Pre-CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) Interview Guide for

Students

The following guidance is intended to provide an overview of possible inquiries made by UK

Visas and Immigration during the Tier 4 visa application process (The Tier 4 Student visa is
designed for students from outside the UK or EEA who want to study full-time at a university,
college, or other eligible educational institution in the UK). This will also include samples of
acceptable and unsatisfactory responses, although it is not recommended that students use this
as a guide.
 Why do you want to study in the UK?
One of the most frequent inquiries in interviews is this one. This question's major goal is to
find out why a student wants to travel to the UK and to make sure that they are aware of the
advantages of attending a UK university for their education.
Acceptable arguments include the fact that UK degrees are highly recognized internationally,
that UK universities offer a wide range of highly regarded research programs, that the education
system in the UK may differ from that in some other countries, and that it is less expensive
overall than in other western nations.
Unacceptable points include: Lower healthcare expenses, options for part-time work, and
family members who have already immigrated to the UK anything that implies choosing the
UK was not primarily based on the education/qualifications earned.
 Did you consider any other countries?

Often a follow up to the previous question, usually used to check if a student has done a reasonable
amount of research and considered all possible options when selecting a place to study.

Alternative options may be: Universities in the student's own nation, the USA, Canada, or Australia, or
those with a similar global ranking to the school they have chosen. Comparisons that go into great
detail about expenses, length of courses, and variations in course material are to be anticipated.

Unacceptable answers may include: The only options that were considered were those that were more
expensive, and only those that were unrealistic alternatives. No other countries were considered (eg.
Looking at options globally ranked more than 100 or 200 places higher or lower than the university
applied for).

 Why did you choose this University?

This question, like the preceding ones, is meant to determine the student's level of research and
thought that went into the decision to study abroad.

Acceptable points: Any unique selling qualities that can be found on the university website,
reputation, and internet reviews and feedback. It is crucial to provide reliable sources, specific
websites, and the names of people you know who would suggest the university (e.g. My friend
recommended me because he lives in London and studies there. He did his undergraduate studies at
the same university, and he gave me very positive feedback).
Unacceptable points: Any unclear or general responses that may be applied to the majority of
universities, including typical services (libraries, experienced lecturers, student support services).
Additionally, avoid using misleading sources like the fact that something was discovered via a Google
search (times, Qs, Shanghai ranking system BBC news)

 What facilities does the University have?

Another research exam is conducted to make sure the students are aware of the resources available
on campus and other factors that may have influenced their choice.

Acceptable answers include: Students will be able to find on the campus website, look for facilities
that are going to be beneficial to the student’s studies and why they are a benefit. Such as a 24/7
digital library gives students freedom to study anytime they choose.

Unacceptable answers: Anything that is general, pretty standard of most UK universities, or that fails
to describe how a facility helps a student.

 Did you consider any other universities?

Similar to taking other nations into account, this is merely seeking for proof that the student has
approached the decision thoughtfully and seriously.

Acceptable answers: considered three or four additional colleges with comparable rankings that offer
a comparable course. Include comparisons of items like graduate employment rates, ranking, fees for
student satisfaction, and location after that. Students could also provide information they acquired on
university websites as evidence that they did a thorough and in-depth research.

Unacceptable answers: Only looked at a few or no other universities, only looked at unrealistic
alternatives or universities that didn't meet the most important requirements (eg. Budget or location).
For example, if a student chooses to study because a university is located in London, only considering
alternatives located outside of London would be considered unrealistic.

 Why did you choose this course?

This issue aims to create links between previous coursework and future job ambitions while also
demonstrating how the course material is important to both. This question is essential to determining
whether a student is sincere because the job plan is important to their purpose for pursuing higher
education.

Acceptable answers: The course's subject is related to earlier courses and will improve students'
current understanding of their chosen career. needing a wide scope of skills and knowledge in order
to change careers. looking for employment in a position that asks for this qualification. Without a
qualification at this level, they are unable to progress in their careers.

Unacceptable answers: Insufficient knowledge of the course requirements, unclear professional goals
(e.g., wants to be a manager but is unable to explain), and unable to communicate the basis behind
this decision.

 What subjects/modules will you study?

This is simply a test to see if the student understands what they will be studying.

Acceptable answers: At least four modules must be named correctly, and you must also explain how
they relate to the kind of work you want to perform in the future.
Unacceptable answers: incorrectly naming modules, reading the names of modules from a list, and
not providing any information.

 (In case of study gap) Why are you now returning to full time study?

The ECO will be searching for explanations for the student's decision to continue studying if there has
been a gap of more than six months between full-time studies.

Acceptable answers: Career change (must identify reasons), difficulty to improve in current career
(must explain why), and previous difficulties paying for studies abroad.

Unacceptable answers: giving an explanation but without an explanation hasn't tried to apply for any
better employment while wanting a better job.

 What do you want to do after completing the course?

Another way to determine a student's motivation is to check whether or not they have clear career
goals that are motivating their decision to study in the UK.

Acceptable answers: Give an example of a specific employment role you would like to perform. Include
the names of the companies you would like to work for that have recently posted open positions for
this position together with the current salary. Try to imagine the position you want to take next
graduation as well as longer-term, more senior positions.

Unacceptable answers: Avoid being general; provide more information than simply "a manager, a
supervisor, or a senior position." Attempt to keep away from anything that promotes staying in the
UK.

 What is the source of funding for your tuition fees and living costs?

This research is used to confirm the source of the funds, to make sure the student or sponsor can
afford the fees, and to make sure the funds were not obtained illegally. However, it is to promise that
the student won't have to rely on part-time employment to pay for anything throughout their stay.

Acceptable answers: Money may come from high-paying work, a gift, owning land, or investments.
Include your employer's name, job title, and pay. Any source of income must be declared and capable
of verification, if necessary.

Unacceptable answers: Borrowed funds or loans, unverified sources of income, or unreported income
(unless the loan is an approved student loan, in which case a letter from the issuing bank is necessary).

 Do you have any dependants?

This includes relatives who depend on the student for financial support (even if they stay in their home
country) and relatives who move to the UK to be with the student.

 Do you have any friends or family in the UK?

It is completely acceptable for students to have connections to the UK, but they must be open and
truthful about all relationships, particularly those involving family.

Acceptable answers: No relatives or friends in the UK. Mention the person's name and the location of
their home in the UK if the student does know somebody there. Include information on their
immigration status (do they have a visa, and if so, what kind?) if they are not British Citizens (e.g. We
were guided by a counsellor who is living in London, has settled status in the UK, and is a researcher
at University College of London)

Unacceptable answers: The visa application could be rejected if there is any misinformation or fraud.

 Where are you going to live in the UK?

Another test of preparation and research is being given now, and anyone who attempted to lie on the
previous question may be caught out.

Acceptable answers: Describe the location you've been considering, the distance to the university,
your reasons for choosing it, and the expected monthly rent (e.g. We agreed that the accommodation
would be arranged by him for the time being, so my possible location will be this)

Unacceptable answers: Not knowing the cost of rent or the distance to school makes it impossible to
justify why you're so far from the institution.

 Have you ever previously applied for any type of UK visa?

Simple answer of yes or no. If so, describe the type of visa, when the application was made, whether
it was approved or denied, and, if denied why.

 Have you ever previously applied for any type of visa in any other country?

Same as the question above.

 Do you plan to work part time whilst studying?

During the academic year, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, which they may
declare. They must not, however, convey the idea that working is what they want to do or their goal.

Acceptable answers: Although part-time employment is acceptable, academics will always take
priority e.g.

1) My deepest desire is to learn. If it is related to my academics or my passion, I would be willing to

accept part-time work.

2) I might get bored studying full-time, so I'd like to gain some experience, such as communication
skills and networking, by working part-time. 3W

Unacceptable answers: Plans to work to pay for living expenses.

 What is the full address of University?

 Who is going to fund for your study?
 How much money do they earn?
 What is their source of income?
 How many years are you going to stay in UK?
 What is the fee of your study?
 What is full location of your University?
 What is the start date and end date of your course?