What is CAS Shield and as an International Student, Do I Need it?

Embarking on the journey to study at Anglia Ruskin University as an international student involves a crucial step—applying for a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). Here's a comprehensive guide based on my experience, detailing the seamless process, helpful tips, and the university's support throughout the CAS and visa application journey.

Yes! International students applying to Anglia Ruskin University need to apply for a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) and here’s what I found helpful when applying.

CAS is the process international students go through before they get their visa. I was set up with a profile where it informed me what documents I needed to upload, the deposit I needed to pay, and the personal information they and the university needed about me. ARU was great about sending me detailed instructions on what was needed, and the CAS Shield portal is really user friendly and straight forward. Once you complete all the steps it asks for, it will tell you the progress of your application and I found it comforting to be able to track this. When it was moving slower, I contacted the university and I was sped along, which was wonderful.

The CAS assigned to students is a unique 14-digit reference number and student’s need that information to complete the visa application form. The earliest students can apply for their student visa is six months before the start date of the course, so this is when the university starts issuing CAS. Anglia Ruskin recommends incoming students obtain their CAS and apply for their visa as early as they can, as there can be delays at the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in assessing applications and issuing visas. CAS issuing for students joining in September will begin in June.

Anglia Ruskin was with my every step of the way to answer any questions I had about my CAS and visa application, and I knew I could always contact them directly on the CAS Shield portal or by ARU email.