Apply for a CAS: continuing and returning students

Use this section if you’re:

• returning to study at UAL after taking time out and you need a new Student Route visa
• a current UAL student and you need more time to complete your studies on your current Tier 4/Student Route visa.

Find out about Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) numbers and why you need one. Read the steps to get a CAS before you apply for your visa.

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number

You’ll need a CAS number to:

• apply for a new Student Route visa.
• extend your Student Route visa.

A CAS number is a personal identification number you must include with your online visa application.

Your CAS number links your visa application to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) database so they can see UAL are sponsoring your visa.

When you may need a new CAS

You may need a CAS if:

• you need to repeat a part of your course.
• you’ve previously repeated a part of your course.
• you’re returning after taking time out.
• you did a Diploma in Professional Studies as part of your course and you need more time to complete your course.
• you’re a PhD student and you need more time to complete your doctoral programme.

The regulations for continuing and returning students are listed in the UAL CAS Policy.

1. Invitation to apply for a new CAS

If you’re a UAL student returning to the same course, we’ll contact you via the UAL Portal in the early summer, at least 3 months before you’re due to resume your course. You’ll also receive a message to your UAL email address and personal email address.

If you think you need a new CAS but haven’t received an invitation, email the Immigration Compliance team: CASrequest@arts.ac.uk.

2. Complete and submit your CAS application form

Complete your CAS application form in the UAL Portal. You can save your draft form, then return to complete it later. When you return, select ‘Continue CAS Application’. You can only submit the form when you’ve answered all the questions.

Choose a reason for your CAS request. Use the ‘Other’ option to add a reason if your situation is not listed.

Enter your passport details

To apply for a CAS, your passport must have at least 6 months left before it expires.

If your passport has expired or is due to expire within 6 months, a warning message will show in the UAL Portal.

You’ll need to enter details of a new passport and upload a copy before you can continue. If you change any of your passport details, you’ll need to upload a new copy of your passport.

You can only complete the rest of the form after:

• you’ve uploaded a copy of your passport that matches the passport details you entered
• you’ve confirmed that your passport details are correct.

3. Review of your CAS request

The Immigration Compliance team will review the information provided in your CAS request form.

Respond to questions via the UAL Portal

If we have any questions about your application or need any extra information from you, we’ll email you through the portal. Log into the UAL Portal as soon as possible to reply.

• Your ‘Apply for a CAS’ option will show as ‘Add requested information’. Select this option.
• A new screen will show the extra information we need to process your CAS request.
• Add your answer in the comment box and upload any required documents.
• Press ‘Submit’.
• Your application status will show as ‘Awaiting outcome’.

4. CAS request approved or rejected

If your application is rejected we’ll email you at your UAL email address and personal email address to explain the reasons why.

If we approve your CAS request, you’ll receive a confirmation to your UAL email address and personal email address. You’ll receive your new CAS statement by email from CASrequest@arts.ac.uk.

We’ll issue your CAS within 3 weeks. If you’ve not heard from us after 15 business days, email CASrequest@arts.ac.uk.

5. Check your CAS is correct

Review your CAS to check that all the information is correct.

If you see any incorrect information, don’t use your CAS. Email us immediately via CASrequest@arts.ac.uk.

If any details are incorrect, we’ll usually send updated information to UKVI directly but won’t give you a new CAS. We’ll email you to confirm when you may continue and use your CAS.

6. Use your CAS to apply for a visa

Use your CAS to apply for a new or extended Student Route visa.

Contact the UAL Student Advice Service for advice about submitting a new visa application. Their trained immigration experts can help with your application, check your supporting documents or advise on next steps.