Credibility interviews are now part of the Student visa application process. The Home Office holds these interviews for most individuals applying for a Student visa from overseas.

Sometimes students applying to extend their visa from inside the UK are also invited for a credibility interview.​

The purpose of an interview is to check the genuineness of a student.

During the interview you will be asked questions about:

  • your education history at home and in the UK and overseas
  • your employment background
  • your immigration history in the UK and elsewhere
  • the course you are planning to study in the UK
  • your reasons for choosing to study at the University of Huddersfield
  • how you intend to fund your study and living costs in the UK
  • how your intended course fits into your career plans for the future

Most students only have one interview. This will be very short over a video link. The Home Office will record the interview and send a summary to the Entry Clearance Officer. They will decide if a second more detailed interview at the Embassy is required.

A transcript of your interview will be part of the application process and the caseworker will consider your answers when making a decision on your application. You can request a copy of your interview transcript and we suggest all students to do this.

The Home Office expects most applicants to be able to show they are genuine students at the first interview. Failure to attend an interview when invited may result in your visa application being refused.

If you have previously studied a course which is at the same level as your new course, you should be ready to explain why you now want to study at the same level as a previous qualification. You should think about how your new course will allow you to develop a deeper knowledge or specialisation on top of your previous study and how this will develop and improve your future career plans in your home country.

Top Tips 

  • Be prepared to explain why you want to study in the UK, as opposed to your home county
  • Think about why you chose University of Huddersfield. What other Universities did you consider and why did you choose Huddersfield?
  • Look at the details of the course you have chosen. Think about what modules you want to select.
  • Look at the facilities we have at Huddersfield and be prepared to talk about them
  • What do you hope to gain from studying at University of Huddersfield?
  • How will this help you with your future plans?
  • How will you pay for this course and why is it worth spending so much money on coming to University of Huddersfield
  • Do not give vague answers, give details when you explain your reasons for coming to University of Huddersfield
  • If you do not understand the question or you cannot hear the question, you MUST say.

Download our Credibility Interviews Factsheet.