Apply for your CAS
The first step towards getting your visa to study in the UK.
Apply for your CAS
What is a CAS number?
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique number that we give to you. It means we’re sponsoring your studies in the UK, and lets you enrol onto your course. You’ll need your CAS number for your Student visa application.
Your CAS number can only be used once. If you apply for another visa, you’ll need a new CAS number.
We also use your CAS to inform UK Visas and Immigration about any changes in your academic status and to verify your eligibility for the Graduate visa route.
How to request a CAS
Once you’ve firmly accepted your unconditional offer you’ll be emailed a unique CAS request link. You’ll need to have paid your tuition fee deposit before a CAS is issued, or, provide evidence of being exempt.
Extending your stay on an existing course
There is a separate request form for:
- students extending their visa
- students returning from a suspension
Meeting the conditions of your offer
A CAS will be issued to you once you are deemed ready for a successful Student visa application. Each Student visa application requires a new CAS. Essential preparations for your application include:
A CAS cannot be issued unless the above conditions are met.
Additionally, familiarise yourself with the CAS policy for new students and the CAS policy for enrolled students before beginning your application.
When will your CAS be issued?
If you meet all the conditions of your offer, including payment of the study deposit or if you are likely to receive sponsorship, we will instruct you on how to request your CAS. Keep an eye on communications from [email protected], which will include a specific link to submit your information. Please use only the link provided to you directly.
Applicants making a visa application from overseas
For those applying from outside the UK, the earliest a CAS can be issued is six months before your course begins. If your CAS request is made less than six weeks before the start of the course, we will also ask you to provide the financial evidence you will be using in your visa application. Please note, we are unlikely to process any new requests for a CAS if your course is due to start within the next four weeks.
Applicants making a visa application from within the UK
Applicants applying from within the UK may need to provide information about their previous course as part of the eligibility assessment under the UK Immigration Rules. The earliest we can issue a CAS is three months before your course starts.
Key deadlines
Please see our January 2025 intake webpage for key deadlines for the upcoming intake.
How to request your CAS
How to request your CAS will depend on your circumstances. Please see below:
If you are starting a new course of study, you will be sent a link to an online portal when you have met the conditions of your offer and accepted your offer.
Please note, we will not begin to process your CAS unless you have paid or are exempt from paying your study deposit.
Once you have submitted the request via the link, you will be provided with a receipt from [email protected]. This is normally sent within a working day after submitting your request.
You do not need to send anything to us via email unless we write to you and specifically ask you to.
If you are needing more time to complete the course you are enrolled on, please apply for your CAS using this form. Please note that to access this form, you must log in to Microsoft with your Manchester Met login details.
Check your email account regularly. If we need further information, we will contact you.
If you are coming to complete a period of research at Manchester Met for a period of six months or more, to request a CAS please contact [email protected] with a copy of the visiting research letter sent to you by Doctoral Services.
