Credibility Interviews
You may be required to attend a credibility interview with Home Office officials, typically as part of your Student visa application overseas, but potentially upon arrival in the UK at the airport. The purpose of the interview is to assess whether you are a genuine and credible student.
After submitting your visa application, please check your email regularly, including your junk/spam folders, for any interview invitations. Failure to attend a scheduled interview without a valid reason will likely result in your application being refused. If you cannot attend the interview for an important reason, reply to the UKVI invitation as soon as possible to request an alternative date.
Interviews are usually conducted by video call or telephone and will be carried out entirely in English. Your English language proficiency will form part of the assessment.
If you are invited to an interview, it is essential that you prepare thoroughly. Failure to pass the interview will result in a visa refusal, and the University is unlikely to be able to issue a new CAS for a further application.
1. Review your visa and university applications
Re-read everything you submitted, especially your personal statement and your reasons for choosing your course.
2. Revisit your course information
Review your course webpage on the QMU website to become familiar with key modules, the course structure, duration, and assessment methods.
3. Consider your accommodation plans
We recommend having accommodation booked before travelling. If you have not secured this prior to applying, research the type, location, and cost of accommodation to ensure it is suitable and financially realistic.
4. Research the University and the local area
Explore the facilities available on campus and learn about Edinburgh and the Lothians so you can explain why this is your preferred study location.
5. Compare rankings and alternatives
Check the rankings of your chosen course and compare them with similar courses elsewhere. Be prepared to explain why you selected Queen Margaret University over other universities in the UK or abroad.
During the interview, the official will ask a range of questions to determine whether you are a genuine student. Provide full, detailed answers - interviewers may not prompt you to expand on brief responses. The following topics may be covered (this list is not exhaustive):
1. Questions About Your Course
You should demonstrate a strong understanding of your chosen course and a genuine interest in studying it. Be ready to discuss specific modules and explain why you selected this course at QMU. You should also be able to explain why you chose the UK - and QMU in particular - over other countries or universities.
2. Educational and Work Background
The interviewer may ask about your previous studies and how they relate to your chosen course. If the course is not directly related, you must clearly explain your motivation. If you have been out of education for a long period, be prepared to explain your decision to return to study.
3. Future Career Plans
You should be able to explain how the course will support your long-term career goals. The interviewer may also ask whether you plan to return to your home country after completing your degree, to assess whether you intend to comply with the conditions of the Student visa.
4. Immigration History
Your immigration history, both in the UK and other countries, may be reviewed. If you have previously overstayed, breached visa conditions, or had a visa application refused, you must explain the circumstances. You must also inform the QMU Admissions team of any past visa refusals before a CAS is issued.
5. Finances
You may be asked how you will fund your studies (e.g., personal savings, parental support, bank loans). You must show awareness of the cost of living in the UK. If you plan to work part-time, you must understand the restrictions (maximum 20 hours per week during term time for degree-level courses) and acknowledge that part-time work cannot be your primary source of funding.
6. English Language Ability
Your English proficiency will be assessed throughout the interview. You must be able to hold a natural, fluent conversation without the help of an interpreter.
You will usually be asked whether you have anything to add or whether you are satisfied with how the interview was conducted. This is a good opportunity to reiterate your reasons for choosing the course and studying at QMU.
You will not receive a decision immediately. Your outcome will be sent to you by email in a visa decision notice at a later date.
