UK Student Visa: From CAS to Travel

The UK Student visa process really starts when your university sends you a CAS number. After that you prepare proof of English, proof of funds and your documents, apply on the UK government website, and wait for a decision before travelling.

This guide walks through the steps from CAS to arrival, with the fees and timings published on GOV.UK at the time of review. If you need help organising your visa documents, Almorad's visa services can follow up your file, although the decision belongs to the UK authorities.

What Is a CAS and When Do You Get It?

CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, a confirmation from a licensed university that it has accepted you. The Student visa page requires an offer from a licensed student sponsor and lists the CAS among the documents you must provide.

The university normally issues it once any conditions on your offer are met, so see our conditional admission guide. Check your name, passport number, start date and course fees on the CAS before you apply.

Student Visa Steps From CAS to Travel

1. Receive your CAS and check its details.
2. Prepare proof of English.
3. Prepare proof of funds and your bank statement.
4. Check whether your course needs ATAS or a TB test.
5. Apply online and pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge, following the official application steps.
6. Prove your identity and provide documents as the website asks.
7. After approval you receive a digital eVisa, so create a UKVI account and link your travel document.

When to Apply and How Long It Takes

From outside the UK you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. GOV.UK says a decision usually comes within 3 weeks from outside the UK and 8 weeks from inside, with faster options whose eligibility varies.

These times are not a guarantee, so leave a margin before enrolment and avoid non-refundable bookings.

Fees and Healthcare Surcharge

• Application fee: £558, per GOV.UK.
• Healthcare surcharge: £776 per year for students, per the fees page. Special rules for periods under a year are explained on the page.

These are the figures at the time of review and they change from time to time, so check the pages before paying.

Proving Your Funds

According to the financial requirements page you need one academic year of course fees (up to 9 months) as shown on your CAS, plus living costs of £1,529 per month for London or £1,171 per month elsewhere, for up to 9 months.

The money must be held for a continuous 28 days, ending within 31 days of your application. If you have a student loan or a sponsor you need evidence from them. Scholarship students should ask their sponsoring body which documents are accepted.

English and Required Documents

You need at least CEFR B2 for degree level and above, per the English language page. The documents page requires a valid passport and your CAS, and you may also need:

• Proof of funds.
• An ATAS certificate for certain courses.
• A TB test result if required for your country of residence, so check the GOV.UK page on this.
• Parental consent if you are under 18.
• Written consent from a financial sponsor, if you have one.

Work and Dependants

Whether you can work depends on your course and on whether it is term time, and your conditions are set out when the visa is granted, so rely on your own document rather than figures you hear. Self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson are not allowed.

Dependants are allowed only in specific cases on the dependants page, such as research-based postgraduate courses or government-sponsored students on courses longer than 6 months, with extra funds shown for each dependant.

If you are on a scholarship or funded by a sponsor, ask your sponsoring body in advance what form of funding evidence it accepts and whether any extra steps apply. This saves a lot of time.

Common Mistakes Before You Apply

• Applying with details that do not match your passport or CAS, so check names and dates.
• Not keeping the required funds in the account for a continuous 28 days.
• Ignoring ATAS for a sensitive course, even though processing takes at least 30 working days.
• Relying on an English test that is not approved for the visa (SELT).
• Booking travel before the decision.

Review the document list on the GOV.UK page on the day you apply, since pages can be updated without notice.

After the Visa Arrives

Check your digital status in your UKVI account and make sure the linked passport is the one you will travel on. After graduating you may look at the Graduate visa, and for the full picture read Study in the UK for Saudis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply before I have a CAS?

No. The CAS is needed for the application, so you cannot complete it without one.

How early can I apply?

Up to 6 months before your course starts if you are outside the UK.

How much money must I show?

One year of course fees as on your CAS, plus living costs of £1,529 per month for London or £1,171 elsewhere for up to 9 months, per GOV.UK at the time of review.

Is IELTS enough?

It can be, if it is an approved test (SELT) at the required level. Also check your university's own requirements.

What if my application is refused?

You receive a written decision with reasons. Review them carefully and fix the problem before applying again, and consider speaking to a qualified adviser.

Do you guarantee the visa?

No. We prepare and follow up your file, but the decision belongs to the UK authorities.

Prepare Your File With Almorad

If you want to organise your Student visa documents or review your file before applying, we are happy to help. View our visa services, then message us on WhatsApp or contact us.