British High Commission in Sri Lanka announces new visa rules for students entering UK

According to the statement issued by the High Commission in Colombo, from 22 February 2010 all students who apply to study in the UK under Tier 4 of the points-based system must possess a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from their sponsor.

The CAS will replace the Visa Letter for overseas Tier 4 applications on 22 February 2010. The CAS is a virtual document, not an actual certificate, and it contains a unique 14 digit electronic reference number.

The press release said the Visa Letters will no longer be accepted in support of a Tier 4 visa application. Sponsors will provide students with a unique CAS reference number to quote in their visa application.

The CAS contains information about the course of study for which it has been issued and the student's personal details. Like the Visa Letter, the CAS will become invalid if not used to make a visa application within 6 months of issue.

Holding a valid CAS does not guarantee that a student’s application will be successful, the release said adding that students must meet the requirements of Tier 4 and the Immigration Rules.

A student may hold several CASs issued by different sponsors, but can only use one to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Under the new rule the High Commission says that until 21 February 2010, students can continue to apply under Tier 4 using a visa letter, even if their course of study starts after 22 February 2010.

From 22 February 2010 they will not be able to apply under Tier 4 using a visa letter, even if the visa letter was issued before 22 February 2010.