UK Visa: How To Crack The Interview
An interview for a visa to UK may be necessary if the entry clearance officer cannot make a decision immediately whether the applicant qualifies for the visa or not. This interview call is usually made within 15 working days. So, it is better to make the visa application well in advance of the intended travel date. However, if the visa application is fully prepared with supporting documents, the visa officer may be able to make a decision without an interview. The interview aims to verify the information given by the applicant and some additional information that may vary from case to case. Confidence, honesty and smartness are the keys to a successful visa interview.
A UK visa consulate officer conducts the visa interview, the period for which varies from person to person. The pattern of the interview will depend upon whether an applicant is seeking tourist visa or student visa. There are some simple basic questions asked in such interviews.
When the application is for a tourist visa, the applicant should be prepared with appropriate answers for questions like:
Purpose of travel. Travel plan including length of stay, place of stay, tour program and the intended time of leaving the country (UK).
If the applicant has family members in UK a lot of illegal immigrants tend to settle down with the family. Be prepared to handle such questions.
Whether the applicant is currently employed in the native country and has dependents there.
It is better to carry proof that the applicant can finance the tour, along with the bank statement of his/ her native country and leave certificate from the employer, if possible, as a proof that he/ she would be returning.
When the application is for a student visa, the applicant should be prepared to face questions like:
Why did the applicant choose this particular institute and course? A satisfactory answer should include the reference, reasonable fees, study atmosphere and relevance with career.
Exact location of university or college.
Whether the course is available in the native country. If so, how it differs from that of the one in UK.
What course is applied for and what relevance and implication it has on the advancement of the applicant's career.
What is the cost involved for the entire study period and where would it come from? If the applicant is on a scholarship, it is better to carry authentic documents. If a company or person other than the applicant's father sponsors the fees or the course is self-sponsored, adequate document and sources of financing should be clarified.
The visa officer may like to know about the applicant's family, how many dependents he/ she has in the native country, occupation of the father, and whether any family member is currently living in UK.
The interviewing officer would like to know about the future plans of the applicant after completing the course; whether he/ she intends to look for a job in UK, the date of return, plans during semester vacation, and so on.
The interview for UK visa should be faced confidently and the questions must be answered honestly. The applicant should not try to dupe the visa officer with false information. A confident, calm, and poised approach would see the applicant clear the visa interview successfully.
