UK universities pause CAS issuance for Pakistani students: What it means for UK study visas
Pakistani students planning to study in the UK should be aware of new visa challenges. Recently, several UK universities announced a pause or restriction on issuing Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to Pakistani applicants. A CAS is a mandatory virtual reference from your UK university that lets you apply for a UK study visa. This unexpected “CAS ban” (pause) has left many applicants uncertain and raised questions about the UK study visa for Pakistani students. In this article, we explain what a CAS is, why universities have imposed these restrictions, and what Pakistani applicants can do next – with insights from Go Global Consultants’ lead counsellor Chaudhary Farooq Siddique.
What is a CAS and why it matters
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is not a paper certificate but an electronic record issued by a licensed UK sponsor (university). It confirms you have an unconditional offer and have accepted it. UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) and UKCISA explain that once you have been accepted to a course, the university will send you a CAS reference number to use in your visa applicationgov.ukukcisa.org.uk. In short, to apply for the UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4), you must have a CAS. Without it, your visa application cannot proceed.
Obtaining a CAS requires the university to hold a valid UKVI sponsor license. The Student Sponsor Guidance (Nov 2025) details strict rules for sponsors, including limits on visa refusal rates, enrolment rates and course-completion ratesgov.uk. For example, UKVI requires a university’s visa refusal rate to be below 10%gov.uk. In practice, this means universities closely monitor visa outcomes for their international applicants.
Why are universities pausing CAS for Pakistani applicants?
In late 2025, news reports (e.g. Financial Times) confirmed that at least nine UK institutions (including Coventry, Wolverhampton, East London, Sunderland, Chester, Glasgow Caledonian and others) have restricted admissions or halted CAS issuance to Pakistani students. Universities say this is due to new UKVI compliance pressures. The updated sponsor guidance explicitly enforces lower visa-refusal thresholds and higher enrollment/completion ratesgov.uk
Many Pakistani student visa applications have historically faced high refusal rates – often well above the 10% benchmarkgov.uk. When a program’s refusal rate spikes, the entire sponsor license is at risk. To protect their licenses, universities view Pakistani applicants as “high risk” and have temporarily paused issuing CAS until refusal rates improve. It is important to note that CAS is not the visa itself – it merely allows you to apply. UKVI still makes the final decision on each visa application.
Implications for Pakistani students
For Pakistani students with UK offers, a paused CAS can have serious consequences. If you have no CAS, your visa application cannot move forward. You may be forced to defer your admission, reapply for the next intake, or consider other universities. Students who already have a CAS could also face delays or uncertainty if their chosen university’s compliance status becomes critical.
Even with a CAS, all standard UKVI student visa requirements still apply. You must still prove sufficient funds, meet English-language requirements (e.g. IELTS or other UKVI-approved tests), and provide valid academic transcripts. Official guidance and UKCISA remind applicants that financial proof and English language certificates are mandatory parts of the visa processukcisa.org.uk. Failing to meet these conditions can result in visa refusal despite having a CAS on hand.
In summary, Pakistani applicants should be prepared for possible deferral of their UK university admission. Keep in mind that a CAS only allows you to apply; it does not guarantee visa approval. Any discrepancy or missing document (finances, academic credential, health surcharge, etc.) can still lead to refusal under UKVI student rules.
Advice from Go Global Enterprises student counselling
To help navigate this complex situation, Go Global Enterprises – a leading international education consultancy – offers dedicated student counselling. Chaudhary Farooq Siddique, Senior Student Counsellor at Go Global, emphasizes careful planning. His key tips for Pakistani students are:
- Verify CAS policies: Confirm with your university whether they are currently issuing CAS to Pakistani students for your course and intake. University websites or admissions contacts can provide updates.
- Check the sponsor license: Ensure the university holds a valid UKVI sponsor license. If possible, ask for the license number or official confirmation – this shows the school is authorized to sponsor students.
- Prepare complete documentation: Before applying, make sure your academic transcripts, financial statements, and English test scores meet UKVI requirements. Mistakes or omissions can lead to visa refusals that affect future applications.
- Have a backup plan: Consider alternatives in case your CAS is delayed or cancelled. This might include applying to other UK universities (ideally those still issuing CAS), exploring other countries’ study options, or shifting to a later intake.
- Keep records of everything: Document all communications with universities and agencies, including payment receipts and offer letters. This is important if a CAS is unexpectedly withdrawn or delayed after you’ve paid deposits.
Go Global Enterprises student counselling services can guide you through each step of the UK university admission and visa application process. With experts like Chaudhary Farooq Siddique, we help Pakistani students understand UKVI student visa requirements and adapt when policies change.
For authoritative information, always refer to official UKVI guidance and resources. See the UKVI Student Sponsor Guidance and CAS application manual on GOV.UK for detailed rulesgov.uk. UKCISA’s Student Route pages also outline eligibility and application requirementsukcisa.org.uk. These sources, along with professional counselling from Go Global, can help you successfully manage your UK university admission plans.