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The new system of CAS [Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies] introduced by the UKBA [United Kingdom Border Agency] in place of the earlier visa letter is said to make things much more easy for both students and education institutions in UK. However, one clause regarding the students fee refund policy has landed both students and UK Universities in a catch 22 situation.
Apparently, under this new system of CAS, universities and colleges would be allotted quota for admitting a specific number of students into their schools. CAS is similar to a database record. A unique CAS number is issued for each student. These CAS reference numbers are provided by UKBA under a fixed quota system to all the sponsoring colleges and universities.
This CAS number is given to a student after he makes the initial fee payment to the college. With this reference number he can apply for permission to stay in UK under Tier 4 student visa. However, if the student fails to continue the course due to some reasons, then his fees refund depends upon the will of the college.
Student’s point of view
A student in case gets a refusal of visa from UKBA, then he or she stands to lose his whole investment!
The college may not refund him fees as once the CAS is issued it cannot be used again for any other student!
College’s Point of View
The college too loses in terms of quota. Suppose a student can’t continue his studies due to personal reasons after CAS has been issued by the college then college will lose that one particular CAS number forever. Once the CAS is submitted it goes into the records and it cannot be used again!
Perhaps this can be ctes as one of the reasons for colleges becoming more stringent in their student fee refund policy whereupon they might not give back the full amount.
That’s why we mentioned earlier it’s a catch 22 situation for both the parties.
The basic problem lies in the rules formed by UKBA which if can be formulated would make life much more smooth for students and colleges as well!
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Did you get your CAS issued before the 21st of April? Finally VFS posts the news on their website confirming that students who have been issued CAS letters on or before the 20th of April can apply for their visa.