What Is a CAS Letter? Complete Guide for UK Student Visa

CAS letter UK is your boarding pass for studying in the United Kingdom. You can’t “board” your UK Student Visa process without it. It proves that your university has accepted you and is ready to sponsor your visa. 

Last year, more than 730,000 international students chose the UK for higher education. Every one of them needed a CAS. In this guide, you’ll learn what a CAS UK student visa is, the CAS number's meaning, and the exact steps to get yours. If you’re an Indian student, this is your roadmap from offer letter to visa approval. Simple, clear, and ready to follow.

Everything About CAS Letter 

Before setting off for the UK, obtaining a crucial document is essential. That is a CAS letter UK. This confirmation from your university is an official link between your offer and your UK Student Visa application. In this section, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the most important letter to study in the UK.

What Is a CAS Letter UK?

A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is an electronic record created by your UK university or college in the UK Home Office’s Sponsorship Management System.

It’s not a physical letter. It is a special 14-digit code that connects directly to your student visa file. It works like a secure link that ties together you, your university, and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Your CAS includes:

• Personal details (name, DOB, passport number)

• Course title, level, start, and end dates

• Tuition fees are due and paid

• English language test results (if applicable)

• ATAS certificate status (for certain STEM courses)

• Sponsor licence number

CAS Number Meaning

The CAS number's meaning is simple. It’s your visa application’s digital ID. This document is a mandatory requirement for submitting your UK Student Visa application. The UKVI relies on it to quickly retrieve complete information about your course and sponsorship.

Your CAS stays valid for six months and can only be used once. Once you’ve submitted it with a Student Visa application, it cannot be reused under any circumstances. It is issued exclusively by licensed Student route sponsors, meaning only UK universities or colleges officially approved by the Home Office have the authority to generate and provide a CAS to applicants.

Why Do You Need A CAS Letter?

You need a CAS because it is an essential requirement for applying for a UK Student Visa. Without it, your application will not be processed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The CAS acts as proof that you have been offered a place at a UK university or college that is a licensed Student route sponsor, and it links your visa application directly to your course and institution. 

A CAS letter contains verified details about your admission, including your course dates, tuition fees, and payment status, ensuring UKVI can confirm your eligibility quickly. In short, the CAS is your official confirmation of acceptance to study in the UK and your ticket to begin the visa process. Before application, understanding these requirements in the context of your chosen destination is vital. So, our Country-Specific Study Guide (2025) advises you step-by-step. 

When Is a CAS Issued?

You’ll get your CAS after you:

• Accept your unconditional offer

• Meet all admission conditions

• Pay the required tuition deposit

• Pass the university’s credibility and compliance checks

For most Indian students, the CAS process typically follows a four to five-week timeline. 

• During week one, secure your place by registering and paying your deposit.

• By week two, you submit all supporting documents, such as your passport, academic transcripts, and English test results. 

• During the third week, the university issues a draft CAS, giving you the chance to review and verify every detail.

• Finally, by weeks four to five, the institution issues your final CAS, enabling you to move forward with your UK Student Visa application.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Your CAS Letter UK

If you’re an Indian student applying to study in the UK for the first time, knowing the step-by-step process to get your CAS letter UK will save you time, stress, and potentially avoid visa delays. Below is a detailed guide that also includes a standard UK intake timeline, so you can plan your application well in advance.

Step 1: Find & Apply to Your Ideal Course (3–9 months before intake)

Your CAS journey starts long before the document itself. It starts with picking a suitable course and university. That’s when the GradSearch tool truly proves its worth. GradSearch lets you narrow your search down by using filters such as location, subject, course type, course level, and country. So, you can easily identify the UK programs that best fit your goals and budget.

Once you shortlist your programs, submit your applications through the university portals or via Gradstar’s application support service.

Step 2: Receive & Accept Your Offer (Week 1)

Upon receiving an offer, whether conditional or unconditional, take time to examine all its details thoroughly.

• If it’s conditional, you’ll need to meet requirements such as final mark sheets, English test scores, or other documentation.

• After fulfilling all specified requirements, your offer status will change to unconditional.

• Accept the offer and pay the tuition deposit. Make this payment early, as international bank transfers from India can take several working days.

Step 3: Submit All Required Documents for CAS (Week 2)

After you lock in your admission and settle the deposit, the university will gather your paperwork to start the CAS issuance process. Typically, you’ll need to submit:

• Valid passport copy (details must match your application exactly)

• Academic transcripts and degree certificate

• English test results, if applicable

• ATAS certificate (for certain STEM/research courses)

• TB test certificate (mandatory for Indian students)

• Proof of financial support meeting UKVI’s 28-day rule

Step 4: Review Your Draft CAS (Week 3)

Once your documents are processed, the university will send you a draft CAS via email or their student portal. Carefully check:

• Name and date of birth spelling

• Passport number and expiry date

• Course title, start/end dates, and tuition details

• Payments recorded correctly

• ATAS status, if applicable

Step 5: Final CAS Issued (Week 4–5)

After approval, your university will issue the final CAS number along with the CAS statement. This is an electronic record sent directly to UKVI and shared with you via email.

• Valid for six months from the date of issue

• Can only be used once for a visa application

Step 6: Visa Application (Week 5 onwards)

With your CAS in hand, you can now:

• Complete the online UK Student Visa application.

• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

• Book your biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in India.

• Prepare for a potential UKVI credibility interview.

Standard UK Intake Timeline for International Students

Before you even start your CAS process, download our Resources Hub. It is the central hub for all our free downloadable guides, how-to content, and visa checklists. It’s packed with templates and advice to help you plan every stage of your UK study journey confidently.

CAS Letter UK Checklist for Indian Students

• Unconditional offer accepted

• Tuition deposit paid (proof kept)

• Valid passport scanned (name & date of birth exactly match the application)

• Academic transcripts and degree certificate uploaded

• English test results submitted (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL)

• ATAS certificate obtained (if required)

• TB test certificate obtained (if required for Indian applicants)

• Bank statements meet the UKVI 28-day maintenance rule

• Draft CAS checked for accuracy (name, passport, course dates, fees)

• Final CAS statement saved securely

• Apply for your Student Visa within six months of the date your CAS is issued

• Biometric appointment booked at the UK Visa Application Centre in India

Common Mistakes That Delay CAS

Even if you are well-prepared, you can face delays in getting your CAS letter UK if you overlook small but critical details. Here are the most common issues and how to avoid them:

Name mismatch between the passport and university records
Any difference, even a missing middle name or a spelling variation, can cause your CAS to be put on hold. Always ensure the details in your application match your passport exactly, and update the university immediately if there’s a discrepancy.

Late deposit payment due to slow international transfers
Tuition deposits from India can take several working days to reach UK university accounts. If you wait until the last minute, your CAS may be delayed. Make your payment early and keep proof of transfer.

Missing ATAS for certain STEM courses
Students in sensitive subjects (like engineering, technology, or science research) often need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. Without it, your CAS cannot be issued. Check early if your course requires ATAS and apply immediately, as approval can take weeks.

Bank balance not meeting the 28-day maintenance rule
UKVI asks for proof that the required funds have been in your account for 28 straight days before you apply. If your statement doesn’t meet this requirement, your CAS process may pause until you can provide compliant financial evidence.

Applying for a visa after CAS expiry
A CAS is valid for only six months from the date of issue. If you delay your visa application beyond that window, your CAS becomes invalid, and you’ll have to request a new one. Do not delay taking action before your intake period begins.

What Happens After You Get Your CAS Letter UK

Once you’ve secured your CAS letter UK, you’re ready to move into the final stage of your study-abroad journey, applying for your UK Student Visa. This is where your CAS number's meaning becomes critical, as it must be included in your visa application for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to verify your admission. Here’s what to do next:

Apply for a UK Student Visa
Go to the official UKVI online portal and complete your Student Visa application form. Make sure to include your CAS number exactly as provided by your university. This step links your application to your course and confirms your sponsorship.

Pay Visa Fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa fee, you must pay the IHS for healthcare access in the UK. The current annual rate for students is £776.

Book a Biometric Appointment
After payment, you’ll book your biometric appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre in India. Slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak intake months, so book as soon as possible.

Prepare for Credibility Interview (if invited)
Some applicants are called for a short interview by UKVI to assess their genuine student intent. Be ready to explain why you chose your course, university, and the UK, as well as how you plan to fund your studies.

Await Visa Decision
Once everything is submitted, UKVI typically takes around 3 weeks to process applications made outside the UK and about 8 weeks for those applying inside the UK. You’ll receive your decision via email and, if successful, your visa vignette or BRP collection instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is CAS the same as an offer letter?
Ans: No. An offer letter comes first, and a CAS is issued only after all offer conditions have been met and confirmed by the university.

Q: Can I get a CAS without paying a deposit?
Ans: Usually not. Most UK universities require you to pay the tuition deposit before they issue your CAS. So, you can’t get a CAS if your payment is due. 

Q: Can my CAS be changed after it’s issued?
Ans: Your CAS letter UK can be changed only for corrections if there’s an error. Any major change typically requires issuing a completely new CAS.

Q: Does CAS guarantee a visa?
Ans: No, a CAS letter UK never guarantees a visa. While essential, you must still meet UKVI’s financial, documentation, and credibility requirements for visa approval.

Rounding Up

We hope you’ve just read the most complete guide on the CAS letter UK, from its meaning and importance to the exact steps, timelines, and pitfalls to avoid. With this knowledge, you can approach your UK Student Visa journey with clarity and confidence. At Gradstar Global, we specialise in supporting Indian students just like you. Our support covers every step, from course selection to obtaining your CAS and visa approval. Get personalized attention throughout every step of the process, and let’s turn your UK study dream into reality.