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CAS Information (Confirmation of acceptance for studies)

Your CAS is an essential part of the Student visa application process.

Offer holders who have met all conditions (academic and non-academic) and paid a deposit if applicable, will be directed to follow the CAS issuing process approximately five months before the start date of your programme of study. The instruction will guide you through all steps needed to receive your CAS and then move onto applying for your Student visa.

More information about your CAS

  • A CAS is a ‘virtual document’ like a database record, issued by Birkbeck in support of your Student visa application. It contains key personal information, such as your name, date of birth, passport number, course title, tuition fees and the academic documents used to obtain your offer to study at Birkbeck, and a unique CAS number. 
  • The Description of CAS Statement document provides further details regarding the information shown on the CAS. It will be sent to you by email with your CAS.
  • As part of the CAS process, we may request your previous study history in the UK if this information is not included in your application form. This is to ensure that you do not exceed the maximum time limit on studying in the UK you are allowed and also to satisfy the academic progression requirement outlined in the Immigration Rules and UKVI's Student Sponsor Guidance.
  • Please read the CAS terms and conditions to understand some of the checks that are required before Birkbeck can issue you a CAS. 
  • Important: Please note that a CAS can only be used once. If your visa application is refused, you will need a new CAS. 

How to apply for a CAS

  • New students: if you have accepted an unconditional offer to study a full-time programme of study and satisfied all academic, non-academic and general conditions of entry stated in the offer, including payment of the deposit, we will usually contact you approximately four to five months before your course start date, with the details of how to request a CAS.
  • Continuing students: you can request a CAS if you are currently studying or returning to you full-time programme of studies at Birkbeck. This includes situations where you need to extend or apply for your Student visa, or switch from another immigration category to complete your full-time programme of studies. You must meet all Student visa requirements.