So you’ve received an offer letter from a foreign university. Congratulations! 🎉
But now, you’re seeing strange terms like CAS, I-20, GTE, CoE, and conditional offer—and you’re not quite sure what they all mean.

This guide is here to help you make sense of these terms so you don’t miss a critical deadline or visa requirement.

1. CAS – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (UK)

Used In: United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Issued By: The university (Tier 4 Sponsor)

What It Is:
A unique reference number (and accompanying document) issued by UK universities to international students after they accept an offer and meet all conditions. It’s essential for your UK student visa (Student Route) application.

🔑 Key Info in CAS:

• Sponsor license number
• Course start and end date
• Tuition fees paid and due
• Student’s personal details

📌 You need the CAS before applying for your UK student visa.

🔗 Step-by-Step UK Student Visa Guide

2. I-20 Form – Certificate of Eligibility (USA)

Used In: United States 🇺🇸
Issued By: SEVP-approved U.S. universities

What It Is:
The Form I-20 is a legal document issued to students accepted into a full-time U.S. program. It’s a must-have for your F-1 or M-1 visa application.

💡 You’ll need to show the I-20 during:

• Your U.S. visa interview
• Immigration checks at the airport

🔑 What it contains:

• SEVIS ID number
• School name and code
• Course start/end date
• Estimated cost of attendance

📌 You must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee after receiving the I-20.

🔗 What is the SEVIS Fee and How to Pay It

3. GTE – Genuine Temporary Entrant Statement (Australia)

Used In: Australia 🇦🇺
Required By: Australian Immigration for student visa (Subclass 500)

What It Is:
A personal statement proving that you’re a genuine student who intends to temporarily live in Australia for study purposes—not for permanent migration.

💬 What You Must Explain:

• Your academic background
• Why you chose the course & university
• Your future career plans
• Any gaps in education or work

📌 The GTE is submitted with your visa application and must align with the information on your CoE.

🔗 How to Write a GTE Statement That Gets Approved

4. CoE – Confirmation of Enrolment (Australia)

Used In: Australia 🇦🇺
Issued By: CRICOS-registered Australian universities

What It Is:
A digital document required for your Subclass 500 student visa. The CoE confirms that you’ve accepted the offer, paid fees, and officially enrolled in the course.

💡 Each course will have a separate CoE (e.g., English + Bachelor’s).

📌 You cannot apply for an Australian student visa without a CoE.

🔗 Australian Student Visa Process Explained Step by Step

5. Conditional vs. Unconditional Offer Letters

Used In: All countries

• Conditional Offer: You’ve been accepted provisionally. You still need to submit missing documents like:
  • Final exam results
  • English test score (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
  • Passport or fee payment proof
• Unconditional Offer: You’ve fulfilled all criteria, and the university is ready to issue:
  • CAS (UK)
  • I-20 (USA)
  • CoE (Australia)

📌 Always review offer letters carefully—some conditions can delay your visa.

6. LOA – Letter of Acceptance (Canada)

Used In: Canada 🇨🇦
Issued By: Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

What It Is:
The LOA proves your admission into a Canadian institution. It is essential to apply for your Canadian study permit.

🔑 Should include:

• DLI number
• Course details
• Tuition fees
• Duration of study

📌 Ensure the LOA is valid for at least 6 months from the date of issue.

🔗 How to Apply for a Canadian Study Permit

Quick Table: Summary of Key Offer Letter Terms

Final Advice from Global Grads

Understanding these offer letter terms is crucial for visa success and a stress-free application journey. Missing a single form or deadline could mean delayed travel—or worse, a visa rejection.

🎯 Don’t leave it to chance. Let the experts help.

👉 Book a Free Consultation with Global Grads