To ask Her Majesty's Government why they are ceasing to use visa letters for foreign students applying to come to the United Kingdom; what is the difference between such a letter and a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) form; and why the provision of passport numbers on CAS forms is compulsory rather than optional. [HL1762]

The visa letter is a paper document given by the Tier 4 sponsor to the student. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a virtual document, similar to a database record. Sponsors complete an IT-based process that results in the assignment of a unique reference number. A CAS, which replaces the visa letter, cannot be forged and cannot be tampered with. This is a security feature to further reduce the potential for abuse of Tier 4. As all students require a passport to apply for leave under Tier 4, either overseas or in the UK, it is not unreasonable for this information to be entered on the CAS. It is also an added security feature to combat possible fraud.

The implementation plan for Tier 4 made clear that an IT-based system would be introduced in autumn 2009.