Credibility Interview
Section 1: Purpose and Contents of this page:
This page has been created to give guidance for Credibility Interviews
Please ensure you have carefully read the guidance provided for your situation BEFORE you contact Student Immigration.
The interview will take place at a (VAC) Visa Application Centre as stated on communication sent by the UKVI. The interview will be conducted in English and therefore your ability to communicate in English will be tested.
The interview will normally last for 30 minutes and it will be conducted via video link with a Home Office member of staff in Sheffield 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.
A: 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 on the following link: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/about/profile. Warwick is a campus university - what attracts you to the student lifestyle on a campus rather than in a city location?
A:There may be many courses in the same subject area as the one you plan to study at Warwick. What is it specifically about the Warwick 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 Warwick over them?
A: Think about what your plans are after you graduate - how will the knowledge and skills you gain from your course at Warwick 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.
A: 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.
A: Think about how the new course relates to previous studies and how it might build on your previous learning.
A: Think about how you explain your decision in the context of your long-term career plans.
A: 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.
A: 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?
If, after reading the guidance above, and you are still unsure of what you should do next, please contact Student Immigration to discuss your situation via the following methods:
Please click on the following links for more information
University of Warwick:
UK Government:
Other contacts: