Credibility Interviews
The Home Office allows Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) to request an interview with students in order to ascertain that the student’s intentions to study in the UK are genuine.
Credibility interviews form part of your application. You will be invited for an in-depth interview which will last approximately 20 minutes.
Interview Process
It is essential that you are able to satisfy the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) during your interview in the following areas:
- Ability to speak English (regardless of IELTS score)
- Knowledge of intended course of study/Coventry University
- Academic/employment background
- Future plans
- Finances
(This is not a complete list and is only intended as a guide. You can be questioned regarding any aspect of your background or study plans).
The Home Office may ask you to undertake an interview either in person, on the telephone, or by video conference facility. Attendance is mandatory. If you fail to attend an interview without providing a reasonable explanation this will result in an automatic refusal.
The ECO has the authority to refuse your entry to the UK if you fail the interview, even if you achieve the general requirements and score the 40 points required under the Student Visa route.
Further Assistance/ Interview Support
If you have been called for a further interview the International Student Support team at Coventry University can offer more advice on how to prepare. The team can be contacted at visahelp.io@coventry.ac.uk for more advice about how to prepare.
