You might come across the term CAS letter when applying for a UK study permit, but what exactly is it and why do you need one? Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letters are necessary to apply for UK student visas and are one of the requirements to begin the adventure as an international student in the UK. The university that an overseas candidate has applied to is typically responsible for issuing or dispensing the CAS letter.

• The institution distributes the candidates' CAS information by email once admission has been confirmed.
• If they do not have a CAS letter, international students will immediately have their requests to study in the UK denied.
• The CAS letter, which has a validity period of around six months, provides background information on the applicant to the UK's immigration office.

Therefore, as a student hoping to study in the UK, if you are also interested in learning everything there is to know about the CAS letter UK, this blog will provide you with all the details.

What is a CAS letter?

A new Tier 4 student visa application requires the submission of a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), a document from the institution where you have been accepted for a program. The letter includes a specific number that indicates the university named therein has consented to serve as the applicant's Tier 4 visa educational sponsor. The CAS letter is extensive and gives UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in-depth information on your candidacy, the program you've chosen, and the university. The following information will be there in the letter in addition to the 14-digit CAS number:

• The license number of the sponsoring university
• Course name
• Course duration (start and end date)
• Total tuition fee for the course
• Amount of tuition fee paid
• Amount of accommodation charges paid
• English proficiency test scores

Why is a CAS letter important?

A CAS letter, which confirms that a student has been given an unconditional offer to study at a certain institution, is a crucial document required to apply for a student visa. In order to obtain a valid student visa and travel to the university to enroll in their full-time degree, students must either ask for a CAS letter from the institution or receive one from the university. Each applicant is given a special CAS number, which the visa officer uses to determine whether or not the applicant has received an unconditional offer.

Who requires a CAS?

If you are applying for a T4 visa, a CAS is required. If you are

• a foreign student who wishes to pursue a degree in the UK
• a citizen of the EU who did not reside in the UK before December 31, 2020,
•  who intends to study there for more than six months

How to apply for a CAS letter?

Various institutions have different procedures for obtaining CAS letters from UK universities. When a student accepts their offer and pays the necessary cost, many UK institutions immediately send out the letter. These universities affirm that a student has been approved to study at the university by contacting UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for a CAS number on the student's behalf. Following that, UKVI provides the institution with the CAS number, which the university then provides to the impacted student.

Though the typical process is as follows:

• The candidate must apply for admission to a university and pay the requisite tuition fees no later than three months before the start of the program.
• The applicant receives the CAS information by official email from the institution.
• The applicant can review his or her information on the dashboard, and more paperwork may be required before issuing a CAS letter.
• Once the procedure is finished, the applicant receives a final email with the CAS Reference number and a statement from the institution. The applicant is then once again requested to confirm all of the information given.
• The candidate can then apply for a visa to the UK using the CAS number.

What are the documentation requirements for applying CAS letter?

The following is a list of the fundamental prerequisites to obtain the CAS letter:

• Academic transcript and mark sheets
• Updated and valid passport
• Fee deposition receipts
• English proficiency test scores
• Additional documents - Medical reports

What is the Processing Time for a CAS Letter?

The CAS letter is often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, preference will be given to those who submitted their applications early. When the university has verified the students' set of papers, you will receive the letter in 1-2 business days (can take a few days more). Although the CAS is a significant document, a university does not have a certain amount of time in which to disseminate it.

What should you do if you have multiple CAS letters from various universities?

In the UK, you may get CAS letters from many universities. If you do obtain CAS letters from many institutions, you must choose which one you wish to attend and utilize its CAS letter when requesting a UK student visa.

There can only be one CAS letter used to apply for a student visa. You can go to the UK and enroll at the university that issued your CAS letter after you get your student visa.

Thus, one of the most crucial papers you require to realize your ambition of attending college in the UK is a CAS letter. Make sure you apply to different universities and strive to obtain many CAS letters. Once you get the letters, you may choose the university that best meets your criteria and utilize its CAS letter when applying for a student visa.

Combined CAS letter

A combined CAS number is one that is valid for enrollment in several courses at the same institution. You can apply for a single visa using a combined CAS number, which will permit you to stay in the UK for the period including both courses.

Keep in mind that any discrepancy between the information provided by you on the application form and the information provided by the institution in the CAS letter may result in the denial of your request for a visa. Making a carefully thought-out application is always advised because the CAS may significantly impact your request for a visa. It might be quite beneficial for you to get some advice from experts on the subject. If you want any assistance with the filing of your CAS letter, you can always get in touch with the international education professionals at The Edu Network.