What is a CAS and how do I get one?
In order to renew your student visa, you will need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
A CAS is an electronic document produced by the University as confirmation that we are prepared to sponsor your stay in the UK for study purposes. A CAS is produced using UKBA’s sponsor management system.
When will I get my CAS?
If you are a prospective student your CAS will be sent to you automatically by e-mail from the relevant Admissions department after your offer has gone unconditional. This may take several weeks during the summer when Admissions departments are very busy.
If you are still in your home country, please click here for further details on how to apply for a Tier 4 visa.
If you need to renew your visa to continue on your current course of study you need to request your CAS by completing a CAS request form. If you intend to renew your visa in the UK you must attend a Visa Workshop within the 3 months prior to submitting your CAS request before being issued with a CAS (unless evidence is provided confirming use of an external immigration representative).
We require you to submit your CAS request form at least 10 weeks before your current visa expires. Please be aware that if you submit your CAS request form with 28 days or less until the expiry date of your current visa Newcastle University reserves the right to request your valid Tier 4 financial evidence (for yourself and ALL Dependants) before issuing the CAS.
INTO students should request a CAS at INTO reception in the INTO Building.
All other continuing students should complete a CAS request form and submit it in person at Level 2, King’s Gate.
Please note that you must complete the form in full and ensure that you also submit copies of IELTS test scores or other English language evidence, if necessary. You must allow 10 working days for your CAS to be produced. It will be sent to you by e-mail.
If you require fresh ATAS clearance before applying for a Tier 4 visa, please ensure that your request for ATAS has been approved before requesting your CAS. The Visa Team will be unable to produce your CAS until ATAS approval has been received.
Please check your CAS carefully for inaccuracies and report any mistakes immediately to the member of staff who issued it.
If you require a second CAS as a result of a visa refusal or you allow your first CAS to expire, a fee is payable for a replacement.
Important information
Submitting a CAS request form is not a guarantee that the University will issue a CAS for you. There are circumstances under which a CAS request might be declined. If you are renewing your visa in the UK you should ensure that you request your CAS at least 10 weeks before your current visa expires.
Conditions under which the University will issue a CAS/decline a CAS request
Students should note that the University is licenced by the UK Border Agency to act as a sponsor for visa purposes for students admitted to relevant programmes of study at the University. As a licenced Sponsor, the University has specified duties to the UK Border Agency. Newcastle University's duties in this respect are outlined in the document below which also gives details of circumstances under which the University may decline sponsorship of a student or may report a student to the UK Border Agency for non compliance with his/her visa conditions.
University Policy on the Sponsorship of International Students
