What Is a CAS Number? UK Student Visa Explained

CAS — The Key to Your UK Student Visa

CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is a unique 14-character reference number issued by your UK university once you have accepted an unconditional offer and met all entry requirements. Without a valid CAS, you cannot apply for a UK Student Visa.

Think of the CAS as the university's sponsorship of your visa. By issuing a CAS, the university confirms to UKVI that you are a genuine student and that they take responsibility for your compliance with visa conditions.

When Will You Receive Your CAS?

• Universities typically issue CAS numbers 6–8 weeks before the course start date
• You must have an unconditional offer — a conditional offer alone is not enough
• You may need to pay a deposit or confirm enrolment before the CAS is issued
• The CAS is only valid for 6 months — you must submit your visa application within this period

What Information Does the CAS Contain?

Your CAS statement (which the university provides alongside the number) will include:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Your passport number
• The course name, level, and duration
• The course start and end dates
• Annual tuition fees
• Whether any fees have already been paid
• Academic qualifications used to gain entry
• English language qualifications used for entry

Check every detail carefully. If there is an error, contact your university immediately to request a corrected CAS before applying.

How to Enter Your CAS in the Visa Application

When completing your online visa application on the gov.uk website, you will be asked to enter your 14-character CAS reference number. UKVI will then retrieve the details electronically. You do not need to upload the CAS statement as a document, but keep a copy for your own records and for the biometric appointment.