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While applying for a UK visa, it is important to know that the visa interview is an important part of your UK visa application. Although it is not the case that all applicants have to go through a visa interview, you must be prepared for it. UK visa categories such as UK visitor visa, UK student visa, UK family visa, and UK worker visa are some of the visa routes in which you may have to appear for a visa interview.
Why the interview?
If your documents or information are inconsistent, you may be called for a visa interview. During the visa interview, it is important that your answers to the questions asked match the documents and information you have submitted; otherwise, doubts may arise about your purpose of entering the UK.
Especially those who apply for a UK student visa may have to go through an interview process. Again, it is not the case that everyone is called for an interview.
During the interview, you are usually asked why you want to study in the UK, why you have selected the college you have selected, how you will bear your expenses in the UK, what your plans are after completing your studies, etc.
For the visa interview, you have to go to the UK visa application center. If it is not in your country, then you can book an appointment in the nearest country.
So, if you know some UK visa interview tips in advance, it will be easier for you to prepare for the visa interview. Let’s look at some useful tips that will help you prepare an interview.
1. Before the Interview
You should do some preparations before the interview so that your fear and anxiety go away.
a. Practice for the interview
This is one of the most important UK visa interview tips. Like any interview, you should practice for the UK visa interview as well. Make a list of the questions that you may be asked and then practice what answers you will give.
Some of the common questions asked during the visa interview are:
- Why do you want to visit the UK?
- Why do you want to study in the UK?
- What is your plan after your visa ends?
- How will you support yourself financially in the UK?
- Do you have a plan to work in the UK?
You should also practice speaking, reading, and writing in English because English language proficiency is also checked during the interview, especially if you are applying for a UK student visa or UK skilled worker visa.
By doing this, your confidence will build, and you will also be able to work on your body language.
b. Know your course of study in detail
This is an important UK visa tip for interviews for students who have applied for a UK student visa to study in the UK. You should know your course and university inside out. For this, you can do research and talk to students or alumni of the university online.
You should prepare to clearly define whether the course and university you have chosen align with your career goal.
c. Conduct a mock interview
Take the help of a friend or a professional and give a mock interview. Not just once, but give mock interviews as many times as possible. The atmosphere of the mock interview should be like a real interview so that you are already prepared to face the real situation. By giving a mock interview, you will know how easily you can answer convincingly or where you are getting stuck. This will help you address any possible difficulties.
2. On the day of the interview
Here are some of the most important UK visa interview tips for interview day.
a. Reach on time
You should arrive before the time given for the interview because if you arrive late, your interview slot will be missed, and you may have to wait a long time for your turn. Arriving late also shows your non-seriousness.
b. Dress appropriately
Like any other interview, on the day of a UK visa interview, you should wear professional and comfortable attire. This creates a good first impression and also increases your confidence.
c. Bring in all necessary documents
On the day of your UK visa interview, you must bring original copies of all the necessary documents. You must bring documents even if you have uploaded them during your online visa application. For example, if you have applied for a UK spouse visa, you must bring a marriage or civil partnership certificate to establish your relationship and financial documents such as bank statements to prove that you and your partner in the UK can support each other financially during your stay in the UK.
Similarly, if you have applied for a UK student visa, you must bring a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider.
Other documents include accommodation details, your English language test results, etc. Apart from visa-specific documents, you must bring your current passport or a valid travel document to prove your identity.
d. Discuss your financial situation openly
A financial situation is one such requirement that plays an important role in the success of your visa application. You should be prepared to present your financial situation properly during the interview.
This is important because the UKVI wants to ensure that you can support yourself during your stay without the support of public funds.
You should have full control over facts such as your income, source of income, savings in your bank account, etc.
e. Listen attentively
You should listen to the interviewer’s questions carefully. If you have any problem understanding the question, you should seek clarity. You can take some time to answer so that your answer is proper and does not go off topic.
f. Reply honestly
This is one of the most important UK visa interview tips. Your answer given during the interview will decide whether your purpose of visiting the UK is the same as mentioned in your visa application and whether the rest of the information given matches your answer. If your answer does not match the information given by you in your visa application and the facts mentioned in the documents, then it can become the reason for the rejection of your visa application.
g. Answer precisely
Give precise answers to all the questions asked of you during the UK visa interview and do not try to exaggerate or make up a story to make the interviewer believe that you are truly entitled to the visa application.
Conclusion
We have tried to include some common UK visa interview tips in this article. You should note that not everyone is called for a UK visa interview, but if you are, you should be prepared for it. You can also seek guidance from experts so that it becomes easier for you to attend and succeed in the interview.
If you make a big mistake during the interview or the interviewer feels that you have given wrong information or concealed something, then there is a high probability that your visa application may be rejected.
Even after the visa interview, you may be asked for further documents or information if UKVI is not satisfied. You should not be afraid of this, and whatever is asked of you, you should provide it.