Credibility interviews

The Home Office interviews a selection of Student visa applicants before granting them immigration permission to come to the UK.  Therefore, you might be emailed asking you to attend an interview as part of the application process.  You should regularly check your email (including the 'junk' folder). Your application is likely to be refused if you are asked to attend an interview and do not do so without a reasonable explanation.

Interviews occur when you attend a visa application centre to give your biometric information.

A Home Office staff member will ask you about your course, where you want to study and your reasons for studying in the UK.  Interviews are conducted in English and possibly via video link.  The interview report will be sent to the Entry Clearance Officer who will decide on your student visa application.  The Entry Clearance Officer must be satisfied that you are a genuine student, and that your English language ability is at the correct level, otherwise you might be called for a further interview and/or your entry clearance application may be refused.

The Home Office advises that this interview process is designed to detect potential abuse of the visa system, not to hinder genuine students.

Typical questions may include:

Q: Why did you choose Birmingham City University (BCU)?

Answer preparation: Consider why you chose the UK rather than your home country, another English-speaking country, or the country where other students of your nationality decide to study.  You may find it helpful to refer to the international pages of our website at http://www.bcu.ac.uk/international/why-study-here. 

Q: Where will you live in the UK?

Answer preparation: Think about your living arrangements.  Will you be staying in university accommodation or private accommodation?  Consider the distance between your accommodation and the campus that you will be studying at, how you will travel, and how much it will cost.

Q: Why did you choose your course?

Answer preparation: There may be many courses in the same subject area as you plan to study at BCU.  Consider what it is specifically about the BCU course you have chosen and why it suits you better than other course choices.  Think about your decision process.  Did you apply for different courses at other institutions - why did you choose BCU over them?

Q: How will the course be delivered and assessed?

Answer preparation: Think about the course content and modules you will study.  Will you be assessed through examinations or coursework?  You may find it helpful to look through the course pages on the university's website to find out how your course will be split between self-study, lectures, group work, etc.

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

Answer preparation: Think about your plans after you graduate - how will the knowledge and skills you gain from your course at BCU help you with the type of work you hope to do.  Does your course lead to professional exemptions or qualifications, and are they recognised in your country?  Do you know what others graduating from the course you will follow 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 it.

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

Answer preparation: 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 and how you plan to pay them?  These costs include the course fees, living costs, and accommodation.

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

Answer preparation: Consider how the new course relates to your previous studies and how it might build on your prior learning.  You can also talk about the benefits of your last course.

Q: You have had a long break from your studies. Why are you returning to study now?

Answer preparation: Consider how you explain your decision in the context of your long-term career plans.

Q: Do you plan to work in the UK?

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

Q: How will you fund your studies?  (You should not be asked this unless you are called back for a second interview)

Answer preparation: This question aims to check that your funds are available for your studies. You submitted proof of your finances. Ensure that you are very clear about the source and availability of these funds and how you plan to pay subsequent years' fees if your course is over one year. If you have official financial sponsorship, ensure you know the amounts and what is covered.  How will you afford to pay this back if you have a loan? How much will your accommodation cost, and are you transparent about living costs in the UK?

The interviewer will also check your ability to speak and listen in English. Therefore, if you have any issues hearing the interviewer clearly, e.g., via the video link, you should ensure that you raise this so that they know it is a technical issue.