Credibility interviews
Credibility interviews are part of the Student Visa application process.
What is a credibility interview and why do I have to attend?
Credibility interviews are part of the Student Visa application process and are designed to make sure that only genuine students are studying in the UK. Not everyone who applies for a Student Visa will need to do a credibility interview. If you do need to do a credibility interview you will be invited to do so by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) either at the time you make your visa application or shortly afterwards.
During the interview you will be asked questions about your background, immigration history, the studies you are planning to undertake in the UK, why you chose the University of Surrey and the specific course you will be enrolling on, how the course you are studying will help you achieve your career aspirations and how you intend to fund your studies in the UK. You may also be asked to talk about current affairs and events that are linked to your course of study at the University of Surrey.
Will I have to attend an interview?
Not everyone will have to attend an interview, if you do need to attend an interview you will be invited to do so by email. It’s important that you check your email including the junk mail folder on a regular basis after submitting your visa application.
The UKVI have told us that “most applicants” applying from outside the UK will be invited to have a credibility interview either when they attend the appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to formally submit their documents or shortly afterwards.
The UKVI may invite you to have a credibility interview when applying from inside the UK. It’s more likely that you’ll be invited for an interview where the caseworker finds a problem with your application form or your supporting documents.
How and where do the interviews take place?
If you are outside the UK, the interview might take place at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or as a result of social distancing measures you may need to do it at home.
The interview will be conducted in English and therefore your ability to communicate in English will be tested.
The interview can last up to 30 minutes and it will be conducted via video link with a member of the UKVI based in the UK. The report and transcript of the interview will then be sent to the caseworker who will consider it alongside your visa application and other supporting evidence. You can request a copy of your interview transcript and we suggest that all students do this.
If you are invited for an interview in the UK it will be conducted via Skype with a member of the UKVI.
If you fail to attend a credibility interview after being invited then your application will be refused.
What questions will I be asked?
There are no set questions you will be asked, however from previous experience and inline with the purpose of the interview the below are common questions students have received.