Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

The reference your UK sponsor sends once it has offered you a place

Criteria this document supports

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

What it shows
Strong vs. weak
How to prepare it

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Last updated Oct 28, 2026

Educational only — not legal advice.

Primary authority

Regulation: Immigration Rules Appendix Student
Official guidance: GOV.UK Student visa

Official sources: Financial evidence for Student route applicants

What it shows

A CAS is the confirmation of acceptance for studies that a licensed student sponsor sends once it has offered you a place. It gives a reference number that you enter on the application. The CAS shows the course, its level, the start and end dates and the course fee, and it can record official financial sponsorship.

Strong vs. weak

Strong

Names the licensed sponsor and gives the CAS number
Shows the course, level, start and end dates and the course fee
Received within the 6 months before you apply, and matches the rest of the application

Weak

A conditional offer where the conditions are still to be met
A CAS older than 6 months
A course or start date that differs from what the case records

How to prepare it

Ask the sponsor for the CAS statement or email, and keep the unconditional offer letter with it
Check that the sponsor is on the register of licensed sponsors
Apply within 6 months of receiving the CAS
Keep the course, fees and dates identical across every document

Common mistake

Applying with a CAS that is more than 6 months old, or one that no longer matches the course you are applying for.