Going for a visa interview can be nerve-wracking, especially if it's your first time. But don't worry too much, most Tier 4 UK student visas are granted provided you have all the right documents and can give reasons why you wish to study in the UK.

What documents are required?

• Current passport (Ensure you have a blank page in your passport for the visa to be stamped)
• Two passport size colored photographs
• Financial documents to prove that you are having the required funding
• Original birth certificate (Translation required if in regional language)
• ATAS Certificate (if required)
• CAS letter
• Tuberculosis Screening Certificate from UKVI approved TB Test Centre
• Original educational documents as mentioned in your CAS letter
• English language certificate as mentioned in your CAS letter
• Payment for immigration health surcharge before visa application (£150 for 12 months and £75 for 4 months visa extension)

Visa interview questions

After all your documents are verified, you will be taken to a video conference room where you will have a Skype interview with an immigration officer from the UK.

Common Tier 4 visa interviews questions

Ensure all questions are answered politely and clearly.

1. Why did you choose this university? (Answer example)

After comparing several universities looking at different rankings per criteria, that university is top a 20 with 87% of graduates getting a job 2 months after graduation. Moreover, that university offers the best module structure compared to others and covers the specific area in which I would love to develop skills and professional experience.

2. Why did you choose this course? (Answer example)

That sector or market is quickly changing with radical innovations and rapid development every year. I would like to improve my practice, contribute to research in this sector and become the best analyst, consultant, doctor, lawyer in the field with the dream of creating my own firm.

3. Why did you choose the UK as your study destination? (Answer example)

2nd best destination in the world for international students with the highest satisfaction rates. UK degrees are internationally recognised with the education assessed using frameworks like the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) to ensure quality standards are met each year. It would be a perfect opportunity to improve my English, communication skills and expand my network beyond borders.

4. Where will you be staying? (Answer example)

Arranged accommodation, stay with friends, family

5. Have you ever had a visa application refused ‐ If so why was it refused? (Answer example)

Never. If Yes, my extenuating circumstances at the time which has changed.

6. Provide details about two or three specific modules from the course you have chosen? (Answer example)

Very important for you to know your module structure: Finance for managers, marketing strategy, International law

7. Do you plan to return to the UK after your studies? (Answer example)

Yes

8. How do you explain the gaps in your education/employment history and why are you returning to study now? (Answer example)

My extenuating circumstance at the time: sickness, family issues, finances affected me greatly. However, it has changed for the better and I look forward to embarking on this journey to achieve my career dreams. In order to so, I would like to improve, upgrade my competence, develops skills, and gain the knowledge required to meet the criteria of that position or successfully manage my own company.

9. If the costs of pursuing your course of study are higher in the UK than in your home country, why have you decided to incur the extra costs involved with studying in the UK? (Answer example)

UK degrees are internationally recognized and would create opportunities that would change the trajectory of my career. 2nd destination for international students with the highest satisfaction rates compared to other countries. It is the perfect opportunity for me to improve my English speaking skills, expand my network beyond borders, learn more about the English culture.

10. You have previously studied in the UK? (Answer example)

The changing labor sector has change with an increasing demand for technological skills to improve practice in the telecommunication sector. In my current or most recent position, the criteria to progress to the level of manager require an MBA or PhD.

Immigration officers are only interested in learning if you are a genuine student, so there is no need to feel any great pressure when answering any of the above. Answer truthfully and you will encounter no problems with your application.

In addition to the above questions, other queries around your current IELTS score may also arise. For example, if you scored lower in the writing part of the IELTS exam, you may be asked how you will cope during your studies. This is routine, but be prepared.