This is specific for UK students
A Guide to Credibility Interviews for Tier 4 International Students
Credibility interviews are now part of the Tier 4 visa application process. Once you have submitted your visa application you will be called to an interview to answer questions from an Entry Clearance Officer about your prospective studies in the UK. The interview is conducted in English and will take approximately 10-15 minutes. The purpose of the interview is to establish if you genuinely wish to study in the UK and if your declared circumstances are genuine. During the interview you will also be expected to demonstrate that your English Language ability is sufficient to follow your chosen course and level of study. All applicants who are applying for a Tier 4 student visa both overseas and inside the UK are likely to be interviewed. Your interview is likely to take place after receiving the offer letter. This interview is the requirement for CAS. After you passed the interview, you will be provided with the CAS letter. The university will take this credibility interview. You will need to give second interview as well which will be for visa and will be of same pattern.
It is most likely that you will be interviewed via video-call, however you may also be interviewed on the telephone. During the interview from the university the interviewer will note down everything that you say and for visa interview they will write down 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 Tier 4 visa application.
-Facilities and Location -Reputation of the UK Higher Education sector -Duration of courses -Fees -Proximity to your home country
Explain what you know about it: teaching resources, academic proficiency, facilities, location, accommodation and distinctive features Students choose their university for a range of reasons, from academic quality to the location of the campus, to positive experiences of family or friends. Explain what factors were important to you and talk about any research you did before you applied and any other Universities you thought about applying to and why you chose university instead.
Explain your decision making process on what attracted you to this specific course, also discuss the modules, key assessment methods, the structure of the course, learning outcomes and progression routes.
Taking a course of study in the UK is an expensive and challenging task. Therefore, you should have a good reason for deciding to do it. You should think about how your qualification will benefit you throughout your planned career. This might relate to what other people who have finished this course have gone on to do afterwards: has it helped them? It is also important to consider how the course complements previous courses you have completed and work experience that you have already gained. Information about career opportunities provided by the courses at university is available on the University’s website.
In most cases, you will not be allowed to fill a permanent full time vacancy as a Tier 4 student. You cannot rely on funds from working to pay your course fees and living costs so you must be aware of this. You also need to demonstrate an understanding of the hours you are allowed to work. The main purpose for being in the UK is your studies so, if you are hoping to work, think about how this would enhance your academic studies.
Possible talking points: If your parents/spouse are supporting you, be prepared to talk about their finances and occupations. If the funds have come from a large transaction such as a sale of land, you should be prepared to talk about that during the interview and to provide documentary evidence to support the application
Where are you going to live, on campus or private accommodation? How far is the University, the classes that you need to attend?
Explain what you were doing during this time and skills you have gained that will help you in your studies and long term career plans.
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 cost include the course fees and living costs, including accommodation.