What is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)?

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a requirement for obtaining a UK Tier 4 General Student Visa (GSV).  Since February 22, visa letters are no longer be valid. The UK has started using an electronic system.

The electronic system will use a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Unlike the Form I-20 used for US visa applications, this is not an actual paper certificate – it exists only as a number on the UK Border Agency website. What will happen is as follows:

1. You register for an English course in the UK on our website
2. We’ll send you confirmation documents, but instead of a visa letter we send you a CAS reference number
3. You must quote the CAS reference number when applying for the UK visa

In many ways, this new electronic system will be an improvement. In particular, the CAS will be available for use as soon as we’ve processed it, so there will no longer be any need for us to send you visa letters. Students will therefore save money on hefty express mail fees!

Please remember that a CAS costs £10 and we will add this to your invoice. The £10 fee is non refundable, compulsory in all cases where a CAS is required. It is not an administration charge we have added but the actual cost of the process.

None of these changes affect Student Visitor Visas. They will continue to be processed using visa support letters.