Credibility Interview for UK

What is a credibility interview?

Credibility interviews are now part of the Tier 4 visa application process. They were introduced by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) to try and make sure that only genuine students are studying in the UK. It is by invitation only.

What is the purpose of the interview?

The interview is to check that you are a genuine student. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your background, immigration history, the studies you are planning to undertake in the UK, why you chose the University and your course, how you intend to fund your studies in the UK, and also how this fits into your career aspirations.

Will I be asked to attend an interview?

You are more likely to be invited for an interview if there are discrepancies between the supporting documents you have provided, or if the university requests an interview in order to obtain more information before they can make a decision on your application.

If you have previously studied a course which is at the same level as the new course, you are also more likely to be invited to an interview to ascertain whether you genuinely wish to pursue further studies in the UK. If you are a mature applicant which means you are resuming studies after a long time gap or work experience, then you are also more likely to be asked to give a credibility interview.

The interview is taken by a UKBA official and he will consider the level of the courses, the subject matter of the new and previous courses, your education history, the credibility of your rationale for wishing to study the new course, and whether the justification statement sufficiently explains why you are applying to study a course at the same level. If you are invited to an interview, you should be prepared to talk to a sufficient extent about the reasons why you want to pursue the new course.

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How will the interview be conducted?

If you are overseas, the interview will take place online or at a (VAC) Visa Application Centre. The interview will be conducted in English and therefore your ability to communicate in English will be tested.

The interview will normally last for 15 minutes and it will be conducted via video link with a Home Office member of staff in the university in the UK. The report of the interview will then be sent to the visa officer who will consider it alongside your visa application and supporting documents. You can request a copy of your interview transcript and we suggest that all students do this.

You need to be aware that failure to attend an interview when invited may result in your visa application being refused.

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Sample questions and How to answer them

What questions may I be asked?

There are no set questions you will be asked, however from the feedback we have received the common types of questions are listed below:

Q: Why did you choose the particular University?

Think about why you chose the UK rather than your home country, another English-speaking country or a country which other students of your nationality choose to study. You may find it useful to refer to the university profile.

Q: Why did you choose your course?

There may be many courses in the same subject area as the one you plan to study at University. What is it specifically about the course which you prefer and which suits you over other course choices? Think about your decision process. Did you apply for other courses – why did you choose a particular university over others?

Q: How do your studies fit into your career plans?

Think about what your plans are after you graduate – how will the knowledge and skills you gain from your course at the chosen university help you with the type of work you hope to do. Does your course lead to any professional exemptions or qualifications and are these recognised in your country? Do you know what others graduating from the course you will be following went on to do, e.g. the types of roles and organisations they work for? If the course you plan to study is at a similar academic level to previous studies, how does it represent progression and does it have a vocational focus? If this is the case, be prepared to explain this.

Q: If the costs of pursuing your course of study are higher in the UK than in your home country, why have you decided to incur the extra costs involved with studying in the UK?

Think about the advantages that a degree from the UK might give you and why you and/or your family are prepared to make this investment. Have you made a realistic assessment of all the costs involved and how you plan to pay for them? These costs include accommodation and costs of living.

Q: You have previously studied in the UK – why have you chosen to return?

Think about how the new course relates to previous studies and how it might build on your previous learning.

Q: You have had a long break in your studies, why are you returning to study now?

Think about how you explain your decision in the context of your long-term career plans.

Q: Do you plan to work in the UK?

You cannot rely on funds from working to pay your course fees and living costs so you need to be aware of this. The main purpose for being in the UK is your studies and so, if you do hope to work, think about how this would enhance your academic studies. You also need to demonstrate an understanding of the hours you are allowed to work and typical rates of pay.

Q: How will you fund your studies?

The purpose of this question is to check that your funds are genuinely available to you for your studies. As part of your application you will have submitted proof of your finances – ensure that you are very clear about the source and availability of these funds, also how you plan to pay for subseqent years’ fees if your course is more than a year in duration. If you have official financial sponsorship make sure you are aware of the amounts and exactly what is covered. If you have a loan, how will you afford to pay this back? How much will your accommodation cost and are you clear about the cost of living in the UK?

The interviewer will also be checking your ability to converse well in English, and if there is any issue with hearing them clearly e.g. via the video link, you should ensure that you raise this so that they are aware that it is a technical issue, not one of comprehension.