As part of your Student Visa application, you may be asked to attend an interview with a UKVI caseworker. The visa interview is the final stage of the application process which determines whether an applicant qualifies for the visa.
UKVI will use your interview to check that you are a genuine student. During your interview, you will be asked a series of questions. It is important to understand that if you are not able to prove that you are a genuine student, your visa may be rejected and/or your University may refuse to issue you a CAS to apply for your Student Visa.
How will the interview be conducted?
The interview will take place at a (VAC) Visa Application Centre as stated in the UKVI’s letter. It will be conducted via video link with a Home Office member of staff 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.
What kind of questions are asked in a Student Visa interview?
The UKVI will ask you a series of questions relating to your personal details, your intended studies and the university you will be attending, what studies have you undertaken previously and why you want to study further in the UK, living arrangements in the UK and finances and so on. The interview will be conducted in English and you are expected to be able to communicate without the need for a translator.
How do I prepare for the Visa Interview?
Preparation is key when it comes to student visa interviews. Although you may be a confident student, it is important to be aware of what kind of questions you may be asked and answer them in a precise manner, to the satisfaction of the interviewer. Answering questions accurately will help the Visa Officers who will be assessing their applications and will also ensure that there is a minimum delay to the processing of their visa application.
Revise your situation
You should think in advance about your course and why you chose it. In addition, you may have to answer personal questions too. You must answer all questions correctly and confidently without any doubt. The UKVI interviewer will want to know that you have given serious thought before choosing your course and that you are a genuine student.
Answer all the questions
You should always answer all questions fully and honestly without hesitation.
Converse in English
You will be living and studying in the UK, so one of the most important things they will be checking is your level of English, always answer in English, not via an interpreter or any other language.
Ask for clarity in case of doubt
Ask for clarification from the interviewer if you do not understand a question to ensure you are providing the correct information.
Finally, attend the interview on time
Be on time to attend your interview. If you cannot attend the interview, you must contact the Visa Office to reschedule. However, failure to attend the interview altogether may result in your application being automatically refused.
UK Student Visa Interview Tips
Being mindful of your situation and having an organised approach will avoid any mishaps, ultimately leading to a successful interview. From our experience we have gathered some tips for applicants:
- Arrive early for your interview. Arriving late to an interview will create a negative impression.
- Dress formally and maintain appropriate eye contact during your interview if it is a video call.
- Do not take too much time while answering the interviewer’s questions.
- Do not offer unnecessary information. The UKVI official is only looking for clear and concise information.
- 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.
- Bring your documents to the interview.
Can I avoid a UK Student Visa interview?
Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid an interview. The interview is to check that you are a genuine student and any applicant may be called for an interview.
The answers provided by you during the interview will form part of the evidence considered in making a decision on your visa application.
How long does a Student Visa interview last?
Depending on the circumstances of the applicant, interviews can typically last anywhere up to 30 minutes.
Will I need to attend a second interview?
Yes, you may be called for a second interview. Your application will be assessed following your first interview and if the UKVI official requires further information, then a second interview will be conducted.
What questions will be asked during my second interview?
The second interview will go into further details of your visa application.
UK Student Visa Example Questions
By now you should have a good idea and understanding of what kind of questions you may be asked during your interview. We have compiled a comprehensive list of possible questions that you may have to answer during the interview:
Personal questions
- What is your full name?
- What can I call you?
- What is your father’s name?
- How old are you?
UK Studies
- What is the name of the university you will be attending in the UK?
- What is the course name and academic level?
- What qualification will you get after the course if you pass?
- When does the course start and finish? How many terms/semesters is it?
- What are the subjects of the course? What will you study during the course?
- How are you going to be assessed on the course?
- What other schools or courses did you consider, and why did you decide on this one?
- How is this course going to benefit you for your future career and/or academic plans?
Previous studies
- What did you study previously?
- Where did you study?
- How do your previous studies relate to your proposed course in the UK?
- Why do you wish to study in the UK? Why not stay in your own country to study, if similar courses are available there?
- How do you explain any gaps in your previous education/employment history (if applicable)?
Financial Circumstances
- Who is going to pay your tuition fees and living costs? Where did they get the money? What is their salary?
- Do you have a financial sponsorship/scholarship?
- Did you take a loan to fund your education? What is your plan to pay back the loan?
- Do you know how much it costs to live in the UK and also what you might spend on day-to-day items such as food, travel and accommodation?
- Do you know the total cost of the course and have an idea of any future courses?
- 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?
- Do you plan to work in the UK?
Living in the UK
- Where is the university you will be studying at? Which city is it in and which part of the UK does it belong to?
- Have you arranged accommodation? If not, why not? How will you/did you find it?
- How much does accommodation cost in the location where you will be studying?
- How will you commute between your accommodation and the school (walk, bus, train, underground etc.)?
- Do you have any friends or relatives living in the UK?
General information
- Did you use an education or immigration agent at any stage? Who is/was your agent and why did you choose them?
- Why did you choose this university/college? Why did you choose this course and how does it relate to your previous study?
- What is your plan after completing the course? Do you intend to stay in the UK (for additional studies) or are you returning home?
- If you are changing course or study pathway, why are you are making such a change of direction in your studies?
Future Plans
- Do you plan to work or study in the UK further? Why or why not, explain in detail.
- How do your studies fit into your career plans?
- What are your plans after you graduate?
How we can help with your Student Visa application?
If you are looking to apply for a Student Visa and need advice or assistance with your application, contact our friendly team of professionals today.
Related Links
