Credibility interviews
The Home Office uses credibility interviews to ensure that only genuine students are granted visas to study in the UK. Not all applicants are selected for an interview, some are chosen randomly or based on specific circumstances related to their immigration or education history.
To help you prepare for this, the University of Sunderland may invite you to complete an interview through CAS Shield before a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is issued to you. It is important that you prepare for the interview before starting it as resits are not offered unless there are technical issues.
You will only be invited to complete an interview once your deposit has been paid and received by the University, you have provided your passport information, compliant English language evidence, and you have completed your Pre-CAS Questionnaire.
The interview will cover a range of topics to help us ensure you are a genuine student. You will be asked questions about:
• Why you decided to study in the UK
• Why you chose the University of Sunderland
• Your academic history
• Why you chose your course
• Your funding resources
• Your accommodation plans
• Your career aspirations and professional development
• Your post-study plans
• Your immigration history
It is important that you thoroughly research the details of the course and the modules you are applying to study, and you must demonstrate that you are aware of the facilities and support services the University has to offer you.
Published: 19 March 2025