Guidance for Applicants Who Are Invited To Attend a Pre-CAS Interview

What Is a Pre-CAS Interview?

A pre-CAS interview is a credibility interview to asses the authenticity of a student planning to study in the UK. It also provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate enthusiasm and expertise for their chosen programme. As a university, we select a range of students for a pre-CAS interview within every intake. 

The Purpose

There are two main purposes to a pre-CAS interview. Firstly, to ensure the University has taken all necessary steps to issue CAS and to be compliant with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy. Secondly, to support applicants and help them prepare for a UKVI credibility interview.

students smiling at the camera with the laptop on the table

The Process

Applicants selected for pre-CAS interview will receive an invitation to book an interview slot. The interview will last approximately 30-40 minutes, it will be online and is recorded, and participating in the interview is mandatory. The pre-CAS interview team will provide detailed instructions ahead of the interview.

two students smiling at the camera with a laptop in front of them

Preparing for Your Interview

It is important that you prepare for your pre-CAS interview. You should be prepared to discuss the following:

Your Course

You may be asked questions about your chosen course. These could include:

  • Why did you choose this course?
  • What modules will you study?
  • What will you learn in these modules?
  • What optional modules do you intend to study?
Why You Have Chosen the University of Lincoln

You may be asked to discuss your decision to choose the University of Lincoln. Think carefully about why you chose our University, be prepared to discuss this in detail and provide clear and concise answers.

They might ask questions such as:

  • Why did you choose the University of Lincoln?
  • What other universities did you consider?  Why?
The Research You Undertook Before Submitting Your Application

What research did you undertake? Think about the websites you may have visited, virtual events you might have attended, if you met with a member of our team in country, or even discussed with an agent.  IIf you have used a University approved agent, you should be prepared to talk about the research you undertook yourself, in addition to assistance provided by your agent. 

 

Your Previous Education and Work Experience

You could be asked questions about relevant work experience or your educational accolades during this interview. 

English Language Qualification

Be ready to discuss the English language qualification you have taken and how you prepared for this.

Your Future Career

You could be asked about your future career plans and how your chosen programme can help you achieve your goals. These questions could include the following:

  • Your career to date
  • Career expectations for the future
  • The benefits your chosen course will have for your future career
  • Salary expectations
Your Finances

For example, you could be asked some of the following questions:

  • How are you paying for your course?
  • Are you receiving financial support?  Where from?
  • What are the UKVI maintenance requirements?
Your Immigration History

You could be asked questions regarding your immigration history. 

Accommodation

You may be asked about your plans for accommodation whilst you are living in Lincoln.

You could be asked the following questions:

  • What research have you undertaken into accommodation options?
  • Do you plan to live on or off campus?  Why?
  • How far is your preferred accommodation from the University?
  • How will you travel to classes?
  • How much will your accommodation cost?

 

About Lincoln

You may be asked about what attracted you to the city of Lincoln and what you know about the city. They may also ask you the following:

  • Why did you choose the UK?
  • What other countries did you consider? Why?

 

After Your Interview

You will usually be notified of the outcome of your pre-CAS interview within 5-working days.

If you pass the interview, we will continue to process your CAS request.

If you do not pass the interview:

  • You may be offered a second interview; or
  • If we feel you will not be able to prove to the UKVI that you are a genuine student with an intention to study, we reserve the right to refuse to issue you with a CAS. Your application will also be made unsuccessful.

All CAS are issued in accordance with the University’s CAS Issuance policy.

Contact the International Enquiries Team

University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool Campus
Lincoln
LN6 7TS

+44 (0)1522 308108

Enquiry Form