What Is a CAS and How to Get It: Timeline & Common Questions

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique 14‑digit electronic reference number issued by a UK student sponsor—typically your university—once you have firmly accepted an unconditional offer and met all conditions, including any required tuition fee deposit. For international students, the CAS is the essential link between your university place and your Student visa application; you cannot apply without one. In the 2026/27 admissions cycle, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) recorded over 500,000 CAS assigned to applicants from outside the UK, with standard visa processing from overseas taking around 15 working days. The CAS is not a paper certificate but a digital record held by the Home Office, tied to your passport number, course details, and financial evidence. Understanding exactly what a CAS is, the timeline for receiving it, and how to avoid common mistakes will help you secure your visa and arrive on campus on time.

What Exactly Is a CAS?

A CAS is an electronic record, not a document you can hold. When your university creates it in the Home Office’s Sponsor Management System, they generate a 14‑digit reference number that you will use in your visa application. The CAS statement you receive (by email or through your applicant portal) contains a summary of key information that UKVI will check against your supporting documents. Typical fields on a CAS statement include:

• Your unique 14‑digit CAS number
• The university’s sponsor licence number and name
• Your course title, level (e.g. RQF 6), start date, and expected end date
• Tuition fees for the first year and any payments already received
• Accommodation fees if you have arranged university accommodation and included those costs
• Details of the English language qualification used to meet your offer (e.g. IELTS, PTE Academic)
• Whether you need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate for certain science and technology courses

Because the CAS is linked to one institution and one course, you must use it only for the student route application it was intended for. It is valid for six months from the date of issue, but you should apply for your visa as soon as you are ready—ideally well before your course start date.

How the CAS Number Is Used in Your Visa Application

The CAS number is the core reference that allows UKVI to instantly access your course details and your sponsor’s confirmation. When you complete the online Student visa application form, you will be asked to enter this number. The system then pulls the information your sponsor has uploaded, so the documents you submit must match exactly what is in the CAS record. Here is the typical sequence:

1. You accept an unconditional offer and pay any required deposit.
2. The university creates your CAS and sends you the CAS statement.
3. You check every detail on the statement carefully.
4. You complete the online visa application form, entering your CAS number.
5. You upload your supporting documents (passport, financial evidence, academic certificates, ATAS if applicable, and TB test certificate if required).
6. You book and attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre.
7. UKVI verifies the CAS against your documents; if everything matches, a visa decision is made.

If your CAS contains an error—even a small one, such as a misspelled name—your visa application could be refused. That is why checking the statement before you submit is critical.

CAS Timeline: When to Expect Your Number

Typical Deadlines for a September 2026 Start

CAS issuance follows the admissions cycle. While exact dates vary by institution, the pattern below covers most UK universities. Always check official sources for current figures and your own university’s specific deadlines.

• October 2025 – June 2026: You receive an offer, often conditional, and work to meet any outstanding requirements (exams, English language tests).
• Mid‑July 2026: Many students’ final results are confirmed and unconditional offers are issued. You firm your choice and pay the tuition fee deposit. Universities begin bulk CAS creation.
• Late July to mid‑August 2026: This is the peak CAS issuance window. Most universities aim to issue your CAS within 2–5 working days of you meeting all conditions and paying the deposit, but during peak periods this can stretch to 10 working days or more.
• August to early September 2026: You submit your Student visa application. Typical UKVI service standards for applications from outside the UK are 3 weeks, though priority services are available at an extra cost (check official sources for current fees and processing times).
• September 2026: You receive your visa vignette (or digital immigration status) and travel to the UK. Your course usually permits a short arrival window before enrolment.

What Can Delay Your CAS?

Even minor oversights can push your CAS issuance into late August or beyond, risking your arrival. Common delay factors include:

• Academic conditions not yet met (e.g., final transcripts or certificates not sent to the university)
• Outstanding tuition fee deposit payment, or the payment not yet credited to your account
• Missing ATAS clearance certificate for certain postgraduate courses in sensitive subjects
• Incomplete financial declaration forms or missing passport copies
• Peak season backlogs at the university’s admissions office
• Inconsistencies between the name on your passport and your academic documents

Proactively sending all required documents and confirming receipt early can help you receive your CAS in good time.

How to Get Your CAS: Step-by-Step

Getting your CAS is not automatic; you must follow a clear process. Here is a practical checklist:

1. Meet all conditions of your offer. Send final transcripts, degree certificates, and English language results as soon as they are available. Ensure any ATAS requirement is sorted well in advance.
2. Confirm your place firmly. Accept the unconditional offer through UCAS or your university’s applicant portal. If you hold multiple offers, choose only one.
3. Pay the required tuition fee deposit. This varies widely—often £2,000–£5,000, but can be higher for certain programmes. Always check official university websites for their latest deposit requirements.
4. Complete any pre‑CAS tasks. Some universities ask you to submit a “CAS request form”, a financial declaration, or a copy of your passport photo page. Respond promptly.
5. Receive and verify your CAS statement. Once the university issues your CAS, you will receive a statement by email or via the portal. Check the following immediately:
   • Full name (exactly as in your passport)
   • Passport number and expiry date
   • Course title, start date, and end date
   • Tuition fees and payments reported
   • English language qualification details
   • ATAS reference if required
6. Report any errors straight away. Contact your admissions office with the correct information. Do not submit your visa application until the CAS record in the Home Office system has been updated.

If you’re navigating the CAS process alone and want a second pair of eyes, EngTu’s 合作持牌顾问团队 can help you double‑check your information and avoid costly delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long is a CAS valid for, and can I use it after the course start date?

A CAS is valid for six months from the date it is created. You must apply for your Student visa before it expires, and you must travel to the UK within the validity of your visa vignette. If your course has already started, you may be able to request a late arrival