Credibility interviews

As part of the Birkbeck CAS process, you may be asked to complete a credibility interview. The purpose of the interview is to assess whether you have the required English language ability for your chosen course and level of study and to determine if you are a genuine student. Full details on how to complete the interview will be sent to you via the CAS Shield portal.

In addition to the credibility checks as part of the CAS process, once you submit a Student visa application, you may be asked to complete an interview by an official working on behalf of the UK Government. This page details the process for both interviews.

Credibility Interview as part of the CAS process

The initial interview will be completed via the CAS Shield portal. You will be sent an email asking you to arrange a suitable date to login to the portal and answer a series of questions about your reasons for studying in the UK and your course.

Your responses will then be reviewed by a member of International Student Administration (ISA), who will contact you if more information is required. Some students may be required to attend another interview with ISA to discuss their answers and provide more information.

Credibility interview as part of the VISA application

Once you have completed Birkbeck's credibility interview process and obtained your CAS, you may also be asked to attend an interview as part of your Student visa application.

Your invite will be emailed to you, so you should check your email (including the 'junk' folder) regularly, as your application is likely to be refused if you do not attend an interview without providing a reasonable explanation.

The initial interview usually takes place at the visa application centre when you attend to submit your application and biometric information. It will be conducted in English and via video link with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in the UK. Your interview will be recorded and a summary of the interview will be sent to the Visa Officer for assessment. They will decide if a second, more detailed, interview at the Embassy is needed.

What questions will I be asked?

Both the initial Birkbeck credibility interview and the interview you may have as part of your Student visa application are your opportunity to discuss your previous education history and proposed course of study. You should also be prepared to discuss in detail your financial situation and your plans to live in the UK.