Guide to the Pre-CAS statement

Please ensure that the details contained in your pre-CAS match those in your passport exactly.

There are two exceptions to this. Firstly, the nationality and country of birth fields are both chosen from a UKVI list. These should refer to the same country as your passport, but the wording may be slightly different (for example ‘INDIA rather than ‘Indian’).

Secondly, the UKVI’s IT system does not accept accents or non-English characters (so André, for example, may show as Andre).

Please note that the formatting of your name on your CAS should match that on your passport. If your name is listed all in one field on your passport, we may need to split this into the categories of Given name, Other names and Family Name to make it easier for you to apply for your visa using the online system. 
If your passport does not contain another field (for example other names) then this will be left blank.

Please confirm that the course details are correct.

The course level will always be QCF_NQF8 or QCF_NQF7. Please note that RQF is the current acronym for course level on the Student visa application form.

Please note that you should always use the course start date quoted in your pre-CAS statement when completing your visa application. The offer letter may show a slightly different date due to the way in which we organise the registration period to avoid overcrowding.

For the vast majority of students, the pre-CAS statement will confirm that ATAS clearance is ‘Not required’. If your offer letter states that you require ATAS clearance but you have obtained your pre-CAS without having obtained an ATAS certificate, please inform the Graduate Admissions Office immediately.

If this section is present it means that you have previously had permission to stay as a Student or a Tier 4 (General) Student within the UK, and as such LSE can only give you a CAS for a new course, if your new course represents academic progress from your previous studies.

The information here will reflect our understanding of your current situation and contain a justification statement for same level study if necessary. Please contact us if you feel that this information is incorrect or if this section is not present but you have previously studied in the UK as a Student or a Tier 4 (General) Student.

Note that justification is only required where a student is entering a second UK qualification at the same academic level – e.g. a second UK Master's. If you are following a UK Bachelor's with a UK Master's there is inherent progression and no justification is required.

LSE will have assessed your English ability before issuing you with your CAS. Your pre-CAS will confirm that you do not need to supply a Secure English Language Test (SELT).

Previous UK student only refers to people who have studied on a Student visa, or a Tier 4 visa from before 2020 – not short-term or other non-student visas.

If you are studying a course at the same level as your previous course, we will have explained the reasons why. You may also be asked about this in a visa interview.

In the evidence reviewed section we will list the degree qualification that we used in order to assess you for your offer. Please note that your pre-CAS statement will list only one set of qualifications, even if you have obtained more than one degree.

You will not need to provide evidence of your qualification as part of your application because LSE is a Higher Education Provider with a Track Record of Compliance.

You can check with the Student Advice and Engagement team if you are unsure if your document meets the requirements.

Please ensure that the institution name and qualification on your pre-CAS statement match those stated on your official transcript / degree certificate.

Your pre-CAS statement will confirm the first year programme fees and the course fees paid to date. It is important that you do not pay more than your first year fees. Any overpayments that you make will be returned to the bank account/card from which the payment originated.

You do not need to tell us if you have recently made a payment towards your fees that is not reflected in your pre-CAS statement. These payments can take some time to be processed and we are regularly updated when funds are cleared. However, you should not apply for your visa until you have a CAS statement that correctly reflects the fees you have paid.

If you have financial support from LSE this information will be added to your CAS, although again you do not need to contact us if this is not on your pre-CAS as this can take time to process.
If you have support from outside of LSE, this will not be added to your CAS (unless the money is paid into your fee account). You can provide evidence of such funding in your visa application.

Accommodation fees (including deposits) will not be listed on your CAS. If you require an official receipt you can request one from the Accommodation Office by emailing Residence.Fees@lse.ac.uk

If you have questions about your CAS or pre-CAS please e-mail:
admissions.cas.queries@lse.ac.uk

If you need advice about your visa application please see the LSE Student Advice and Engagement team’s website.