The UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) initiated the process of conducting credibility interviews to guarantee that only genuine students are granted UK Student Visa. A credibility interview can be described as one of the most eminent parts of your visa application process.

1. Credibility Interview,
Things You Should Know!

2. INDEX
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⬢ What is a Credibility Interview?
⬢ What To Expect in a Credibility Interview?
⬢ What Is the Format of a Credibility Interview?
⬢ Who Conducts a Credibility Interview?
⬢ Who Will Make the Final Decision on Your Visa Application?
⬢ Frequently Asked Questions in a Credibility Interview
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3. INDEX
⬢ Tips to Help Ace Your Credibility Interview
⬢ Tip 1 - Give Specific Answers
⬢ Tip 2 - Be Clear About Your Objectives
⬢ Tip 3 - Show Excitement Around Your Course Programme
⬢ Tip 4 - Explain How You Will Manage Living Costs
⬢ Tip 5 - Do Thorough Research on Your Course
⬢ Final Thoughts
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What is a Credibility Interview?
The UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) initiated the
process of conducting credibility interviews to
guarantee that only genuine students are granted
UK Student Visa. A credibility interview can be
described as one of the most eminent parts of your
visa application process.
The credibility interview covers important
information needed to complete your visa
application. For instance, your interviewer will
inquire how you will manage your finances and if
you have sufficient funds.
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What To Expect in a Credibility Interview?
Your visa application form and credibility interview help assess if you are a
genuine student or not. Here are a few things that help increase your chances
of getting shortlisted and should be part of your checklist.
 The immigration history of the student in the UK and other countries
 Education background
 Your future plans
 Financial status
 Reasons for choosing a UK university
To sum it up, your credibility interview will gauge you on different parameters in
order to analyse how prepared and motivated you are to start your UK degree
programme. In addition to this, you need to demonstrate that you have done
sound research on your behalf before applying for a Tier 4 Visa. Carefully study
the UKVI website for all further information and details.
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6. What Is the Format of a Credibility Interview?
Credibility interviews are usually conducted over a call
or online. In some cases, students are required to
attend an in-person interview. Your interviewer will be
making a written transcript, outlining the details of the
interview. This transcript will be later used by the final
decision makers to evaluate your chances of selection.
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Who Conducts a Credibility Interview?
The interview will be conducted by an official UKVI staff member. They
will follow a standardized interview format, where you will be asked a
list of important questions.
Moreover, your interviewer will not help you with any of the answers. If
your answer is too vague, too short or irrelevant, the interviewer will
not point it out. Therefore, how your interview turns out is solely
dependent on how well you respond to all the questions.
In the end, your interviewer will ask for quick feedback on your overall
interview experience. They will also ask if you need to share any
additional information with them. Hence, you need to play your cards
right the very first time. The key is to be relevant, interesting and
detailed-oriented to make a lasting impact.
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Who Will Make the Final Decision on Your Visa Application?
The final decision-making authority is the ‘Entry Clearance Officer’ who
will be accepting or rejecting your Student Visa application. The Entry
Clearance Officer will use your credibility interview notes along with your
application form to assess your profile.
Even though your interviewer is not the final decision-maker, they are
still responsible for evaluating whether you qualified as a genuine
student or not. Moreover, your interviewer will also be assessing your
English proficiency to help with the final decision making.
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Frequently Asked Questions in a Credibility Interview
The set of questions asked in a credibility interview may vary depending on the
university you select. However, these are the most commonly asked questions in
a credibility interview:
 Can you describe yourself in a few words?
 Why do you wish to pursue higher studies from the UK instead of your own
country or any other country?
 Why did you give preference to your selected university?
 Where is your university located?
 What course modules are part of your degree programme?
 How many credit hours do you need to complete a UK undergraduate or
postgraduate degree programme?
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 How much would your selected degree programme cost you?
 What facilities are offered by your selected university?
 Do you know your university’s ranking?
 Who will take care of the finances?
 Are you aware of your living costs?
 How much do your parents earn on average?
 What are your plans after completing your degree programme?
 Do you have any history of UK visa refusal?
Frequently Asked Questions in a Credibility Interview
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Tips to Help Ace Your Credibility Interview
Here are some valuable tips and guidelines you should keep
in mind while preparing for your credibility interview:
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Tip 1 - Give Specific Answers
When the interviewer asks any questions related to your
application or the university programme, avoid giving
generic responses. Instead, you should be precise and
spot on with your answers. For questions related to your
UK university, let them know how the course is in tandem
with your life goals.
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Tip 2 - Be Clear About Your Objectives
A common mistake that most UK students make is that
they appear to be unclear about their intentions. Your
interviewer must never get the impression that you are
not aligned on your goals of studying from the UK. Do not
talk about your plans of working or settling in the UK after
the degree as it may make them doubt your intentions.
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Tip 3 - Show Excitement Around Your Course Programme
Your interviewer needs to be reassured that you are truly passionate
and motivated about starting your course programme. Show them that
you have done extensive research in that area and discuss your future
plans with them. The idea is to showcase how you intend to use your
learning and knowledge in the practical world.
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Tip 4 - Explain How You Will Manage Living Costs
One of the major roles of conducting a credibility interview is to
ensure that students have sufficient funds to manage their living
expenses in the UK. Talk about how well-informed you are regarding
accommodation costs, everyday expenses and other miscellaneous
costs.
You should discuss how you would be financing yourself and what
would be your means of income. If your parents, guardian or anyone
else will be supporting you financially, be clear and transparent about
it. Your interviewer may also inquire further information regarding
their source of income, so be prepared with all the little details.
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Tip 5 - Do Thorough Research on Your Course
Your interviewer would like to get an insight into your interest
and knowledge related to your course. Hence, you must carry
out extensive research and cover all the details including
module names, credit points, etc. for the interview.
© 2021 A H & Z Associates Ltd.

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Final Thoughts
We hoped that you found this blog useful and it helped increase your knowledge
on credibility interviews. Keep our tips and guidelines in mind when you are
preparing for your first credibility interview. Good luck!
Do you wish to find out more about credibility interviews and UK Student Visa
application? Get in touch with our experts and they will be pleased to guide you.
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Thanks!
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