Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
Definition
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is an electronic record with a unique reference number, issued by a UK student-sponsor institution once it has offered an eligible course place. Applicants need a valid CAS to apply for a UK Student visa; it lists the course, dates, fees and sponsor details.
How a CAS works
A CAS is not a letter you print; it is an electronic record with a unique reference number held on the Home Office system. A UK institution that holds a student sponsor licence issues it once it has made an unconditional offer and confirmed the student meets its requirements. The CAS lists the course, its start and end dates, tuition fees and any deposit already paid.
The applicant enters the CAS reference on the UK Student visa application. It is normally valid for a limited period, so students are advised to apply for the visa soon after it is issued and before the reference expires.
Who needs a CAS
Anyone applying for the UK Student route to study a course longer than six months generally needs a CAS from a licensed institution first. The institution must be satisfied the applicant is a genuine student and can meet the course and English-language requirements before issuing one.
For education agents, the CAS sits at the centre of a broader document set: the offer letter, financial evidence and, at the visa stage, the Immigration Health Surcharge and biometrics. Agencies serving students studying in the UK keep these documents and deadlines together so nothing stalls the application.
Education agents track the CAS reference and its expiry alongside each student's course dates, and a platform like VisaCRM turns them into checklist items with reminders so the visa is filed while the CAS is still valid.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a CAS the same as an offer letter?
No. An offer letter confirms your place on a course; a CAS is a separate electronic sponsorship reference the institution issues afterwards, usually once you have accepted an unconditional offer and paid any required deposit. You cannot apply for a UK Student visa on the offer letter alone; you need the CAS reference number.
How long is a CAS valid for?
A CAS is generally valid for a limited window and shows a specific course start date, so students are advised to apply for the visa promptly after receiving it. If it expires or the course details change, the institution may need to issue a new one. Check current timelines with your sponsor and on GOV.UK.
How do I get a CAS?
You do not request it from the government. Your chosen UK institution, which must hold a student sponsor licence, issues the CAS after it makes an unconditional offer, verifies your documents and, usually, receives a deposit. It then sends you the reference number and a summary of the details to check before you apply.
What information does a CAS contain?
A CAS includes a unique reference number, your personal details, the sponsoring institution, the course title, its start and end dates, the tuition fees and any deposit already paid, plus details of the documents the institution used to assess you. Check every field is correct before submitting your visa application.
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