If you’ve applied for a visa to visit, live or work in the UK, you will first have to do an interview as part of the application process. This would require you as the applicant, to make an appointment at a UK Visa Application Embassy in the country you have applied in. If there isn’t such a facility where you have applied, it may require you to go to another country or city in order to do this.
This is the process the UK government has in place to verify whether those coming to the UK are doing so honestly and with the right intentions. Moreover, the interview process is the only way that an immigration officer can determine your English language capabilities if applicable to your chosen visa route, and talk to you about your life situation and why are you want to go to the UK.
Doing this interview can be a very annoying process. It can not only nerve-wracking but also cause yourself and others close to you much stress process. This is why it is important to do it well and do your very best to pass.
During the interview, you will be alone in a room with a UK immigration officer and they will question you so it is very important to try your best to make a good impression on this individual and we have laid out a few tips that could help you achieve this.
Be on time
This goes without saying when being called for a UK visa application interview. The UK is one of the most polite and efficient country’s in the world and its people are very punctual 99% of the time. This is why it is very important for you to be on time for your visa interview appointment as this will make the right impression on the immigration officer. Also, if you turn up late but still manage to do the interview, you will be rushed and maybe even more nervous than usual under such extra pressure.
Make sure your story is accurate
When explaining to the immigration officer why you want to come to the UK you must have a valid story that matches the information on the application form. The immigration officer will do his/her best to see how you answer the question under pressure and will be watching your reactions and body language. It is very important to stay as well-composed as possible during this time and to stay calm and confident, take deep breathes and talk clearly when answering.
Tell the truth
The immigration officer will be testing to see whether you are lying or telling the truth about your situation and why you want to go to the UK. Our team of immigration solicitors UK advise that you do not lie during the interview because if you are caught out, you will not only have your application rejected, but it could compromise any future attempts you make to obtain a visa to go to the UK
Dress well and look presentable
When you have your interview date set, it is important to look good for this. Think of it as a job interview for a job you really want in your life. You want to make a good impression and your dress code can help here. Avoid wearing slippers shorts T-shirts, sportswear and anything overly casual. Also, avoid wearing flashy items very bright colours of jewellery and anything distracting.
The UK Visitor Visa Rules
To come to the UK under a visit visa, there are some fairly uncontroversial conditions that the applicant must satisfy, set out in Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. The trouble is, Immigration lawyers know only too well, those who decide on any individual visit visa application use their own discretion in considering the application. Very often, this discretion is exercised against the individual, resulting in many visit visa refusals. To succeed in a visit visa application, the individual must convince the decision maker that they are a genuine visitor to the UK. They will need to be able to:
– Show that they will leave the UK at the end of the visit
– Convince the decision maker that they are not intending to use regular visits to live in the UK for extended periods
– Show that they can support themselves and any dependents while they are in the UK
– Show that they can pay for any return or onward journey and for the costs of the trip
– Have proof of any permitted business or other activities they will carry out while in the UK
– Demonstrate that they won’t carry out prohibited activities while in the UK
There are then additional rules, for example for those intending to undertake a paid engagement whilst in the UK.
Making a successful visit visa application
Talk to our UK Immigration Consultants and they will advise you that while the conditions for a visit visa seem simple, it is important to take the visit visa application seriously and provide detailed information in relation to each condition to avoid the disappointment of a visit visa refusal.
Submit comprehensive documentation
The person submitting a visit visa application may only intend to come to the UK for a short time, and less than the 6 month maximum that the visit visa allows, but top immigration attorneys will agree that it is still worth submitting comprehensive documentation to demonstrate the individual’s connections to their home country – and therefore the intention to return after the visit.
Follow up any discrepancies
If the documentation that is to be submitted in support of the visit visa application reveals any anomalies, it is worth taking the time to obtain an explanation of these anomalies and to include this evidence with the documentation.
Detail your relationship with family/friends in the UK
As well as convincing the decision makers that the applicant intends to return after the visit to the UK, if the purpose of the of the visit visa is to visit family or friends in the UK, it’s important to detail the relationships to satisfy that UK Immigration authorities that the reason for the visit to the UK is genuine.
Provide evidence of the reasons for the visit if not for family/friends
If the visit is for some other reason than visiting family and friends, to undertake a paid engagement for example, or to undertake private medical treatment, it’s important to take the same comprehensive approach to documentation as it is to convince the authorities of the intention to return after the visit.
When in doubt, Ask our immigration solicitors for advice
Our team of immigration solicitors can advise you in the lead up to your interview. We can go over your story with you we can answer any questions you may have. We can also calm your nerves just before the big day.
