UK Visas and Immigration Updates Bulk Data Transfer Guidance for Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Current rules
UKVI has updated the guidance and technical instructions governing the use of Bulk Data Transfer for CAS. The BDT facility continues to operate as a mechanism through which Student sponsors can transfer information from their internal systems to SMS and retrieve CAS information from SMS. The system supports several functions, including: bulk CAS data upload; bulk CAS data export; bulk data reporting; and bulk updates of fee-related data. Bulk CAS upload uses an XML file that conforms to UKVI's specified data structure. The system validates the information before accepting the transfer. The existing BDT framework also permits sponsors to transfer large batches of CAS information, with the published guidance specifying limits on the number of records that can be included in individual files and batches. The update therefore concerns the administration and technical handling of CAS data by education sponsors, rather than creating a new Student visa category or changing the substantive eligibility requirements for students.
Overview
On 7 September 2026, UK Visas and Immigration updated SMS Manual 7, which provides guidance on the bulk data transfer of Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This update incorporates a new link to Manual 13, detailing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for the Sponsorship Management System, and revises the glossary. The changes are immediately applicable to education sponsors utilising the bulk data transfer function of the SMS.
Who is affected by the latest change
- Sponsors licensed in the Student Route
- Organisations using the Sponsor Management System (SMS) for bulk data transfer of Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Organisations reporting graduate notifications via SMS
What changed in the latest version
Before
UKVI's existing BDT system allowed licensed Student sponsors to transfer CAS-related information between their internal student-record systems and the Sponsorship Management System. The system supports bulk CAS uploads using structured XML files. It can automatically create CAS records from successfully uploaded data, after which the sponsor must make the required electronic payment to assign the CAS to prospective students. Sponsors could also perform CAS-related activities individually through SMS rather than using the bulk facility.
After
UKVI has updated the guidance and technical instructions governing the use of Bulk Data Transfer for CAS. The BDT facility continues to operate as a mechanism through which Student sponsors can transfer information from their internal systems to SMS and retrieve CAS information from SMS. The system supports several functions, including: bulk CAS data upload; bulk CAS data export; bulk data reporting; and bulk updates of fee-related data. Bulk CAS upload uses an XML file that conforms to UKVI's specified data structure. The system validates the information before accepting the transfer. The existing BDT framework also permits sponsors to transfer large batches of CAS information, with the published guidance specifying limits on the number of records that can be included in individual files and batches. The update therefore concerns the administration and technical handling of CAS data by education sponsors, rather than creating a new Student visa category or changing the substantive eligibility requirements for students.
A CAS is a core part of the Student Route visa process because students generally need sponsorship from a licensed education provider before applying for a Student visa. Changes to the way sponsors create, transfer or manage CAS data can therefore affect universities and other Student sponsors operationally, even where the underlying Student visa eligibility requirements have not changed. BDT is particularly relevant to institutions issuing large numbers of CAS because it allows information to be transferred in batches rather than requiring every CAS to be created individually.
Explained simply
Imagine you're sending lots of party invitations online. Before, you had a guide on how to send them all at once. Now, that guide has been updated. It tells you about a new, extra-secure way to log into your invitation sending system, like using a secret code on your phone as well as your password. Also, some of the words in the guide have been updated so they're clearer. If you send lots of invitations, you need to check this new guide to make sure you're still doing it correctly and securely.
Frequently asked
Version history
- v1Effective 7 Sept 2026PublishedMedium impactUK Visas and Immigration Updates Bulk Data Transfer Guidance for Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
The UK Visas and Immigration guidance, 'Bulk data transfer of CAS: SMS manual 7', has been updated, effective 7 September 2026. The revised manual now specifically includes graduate notifications within the scope of its bulk data transfer (BDT) functions. Additionally, it introduces 'Manual 13' for Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance SMS account security and clarifies that there are now 13 SMS manuals available for sponsors. This update is designed to help education sponsors manage Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) more effectively, particularly those utilising bespoke IT systems for bulk data transfer.
Timeline
Announced
7 Sept 2026
On 7 September 2026, UK Visas and Immigration updated SMS Manual 7, which provides guidance on the bulk data transfer of Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This update incorporates a new link to Manual 13, detailing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for the Sponsorship Management System, and revises the glossary. The changes are immediately applicable to education sponsors utilising th
Takes effect
7 Sept 2026
The SMS guide 7 has been updated to reflect changes to the Sponsor Management System (SMS) and to include a link to the new manual 13 (Multi-factor Authentication) and an updated glossary. It outlines how sponsors can use the bulk data transfer (BDT) functions of SMS for Confirmations of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), including graduate notifications, requiring a bespoke IT system.
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