Credibility Interviews

Credibility interviews form part of the Student Visa application process. After submitting your visa application, you may be invited to attend an interview with an Entry Clearance Officer, who will ask questions about your planned studies in the UK. The interview is conducted in English and usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.

All applicants who are applying for a Student Visa both overseas and inside the UK may be interviewed. Attendance is mandatory. If you are invited to an interview and do not attend without a valid reason, your visa application will be automatically refused.

What is the purpose of a Credibility Interview?

The main purpose of the interview is to assess whether you are a genuine student and whether the information you have provided in your application is accurate and credible. You will also be expected to demonstrate that your English language skills are sufficient to successfully undertake your chosen course and level of study.

Preparing for Your Credibility Interview

Being invited to a credibility interview does not necessarily indicate a problem with your application. However, thorough preparation is essential. You should respond honestly and in your own words, avoiding scripted answers. Your responses should be personal, detailed, and specific, clearly reflecting your individual motivations, experiences, and reasons for choosing to study in the UK.

Please see below for some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding a credibility interview.

For more information, please see our 'Guide to Credibility Interviews' document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your interview is likely to take place after you enrol your biometrics at the visa application centre. If you have applied within the UK, you may be requested to attend an interview a number of days after enrolling your biometrics.

After you have submitted your visa application, please ensure you are frequently checking your emails including your junk/spam folder for any updates from the UKVI.

If you are invited for a Credibility Interview, please make the interviewer aware of your course start date and latest arrival date during your interview.

It is most likely that you will be interviewed via video-call, however you may also be interviewed in person or on the telephone.

During the interview, the interviewer will write down everything that you say and will send this record to the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO). The ECO will then make a decision on your visa application on the basis of your credibility interview and all the other supporting documents you submitted with your Student Visa application.

You may be called for a second interview if the ECO needs further information and clarification on your situation. You need to be prepared to provide evidence if requested i.e., source of income.

We would recommend you request a transcript of your interview once completed and you also write down everything you can remember from the interview when you have finished. You should keep a record of your interview safe.

Top Tips

We understand that a credibility interview may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and a clear understanding of what to expect, it can be a positive and manageable experience.

Find below some of our top tips to help you feel prepared and confident when undergoing your interview:

Be honest and genuine: Always answer questions truthfully and in your own words. The interviewer wants to understand your personal motivations and plans, not memorised responses.
Know your course and institution: Be prepared to explain why you chose your course, how it relates to your previous studies or work experience, and why you selected your specific university or college.
Understand your career goals: Clearly explain how studying in the UK fits into your long-term career plans and how the qualification will benefit you when you return home.
Demonstrate your English Language proficiency: The interview is conducted in English, so speak clearly and confidently. Do not worry about minor mistakes - focus on communicating your ideas effectively.
Be confident and positive: Stay calm, maintain a positive attitude, and answer questions with confidence. Take some time to think before answering if needed.
Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if needed: If you do not understand a question, politely ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase it. It is better to clarify than to give an unclear or incorrect answer.
Be consistent with your application: Ensure your answers match the information provided in your visa application, CAS, and supporting documents.
Explain your financial situation clearly: Be ready to explain how your studies will be funded and demonstrate that you understand the costs involved.
Avoid scripted answers: Pre-prepared or rehearsed answers can sound unnatural. Speak naturally and base your responses on your own experiences.
Prepare but don’t panic: Review common interview topics in advance, but approach the interview calmly. Being well prepared will help you feel more confident.