In order to apply for a Student Visa you will require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. You must have met all your conditions of entry and have an unconditional offer before you can request a CAS number and begin the visa application process.
If you are applying for your visa outside the UK, you can apply for your Student visa up to six months before the start of your course.
If you are applying in the UK, you can apply up to three months before your course starts. You must not travel to the UK before the start date of your visa.
Obtaining a visa can take some time. Wherever possible you should allow enough time to apply for your visa so you can start your course on time. Leaving it until the last minute may delay or even prevent you taking up your place at the RCM.
The latest deadline to request a CAS is 31 August. CAS will not normally be issued beyond this date except in exceptional circumstances.
We normally write in June to all students starting new courses inviting them to apply for a CAS once they have an unconditional offer. Unconditional offers are only made when applicants have submitted to the RCM all the required academic and English language qualifications and their offer status has been changed to GU (guaranteed unconditional).
Many students will have unconditional offers by June and should request a CAS straight away. Others will be awaiting school or degree qualifications in July or August, and should apply as soon as they receive these. We will not normally issue a CAS to new students after 31 August unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Find out about requesting a CAS
If you are not sure whether your offer is unconditional yet, or you need to send in proof of your qualifications, please contact our Admissions team.
Students already studying at a university who receive their results in early July
Students already studying at a UK university, and universities in a few other countries, will normally expect to receive their degree results and transcripts in early July. Students in this position should send their qualifications and submit their CAS request form as soon as possible after receiving their results.
Students awaiting A Level results
A Level results day in 2025 is currently expected to be Thursday 14 August, which is relatively late to apply for a visa. However, the RCM is used to supporting students in this situation. We recommend preparing all your supporting documents and financial evidence in advance so you are ready to apply for your CAS and visa as soon as possible after you receive your results.
Visa processing times
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) aims to process applications to the following service standards:
Applications made outside the UK
Within 15 working days. In some locations a five working day priority service may be available (check details for your local UK Visa Application Centre before applying).
Applications made inside the UK
Within eight weeks (standard service). Faster priority services (typically 5 working days) are normally available.
More detailed information about visa processing times and the various services available is available on our How to apply for a Student visa page.
