Immigration

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

To apply for a new Tier 4 Student visa, you must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is issued by Durham University.

What does the CAS do?

The CAS is a unique reference number which confirms that Durham University has agreed to be your Tier 4 Sponsor. The CAS is stored on a central database at the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and contains information about you, your course, any payments for fees and also information about Durham University.

  • The CAS contributes 30 of the 40 points that you need to score to obtain your Tier 4 Student visa.
  • If you use a Durham University CAS to apply, your visa will only be valid for study at Durham University.

Use the example CAS statement, below, to help you complete your Tier 4 application (in the UK).

When do I need a CAS?

You need a new CAS every time you make a new Tier 4 application.

How to get your CAS

If you are a current student at Durham:

If you require a student visa to complete the same course that your current student visa is valid for, request your CAS here.

Remember to request your CAS at least 2 months before you intend to apply for your visa.

Once you have requested your CAS, the Immigration team will process your CAS and email you confirmation once this is done. 

If you are a current student at Durham and starting a new course: 

If you require a student visa for a new course or if you have changed your course whilst you have been at Durham and your current visa was not issued for the course that you are currently studying you will receive your CAS from the PBS Admissions team at Durham University (see below). 

If you are a new student, applying outside the UK:

Once you have accepted a final unconditional offer for your course, you will be sent a pre-CAS email asking you to confirm that your details are correct.

Once you have replied to the pre-CAS email, the admissions team will process your CAS and email it to you as soon as it is ready. 

If you need to update the PBS admissions team or make an urgent request for your CAS send an email to PBS.admissions@durham.ac.uk

If you are a new student, moving from another UK University:

Once you have accepted a final unconditional offer for your course you will be sent a pre-CAS email asking you to confirm that your details are correct.

Once you have replied to the pre-CAS email, the admissions team will process your CAS and email it to you as soon as it is ready. 

If you need to update the PBS admissions team or make an urgent request for your CAS send an email to PBS.admissions@durham.ac.uk