Among the many documents required to study in the UK, the UK CAS letter is one of the most important for an Indian student. You cannot apply for your UK Student Visa without it. This blog explains all you need to know about the CAS process in the UK, the required documents, timeline, delays, refusals, and what to do after receiving your CAS.

 

Overview - What is a CAS Letter?

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS is a digital document provided by a university in the UK, proving that you have been officially admitted to a course and are eligible to apply for a Student Visa. Unlike traditional letters, the CAS is not a physical document but a unique reference number that contains information about your course, fees, personal details, and compliance records.

 

Importance of CAS for UK Visa

The CAS letter is necessary for your UK Student Visa application; it serves as proof that you have unconditional admission from a licensed UK university. The UK university CAS requirements confirm to the Home Office your eligibility to apply, academic preparedness, financial standing, proficiency in English, and intentions for studying. Quite simply, without a valid CAS, the visa application cannot be processed.

 

Step-by-Step CAS Application Process

Understanding the CAS process UK makes the entire visa journey smoother.

 

Step 1: Receive an Unconditional Offer

You need to fulfill all the conditions of your offer letter—academic documents, English proficiency scores, Statement of Purpose, or any other requirements—before requesting a CAS.

 

Step 2: Pay Tuition Fee Deposit

Most universities require a minimum deposit paid, usually £2,000–£6,000, before they start your CAS.

 

Step 3: Fill out the CAS Request Form

The university will provide a special link or portal where all personal, academic, and passport details need to be correctly filled.

 

Step 4: Submission of Supporting Documents

You may be required to submit academic certificates, transcripts, passport scans, English test scores, or sponsorship letters.

 

Step 5: Attend a Pre-CAS Interview (if applicable)

Many universities conduct credibility interviews to check your intentions of studying, financial capability, and course knowledge.

 

Step 6: University verifies your financial documents.

Your funds have to meet the 28-day rule for UKVI.

 

Step 7: CAS Issued and Emailed

You will be sent your CAS number and the full CAS statement, which you should use in your Student Visa application once it has been approved.

 

Documents Required for CAS

Listed below are the general documents an Indian student requires for CAS:

• Passport valid

• Academic transcripts/certificates

• Score on English Language Test (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)

• Tuition fee deposit receipt

• Work experience letters, if applicable

• Sponsorship or loan letter (optional but common)

• Updated CV - for PG courses

• Confirmation of financial documents, including Bank Statements, FD Certificates, and Loan Letters.

• Pre-CAS interview completion confirmation

 

Common Reasons for Delays in CAS

 

CAS issuance can get delayed for several reasons:

 

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

Lacking or wrong passport details, mismatched names, wrong dates, and incomplete academic records may halt the process.

 

2. Financial Documents Not Meeting UKVI Rules

If the bank statement presented does not meet the 28-day requirement or has a low balance, CAS clearance is withheld.

 

3. Tuition Fee Deposit Pending

Generally, universities do not start CAS processing until the minimum deposit is cleared.

 

4. High Application Volume

During times of peak intake (January and September), delays of 2–4 weeks are common.

 

5. Failure in Pre-CAS Credibility Interview

If your answers appear ambiguous or inconsistent, then the university may hold your CAS.

 

6. Checks for Compliance by the University

Universities must verify that you are fulfilling the attendance, financial, and academic requirements before being issued a CAS.

How to Avoid CAS Refusals

 

To make sure your CAS is approved smoothly:

 

• Provide factual personal and academic information.

• Double-check validity and spelling of passport.

• Prepare for the credibility interview.

• Ensure that your bank balance meets UKVI’s financial requirement.

• Ensure consistency throughout all submitted documents.

• Respond promptly to university queries.

• Avoid using unofficial and unverified financial sources.

• Being proactive prevents delays and increases the chances of fast CAS approval.

 

What to Do After Receiving CAS

 

Once your CAS is issued, follow these important steps:

 

1. Carefully Check All Details

Make sure your name, passport number, course title, tuition fees, and deposit paid are correct. Any mismatch may lead to refusal of the visa.

 

2. Prepare Your Visa Documents

Collect your financial papers, TB test certificate, passport, CAS statement, and visa application form.

 

3. Apply for Your UK Student Visa Immediately

Please apply as early as possible since visa processing can take 3–8 weeks to avoid missing your course start date.

 

4. Book Your Travel and Accommodation

When the visa is approved, make travel arrangements, accommodations, and airport pickup, as needed.

 

Checklist before final visa application

 

Before you submit your visa application, ensure that:

 

• Your CAS number is valid and correct.

• Your financial documents meet UKVI's 28-day rule.

• You've paid the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

• You have your TB test certificate.

• You have passport-sized photos, if required.

• All documents correspond to the information on your CAS statement.

• You are applying within the correct timeframe before course start date.

A neat and error-free visa file enhances the chances of quick approval.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

1. How long does it take to get a CAS letter from a UK university?

It generally takes 2 to 6 weeks after all requirements have been completed. 

 

2. Can a CAS letter be rejected? 

A CAS can indeed be refused if the documents, finances, or credibility checks fail. 

 

3. What information does a CAS letter contain? 

A CAS includes your personal details, course information, fees, and payments, plus your unique CAS number. 

 

4. Can a student apply for a visa without a CAS? 

No, a valid CAS number is required to apply for a UK Student Visa.