- What it is
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (electronic)
- Who issues
- Your UKVI-licensed university sponsor only
- Validity
- Use it before the start date on it
- Key info inside
- Course, fees, sponsor licence number, your details
Key takeaways
- CAS is the single most important document for your visa — the uni generates it electronically.
- You only get it after you accept an unconditional offer and meet every condition.
- Unis usually issue CAS 3-6 months before start — never too early.
- If your CAS is late, politely chase admissions with your CAS request reference.
What a CAS actually is (in plain English)
Think of the CAS as your university's official thumbs-up to UKVI saying 'this student is coming to study with us, we've checked them, here's the details'. It is not a paper letter you receive in the post — it is an electronic record with a unique CAS number. When you apply for your visa online you enter that number and UKVI pulls the record straight from the sponsor. That's why it has to be 100% accurate. Any mismatch between your passport, offer letter and the CAS and your application gets refused.
How you actually get your CAS (step by step)
- Accept your unconditional offer and pay any deposit the uni asks for. 2. Send them every document they need to 'uncondition' you (transcripts, English test, etc.). 3. The uni runs its internal checks and raises the CAS request in the UKVI system. 4. You get an email with your CAS number (and sometimes a PDF copy). 5. You use that number in your visa application before the course start date listed on it. Study UK Now tracks every uni's CAS issuance timeline and nags them for you when they drag their feet.
What to do when your CAS is delayed (it happens)
Delays suck but they are fixable. First, ask your uni for a CAS request reference number — this proves you have asked. Email admissions and your course department politely but firmly every 7-10 days. Copy in your Study UK Now adviser if you are using us. In rare cases you may need to defer your start date. Never apply for the visa without the CAS. We have seen students lose months because they waited quietly — don't be that person.
How Study UK Now helps with this
Get expert, end-to-end help — from university matching to your visa.
Frequently asked questions
How long before my course start do I get a CAS?
Most universities issue CAS between 3 and 6 months before the course start date, once all your conditions are met and any deposit is paid. Some are faster, some slower in peak season. Ask your admissions team for their typical timeline when you accept the offer.
Can I apply for my visa before I have the CAS?
No. You must have a valid CAS reference before you submit the Student visa application. Applying without one or with an incorrect one is a fast route to refusal. Get the CAS first, then apply. Study UK Now never lets you submit early.
Sources — verified June 2026
Visa, fee and policy details change. Always confirm the latest on the official source before you rely on it.