Student Visa Check: compliance and gap review

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is an electronic record a licensed student sponsor assigns for one applicant and course. It carries a reference number entered in the visa application and records the course, dates, and fees. A CAS is not itself a visa, and it can only be used once. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts such as fees, the health surcharge, and maintenance are policy figures — as of July 2026 confirm them on the live GOV.UK page under Official resources rather than a secondary source.

There is no single timeless figure. Appendix Student sets living-cost amounts that differ for study inside and outside London, added to any outstanding course fees, and funds are usually held for a set number of consecutive days. As of July 2026, use the official GOV.UK maintenance figures rather than an older estimate. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts such as fees, the health surcharge, and maintenance are policy figures — confirm them on the live GOV.UK page rather than a secondary source.

Student conditions allow limited paid work for many degree-level students depending on whether term is in session, while barring self-employment and permanent full-time roles. The exact weekly hour limit and any exceptions appear on the decision and on GOV.UK. Working beyond the limit can affect future applications. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts such as fees, the health surcharge, and maintenance are policy figures — confirm them on the live GOV.UK page rather than a secondary source.

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme requires clearance before starting certain sensitive science, engineering, and technology courses, evidenced by an ATAS certificate matching the course and research area. A missing or mismatched certificate is a common refusal theme. The current GOV.UK ATAS list identifies which courses are in scope. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts such as fees, the health surcharge, and maintenance are policy figures — confirm them on the live GOV.UK page rather than a secondary source.

Dependant rights on the Student route have narrowed for many courses, so whether a partner or child qualifies depends on the current Appendix Student rules and the course type. Where dependants are permitted, each has separate fees, the health surcharge, and relationship and funds evidence. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts such as fees, the health surcharge, and maintenance are policy figures — confirm them on the live GOV.UK page rather than a secondary source.

The Graduate route lets many people who complete an eligible UK course stay to work or look for work for a defined period, without a sponsor. It has its own eligibility, time limits, and fees in the Immigration Rules. It is a separate application from the Student route. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts such as fees, the health surcharge, and maintenance are policy figures — confirm them on the live GOV.UK page rather than a secondary source.

Recurring reasons include maintenance funds not held for the full consecutive period, missing or poorly translated financial documents, an unmet English requirement, a missing ATAS certificate, and genuine-student credibility concerns. The refusal letter states the reasons and any review right. Fixing the evidence and reapplying is a common path when the underlying course place is real. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts are policy figures — confirm them on the live GOV.UK page rather than a secondary source.

Switching is permitted from some categories inside the UK and not from others, and the GOV.UK switching tables are authoritative on which apply. Visitors generally cannot switch into Student in-country. Overstaying while preparing an application creates separate problems. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts such as fees, the health surcharge, and maintenance are policy figures — confirm them on the live GOV.UK page rather than a secondary source.

New arrivals typically collect a biometric residence permit or access an eVisa, enrol by the deadline, and follow the conditions on the grant. Providers report non-enrolment and long absences under their sponsor duties, and withdrawing or changing course can curtail permission. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts such as fees, the health surcharge, and maintenance are policy figures — confirm them on the live GOV.UK page rather than a secondary source.

This is an information guide covering the CAS, maintenance, English, and working-condition themes at a general level. There is no paid upload for this topic. Fee, surcharge, and maintenance figures are always taken from live GOV.UK pages. Related guides cover Skilled Worker, the Graduate route context, and settlement. Home Office processing times and evidential flexibility change; the live GOV.UK pages and the decision letter control outcomes on particular facts. Keeping a dated index of documents, appointments, and fee payments makes any later conversation with a qualified adviser faster. Amounts are policy figures — confirm them on the live GOV.UK page rather than a secondary source.