Everything Nepali students need to know before applying for a UK Student Visa
If you have received an offer from a UK university and started researching the Student Visa process, you have almost certainly come across the term CAS. It is one of the most important parts of your UK visa application — and one of the most misunderstood. This blog explains exactly what it is, what it contains, when you get it, and what to do with it.
What Is a CAS Number?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is a unique 14-character reference number generated by your UK university and assigned specifically to you. Think of it as your university’s official confirmation to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you have been accepted onto a genuine course — and that the institution is sponsoring your visa application.
Example of what a CAS number looks like
A CAS number is 14 characters long and follows this format: X1Y123456789AB. Each number is unique — it belongs only to you and your specific course offer. You cannot reuse a CAS from a previous application or transfer it to a different course.
Why Do You Need It?
You cannot apply for a UK Student Visa without a valid CAS number. When you submit your visa application online, UKVI pulls all the details of your course and offer directly from the CAS — so the information must be accurate before you apply. It is also how UKVI verifies that the university sponsoring you is a licensed Student Sponsor. If your university is not on the UKVI Register of Licensed Sponsors, you cannot get a Student Visa — no matter how genuine your application is.
What Information Does Your CAS Contain?
Your CAS is not a document you receive — it is a record held in the UKVI system. But your university will send you a CAS statement or letter that confirms these details:
| CAS Field | What It Tells UKVI |
|---|---|
| Your full name and date of birth | Must match your passport exactly — any mismatch causes delays |
| Course name and level | e.g. MSc International Business, Level 7 (Postgraduate) |
| Course start and end dates | Determines how long your visa will be issued for |
| Course fees | The amount you are expected to pay — used to calculate your financial requirement |
| Fees paid to date | If you have paid a deposit, this is recorded — it reduces how much you need to show in your bank account |
| University name and sponsor licence number | Confirms the institution is UKVI-approved |
| Whether English requirement has been met | Some universities confirm IELTS/PTE results here |
When Does Your University Issue the CAS?
This is the question most students get confused about. Your CAS is not issued when you receive your offer letter — it comes later, and only after certain conditions are met.
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| You receive an offer letter | This is your conditional or unconditional offer — NOT your CAS. Do not apply for a visa yet. |
| You meet all conditions | If your offer was conditional (on IELTS score, qualifications, etc.), you must meet them first. |
| You accept your offer and pay a deposit | Most universities require a tuition deposit — often £3,000 to £6,000 — before they will assign a CAS. |
| University assigns your CAS | Once deposit is paid and conditions are met, your university raises a CAS in the UKVI system. This typically happens 6 to 12 weeks before your course start date. |
| You receive your CAS statement | Your university emails you the 14-character CAS number and a summary of the details held on it. Review it carefully before applying. |
Important: Universities Cannot Issue a CAS Too Early
UKVI only allows universities to assign a CAS within a specific window before the course start date — typically no earlier than 6 months before the course begins. This means even if you receive your offer in December for a September intake, your CAS will not arrive until around March or April at the earliest. Do not panic if your CAS has not arrived yet — check with your university for their expected CAS issue date.
How Long Is a CAS Valid?
A CAS is valid for 6 months from the date it is assigned. You must submit your Student Visa application within this 6-month window. If you do not apply in time, your university will need to assign you a new CAS — which may involve another deposit or administrative process.
Can a CAS be cancelled?
Yes. If your university discovers an error in the details, or if you withdraw from your course, the CAS will be cancelled. A cancelled CAS cannot be used for a visa application. You will need a new one. This is why it is critical to check every detail on your CAS statement carefully as soon as you receive it.
What to Check on Your CAS Before Applying
Before you submit your visa application, go through your CAS statement carefully. Errors in any of these fields can lead to visa delays or rejection:
- Your full name — must match your passport character for character, including middle names
- Date of birth — must match your passport exactly
- Course name, level, and dates — check these against your original offer letter
- Tuition fee amount — must reflect your actual fee, not a discounted or incorrect figure
- Fees paid to date — if you paid a deposit, confirm it is recorded correctly here
- University sponsor licence number — you can verify this on the UKVI licensed sponsors register at gov.uk
If you spot any error, contact your university’s international admissions office immediately — do not submit your visa application until the CAS is corrected. Once your visa is submitted, changes are very difficult to make.
How Your CAS Affects Your Financial Proof
Your CAS directly determines how much money you need to show in your bank account for your visa application. Here is how it works:
The Financial Calculation
Amount required = (Remaining tuition fees) + (Living costs for up to 9 months)
Living costs: £1,529 per month in London / £1,171 per month outside London
If your CAS shows that you have already paid some or all of your tuition, that amount is deducted from what you need to show.
Example: Your annual tuition is £15,000. You paid a £3,000 deposit. Your CAS records £3,000 paid. You only need to show £12,000 in remaining tuition, plus living costs.
Quick Summary — CAS at a Glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is it? | A 14-character reference number confirming your university sponsorship for a UK Student Visa |
| Who issues it? | Your UK university — only if they are a UKVI-licensed Student Sponsor |
| When do you get it? | Usually 6 to 12 weeks before your course start date, after your deposit is paid and conditions are met |
| How long is it valid? | 6 months from the date it is assigned |
| Can you apply for a visa without it? | No — it is mandatory for every UK Student Visa application |
| What if there is an error? | Contact your university immediately and get it corrected before applying for your visa |
Have Questions About Your UK Application?
Whether you have just received your offer, are waiting for your CAS, or are ready to apply for your visa — our team is here to guide you through every step.
Your future is worth getting right. Let us help you get there.