What is CAS Letter for UK Student Visa?

Prospective students of UK higher studies often wonder ‘What is CAS Letter and why is it important’. This article got them covered! A CAS or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is an essential document with information about the applicant, their chosen course of study field and duration, and a unique CAS number. This document is a prerequisite for obtaining a UK student visa. Generally, international students are required to apply for this electronic CAS letter processing to the university after they accept the offer letter.

This Story also Contains

1. What is a CAS Letter?
2. CAS Letter Full Form
3. Why is the CAS Letter important?
4. What are the requirements for CAS letter UK?
5. How to get a CAS Letter?
6. What is a Combined CAS Number?
7. What is CAS letter processing time?
8. What are the contents of a CAS Letter?

The major CAS letter meaning is a confirmation that the student is admitted into the specific course of study at some education university in UK. Read the article below to learn more about the CAS letter meaning, documents requirements, uses, importance, and many more.

What is a CAS Letter?

The CAS Letter is a crucial document required for international students planning their higher education in UK. It confirms the applicant’s identity that they are accepted into a specific course in a recognised university in UK for applying for a UK student visa. It generally includes course details, academic curriculum duration, and personal details.

After the acceptance of an offer letter and paying the required fees, students can get the CAS letter in an electronic format. The CAS Letter processing time varies as per the institution; however, it takes generally about 2 to 4 weeks for universities to process and issue a CAS letter after you have met all the requirements. It is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.

CAS Letter Full Form

The CAS Letter full form is Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. This important document for international students is only required for universities in UK. Only after getting a CAS Letter from the selected university, a UK student visa is issued. Not presenting the UK immigration body with a CAS letter is one of the common reasons for UK study visa refusal. Hence, the CAS letter meaning is only relevant to UK higher education.

Why is the CAS Letter important?

There are various reasons why a CAS Letter is important and crucial during the UK admission process. Some of these include the following:

• Student’s Visa Requirement: It is one of the documents to present with the study visa application form. Without it, international students cannot proceed further with their visa processes.

• Course Details Document: This document alone includes all the specifications of the selected course of study in UK such as details, field of study, duration, academic years, tuition fees, and more.

• Proof of Acceptance into a UK University: It serves as a confirmation that the student is accepted at a recognized university in UK that helps in immigration processes and accommodation in UK.

• Finance support document: This CAS Letter can also be used to demonstrate the financial capability of supporting themselves during the intended course of study. It often includes details about the tuition fees one has paid or needs to pay. This is required as proof of funds for UK student visa criteria.

What are the requirements for CAS letter UK?

Some requirements are there that international students are required to comply with in order to request a CAS letter from an educational institute in UK. Students can get an online CAS letter from the university only after the submission of documents and compliance with these requirements. Here, we have compiled a list of CAS letter requirements for reference:

• Students must have an unconditional offer from a recognised university in UK

• They must have accepted the offer and paid the required fees

• They should provide all true academic records

• English proficiency certificate with required minimum scores is mandatory

• There may be supporting documents to submit such as LORs and SOPs

• International students must clear a pre-CAS interview. It includes questions on applicant’s study aspirations, academic history, financial ability, career goals, and more.

Document Requirements for CAS Letter

• Passport

• Academic transcripts and mark sheets

• Previous UK visa history

• Financial support documents

• English test scores (IELTS/CAE/PTE/DET/TOEFL)

• TB Test Certificate

• ATAS Certificate (for STEM courses)

Also Read: Documents Required for UK Student Visa

How to get a CAS Letter?

To obtain a CAS Letter from the university, one can follow the following points.

• Meet all the requirements stated on the unconditional offer from the university.

• Submit the relevant documents on the university’s official website

• Pay the CAS letter processing fees if any.

• Pay the initial deposit and confirm admission into the institution; some may exempt international students from paying initial deposit for CAS.

What is a Combined CAS Number?

A combined CAS Number is issued on the CAS Letter for those international students who are admitted into the university in more than one course of study. This number can be presented to UK immigration for the student visa processes. Prospects can obtain one visa and permit to stay for both courses.

What is CAS letter processing time?

The processing time for a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter can vary depending on the university and the specific circumstances of the applicant’s application. Most of the universities follow a First-Come, First-Served Basis. So, the CAS letter processing time for these is based on the early or timely request submission.

Generally, universities take 2 to 4 weeks to process and issue CAS Letter requests. The time taken may also depend on the university-specific processing as some universities might process the CAS letter faster, usually within 10 to 15 days after you confirm the details in the CAS statement.

There may be some special circumstances or delays from the university side such as additional verification requirements or high volumes of applications that can lead to extended CAS letter delays for international students. One is highly advised to contact the university official contact email/phone to inquire about the extended CAS letter processing time.

Also Read: UK Intakes for International Students 2025

What are the contents of a CAS Letter?

A CAS Letter is forwarded to the applicant electronically, generally through email. The content of a CAS Letter generally includes personal information and course study details. So, a CAS document provide the following information:

Information in the CAS Letter:

Also Read:

Benefits of studying in UK

Cost of Living in UK