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

What Is a Pre-CAS Interview?

As a university, we select a range of students for a pre-CAS interview every year. A pre-CAS interview assesses the credibility and authenticity of a student planning to study in the UK. The interview is also designed to help provide support to applicants and prepare them for a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) credibility interview.

Applicants selected for a pre-CAS interview will receive an invitation to book an interview slot, this will typically last from 30 to 40 minutes. As the assessment will take place on Zoom (or alternative), please make sure the Zoom app is working on your device prior to the allocated time. If you are selected for a pre-CAS interview you must then take part in the interview and pass to enable the University of Lincoln to proceed with issuing a CAS.

Preparing for Your Interview

It is important to prepare for your interview, to help you do this we have put together some key areas that you may need to discuss.

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? 

To help you prepare, we would recommend looking at your course page on the website.  

Why You Have Chosen the University of Lincoln?

You may be asked to discuss why you have chosen the University of Lincoln. To help prepare we recommend thinking about the reasons why you chose Lincon and provide clear and concise answers. 

 You may be asked 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.  If 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 may 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 to achieve your ambitions. 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

During the interview you may be asked about your finances and the cost of studying at Lincoln. 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 about your immigration history, this could include: 

  • Have you held a previous visa? Have any of these been a Student visa?
  • Tell us about your family's immigration history. 
  • Have you studied abroad previously? 
  • Have you had any visa refusals in the past? 
Accommodation

You may be asked about your plans for accommodation whilst you are studying at the University of Lincoln.  

You could be asked some of the following questions: 

  • What research have you undertaken regarding 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 and Why the UK

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