Understanding CAS and the Student Route Visa
What Is a CAS?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It’s an official document (actually a digital number) issued by your university once you’ve accepted an offer and met their conditions — such as English proficiency or financial requirements.
You can’t apply for a UK student visa without a CAS. It links your visa application to a specific course and university.
Key details included in your CAS:
- Your personal info (as per your passport)
- Course name and start/end date
- Tuition fees
- Proof of English language ability
- Your unique CAS number (used during visa application)
What Is the Student Route Visa?
This is the visa international students need to study in the UK for longer than 6 months. It replaced the Tier 4 visa.
Key requirements:
- A valid CAS from a licensed UK institution
- Proof of financial capacity (tuition + living costs)
- English language ability (usually IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
- Passport and immigration history
When Can You Apply?
You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts (if applying from outside the UK). Most students apply 1–3 months before their course begins.
