Credibility Interviews
International Students wishing to study in the UK have been interviewed as part of the student visa application process to provide further assurance that applicants granted a visa, do intend to study in the UK.
Students should therefore be aware that, as part of their Student visa application, they are likely to be required to undertake a short interview with the UKVI after submitting their visa application. For most students the Government expect that this interview will be around 15-30 minutes long and will be conducted via a video link with a specialist team who will are based in Sheffield, UK. The interview will focus on their reasons for choosing to study in the UK.
A transcript of this interview will be attached to the application file for consideration alongside your visa application. Some students may be asked to attend a second interview in order to provide additional information, which could be conducted either over the phone, or at the visa application centre. If students are requested to attend an interview then it is mandatory and failure to attend without a satisfactory explanation will result in an automatic refusal of the visa application.
Our Students
Navitas UK colleges have always worked closely with prospective students to ensure they have a good understanding of the pathway for which they are issued a CAS. We do not expect applicants to encounter problems as a result of the credibility interviews. However, you should be aware that it is possible for students to satisfy normal requirements (50 points for the CAS, 10 points for financial evidence, 10 points for English Language) and not obtain a visa if the Entry Clearance Officer does not believe that the student has genuine intent to undertake study in the UK.
It is therefore important that our students are able to explain their chosen course of study and onward career intentions when they are questioned. Students should not be unduly nervous about a credibility interview – our experience shows that students applying through a trusted representative have considered their UK study very carefully and understand the benefits of studying their degree commencing at a Navitas UK college. These students can therefore demonstrate their credibility easily and obtain their visa.
You do not need to undergo a credibility interview if you’re a British national overseas or from one of the following countries or territories:
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- The Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
Questions and Queries
Each Navitas UK college works closely with our partner universities to ensure full and appropriate information is available at all times. Individual queries should therefore initially be directed to the Admissions and Marketing teams at the respective college for feedback.
The Visa Interview
Your interview is your opportunity to tell the UKVI about why you are applying to study at this College and University. Areas that you may be expected to discuss as a credible applicant would include:
- Why you have chosen to study this course, at this College and University. You may need to show your knowledge of the chosen institution.
- What research have you carried about your course and its content? You should be able to name modules and study period.
- Your reasons for wanting to study in the UK rather than elsewhere.
- How this course will help you with your future career goals.
- What you have been doing since you last studied.
- Where you hope to live when you come to study with us.
- Who is paying for your studies and how? Do you know their salary?
For queries, please contact the relevant Navitas UK college and/or the Navitas Regional Office.