  A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by a UK educational institution is typically valid for 6 months. 
  • How does the university send the CAS? : The university will then send the CAS letter to your email address. This email will contain detailed instructions on how to use your CAS for your student visa application. It's important to check your email regularly, including your spam folder, to ensure you don't miss the CAS notification.
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What happens to the CAS number if the visa application is Unsuccessful?

If your visa application is unsuccessful, you will typically need a new Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number to reapply for your student visa.

  • Receive Visa Rejection Notice: When your visa application is denied, the immigration authorities will provide you with a visa rejection notice. This notice will outline the reasons for the refusal and may include instructions on what steps to take next.
  • Contacting the University: Once you've received the rejection notice, you should promptly contact your university's international office or admissions team. Inform them about the visa refusal and request a new CAS for your course. They will guide you through the process of obtaining a new CAS.
  • Addressing the Issues: To secure a new CAS, you may need to address the specific issues that led to your visa refusal. These issues could include insufficient funds, incomplete documentation, problems with your English language proficiency test, or discrepancies in your application. Work closely with the university to resolve these issues.
  • University Review and CAS Issuance: The university's admissions or international office will review your situation, including any corrections or additional documentation you provide. Once they are satisfied that you meet all the requirements, they will generate a new CAS letter for you. This new CAS will have a different reference number and will reflect the updated details of your course and financial status.
  • Reapplying for the Visa: With the new CAS in hand, you can proceed to reapply for your student visa. Ensure that you carefully complete the visa application form, address the previous issues, and provide all necessary documentation, including the new CAS reference number. You may also need to pay the visa application fee again.
  • Attend Visa Interview (if required): If your previous visa application required an interview, you may need to attend another interview with the updated documentation and new CAS. Be well-prepared for the interview, addressing any concerns raised during your previous application.
  • Wait for Visa Decision: After submitting your visa application, you will need to wait for a decision. The processing time may vary depending on your location and other factors. Be sure to keep track of the progress of your application through the visa application center or embassy.
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Idea/Solution/Tip

How to avoid delay in getting the CAS letter?

Submit all required documents during the application process. These include, 

  • An updated passport, transcripts or mark sheets from your previous course, and recent financial documents.
  • Make sure all documents are legitimate and contain the necessary information.
  • Not meeting the basic requirements of the university can delay the CAS letter.
  • You should receive your CAS within three working days after completing all the steps. 
  • If the processing of your CAS letter is delayed, you should contact the UK university.
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What is CAS Interview UK?

  • The university conducts a Pre-CAS interview after international students make an initial deposit and before giving students CAS (Confirmation for Acceptance of Studies) letters. 
  • As soon as the student sends a request for a CAS letter to the university, a date is given for an interview, known as the Pre-CAS interview. 
  • CAS interview is also known as a credibility interview. After giving an interview, students have to upload their documents online on the CAS shield provided by the university. 
  • The university grants a CAS letter if the student cracks the interview and uploads his full document. 
  • The interview takes about 30 mins to complete.
  • Through a Pre-CAS interview, the university aims to check whether the student is genuine and if he is able to justify his SOP and other academic documents. 
  • Moreover, the university can also identify students' true intention to study in that university and the UK. 
  • Generally, most UK universities take the Pre-CAS interviews. 
  • Still, some top-ranked universities like Russell Group universities do not take Pre-CAS interviews since they already have highly profiled applicants. 
  • The pre-CAS interview also prepares international students for UK visa interviews, reducing the chance of visa refusal.

FAQs:

  • How long does it take to get a CAS letter in the UK?


  • What are the requirements for a CAS letter?


  • When should I apply for a CAS letter?


  • How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa?


  • Can I use the same CAS for multiple visa applications if one is rejected?


  • Who issues the CAS letter?


  • Can I change my course or institution after receiving a CAS?


  • How long is a CAS letter valid?


  • Can I apply for a student visa without a CAS letter?


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Abhinav Raj
WeMakeScholars- supported by IT Ministry, Govt. of India.
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