Credibility Interview Guide
What is a Credibility Interview?
Credibility Interviews are part of the Student Visa Application process. The purpose of the interview is to assess if you are a genuine and credible student. The interviews are conducted in English and your ability to speak English is part of the assessment. A transcript of your interview will be sent to the Home Office staff member who will assess your whole application. Your visa application can be refused if you fail to answer the interview questions to the satisfaction of Home Office staff. The Home Office aim to interview most students.
In the UK
You may be contacted to attend an interview. Your interview may be in person, over the phone or via video call.
Outside the UK
When you attend the visa application centre to submit your application and biometric information, you will be interviewed. You may also be asked to attend a further interview at a later date. Your initial interview will usually be via video call to a member of staff in the UK. Further interviews could be the same, via telephone or in person.
***You must ensure that you check your emails (including junk folder). If you do not attend your interview, your application will be automatically refused***
Preparation
It is extremely important that you prepare for your interview in advance so that you have the best chance of having a successful visa application. You should read through your “Statement of Purpose" from your application and ensure that you answer all questions you are asked honestly and fully.
• Be specific - give examples. Vague and generic answers can lead to visa refusals
• Provide detail - demonstrate that you have researched the course and that you have genuine reasons for coming to the UK
• Be honest - make sure your application is personal to you. Do not quote general statements referring to our website.
Example Questions and what to consider in your answer
Be prepared to answer any question about your decision to study in the UK and specifically about your course at UWS. Think about these 5 areas:
#1 Personal reasons for choosing to study in the UK
What other countries did you consider? Why is UWS a better option than studying in your home country? With extra costs involved in studying overseas, what are the benefits to you?
Why did you choose UWS? How does your future study plan relate to your most recent studies or employment? What are the campus facilities like? Where will you live? If you have previously studied in the UK, why have you chosen to return now? Or, if you have had a long break in your studies, why have you chosen to return to the UK?
What is it specifically about the UWS course you have chosen? How does this compare to other courses? How is your course assessed and what modules are covered? You may find it useful to refer to our website.
How do you plan to pay for your course? Is this your money or your parents' money? Can you justify this significant investment. Are you aware of the total living costs in the UK including how much your accommodation will cost? Have a detailed plan of your expenses. 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?
What will you learn that will allow you to progress your career? You need to be able to explain why the course and its content will lead to your career goal. What have you done to advance your career during any "gaps" in study. What are your plans after you graduate?
The interviewer will also be checking your ability to converse well in English, 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.
Further information， please visit www.uws.ac.uk
If you have any further questions about your visa application or your Credibility Interview please contact the International Student Support team.
If you experience something that you were not expecting or would like to inform us about your Credibility Interview process, please send us an email.
