Challenging Student Visa Applications: A Comprehensive Look at CAS

Autumn is a busy time for student visa applications. While the process is often straightforward,there are times when complex cases arise, requiring the expertise of an immigration lawyer toovercome the challenges.
Before we dive into a specific case and its successful outcome, it is important to explain thebasics of the student visa process.
According to UK Immigration rules, a student visa application can be submitted once theapplicant has received a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). A CAS is anelectronic document issued by your university (sponsor), confirming that you meet therequirements to study in the UK.
What Information Must a CAS
Contain? The CAS must include:
- The start and end date of your course
- Your Sponsor Licence Number
- The Sponsor Licence Address (your university’s registered address)
- The address of your primary site of study
- The qualifications used to assess your eligibility for the course
- Confirmation of academic progress if you’ve previously studied in the UK
- Confirmation of your English language ability
- The course fees and any payments you’ve already made
- Your name as it appears on your passport
- Your passport number
- Scholarship information, if applicable
The Case
Our client contacted Alexandra Mokrova and Nelli Tesis with an issue related to their student visa application. They had received their CAS in mid-August, a typical timeframe for this process. However, due to personal reasons, the client delayed their visa application for over a month.
The client, who holds both Swiss and US nationality, had been issued their CAS for their US passport. The university selected the US passport because it exempted the client from English language tests, as the US is recognised as a major English-speaking country.
However, time was running out. The client needed to be in London within two weeks to start their studies; otherwise, they risked missing the academic year. Normally, applying under the US passport would take at least three weeks for the Home Office to process, even with priority service, due to the requirement for biometric appointment and submission.
Our Solutiion
Alexandra and Nelli recognised that applying with the Swiss passport could expedite the process. Swiss nationals can use the UK’s ID Check app to complete identity verification and provide biometrics, bypassing the need for an in-person biometric appointment.
Alexandra Mokrova liaised with the university and requested that they note the client’s Swiss passport on the CAS. Although the university was initially reluctant, the team took the initiative and submitted the application using the Swiss passport under priority consideration. The team provided the Home Office with a detailed explanation of the client’s personal situation and the change of the application to the Swiss passport, explaining that the client would still meet the English language requirements as they remained a US passport holder under Appendix English Language.
The Result
Thanks to the team’s expertise and risk-taking approach, a decision was made within a week, allowing the client to start their studies on time.