Things You Need to Crack Your UK Visa Interview Easily
Submit the Right Documents and Schedule an Interview:
Before you reach the interview process, you need to complete the initial steps that form the base of your UK visa application.- The first step is to fill in the UK visa application form. It is important to fill in the form completely and correctly. The details provided in the form should match the details provided in the supporting documents.
- Your passport should have a minimum validity of 3 months from the date of returning from the UK.
- Along with the visa application form, you need to submit supporting documents like bank statements, recent photographs, detailed travel itinerary, UK visa invitation letter, etc.
- Once the documents are ready, you need to submit the application form and documents online.
- The next step is to pay the visa fee. The amount will depend on the type of UK visa you are applying for.
- After you pay the fee, the next step is to schedule the visa interview. You will receive confirmation of your appointment via email.
On the Day of the Interview:
It is extremely important to be punctual for your UK visa interview. Arriving late can lead to the cancellation of your interview and maybe your visa application as well. Hence, it is best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Carry the originals of all the documents you have submitted online. However, do not carry heavy luggage for your interview. Just a folder with all your papers will suffice.After You Enter the UK Consulate or Embassy:
Your visa interview is likely to last for 30 minutes. Before the interview, you will have to go through security checks. You will also have to wait in the queue for your turn. If you are planning to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you will have to provide your biometrics as well. During the interview, the visa official will verify your original documents and ask you a few questions related to your UK travel. It is important to answer all the questions truthfully and confidently.Commonly Asked UK Visa Interview Questions
Here are some of the most commonly asked UK visa interview questions with answers:1. Why do you want to visit the UK?
Here you need to state the reason for visiting the UK clearly. It could be for tourism, to meet family or friends, or for business. Keep your answer simple and short.2. Have you visited the UK before?
If you have visited the country before, say yes, and if you haven’t, say no. It is important to be truthful here. The visa office might check your travel history to validate your answer.3. How long are you planning to stay in the country?
Here, you can state the date you are planning to fly to the UK and the date you will be returning to Dubai.4. Are you sponsoring your UK trip?
If the answer to this question is yes, you will have to provide proof of your financials like a bank statement to assure the visa officer that you have enough funds to cover your travel expenses when in the UK. On the other hand, if someone in the UK (a family or friend) is sponsoring your trip, you will have to provide proof of their financial background.5. What do you do?
Here you need to mention your profession and whether you are self-employed, an employee, or a retired person.6. Are you planning to work in the UK?
If you are applying for a tourist or visitor visa, you need to say no to this question. You have to assure the visa officer that you will be returning to Dubai before your visa expires.7. Do you have relatives in the UK?
The answer to this question should be yes if you have relatives living in the UK. You will also have to explain your relationship with them to the visa office. You may also have to provide their address and other details during the interview.8. Are you travelling to the UK on your own or with someone?
The answer is straightforward here, and you need to answer accordingly. If you are a married person and are travelling alone, you would be asked why your spouse is not accompanying you. Answer this question clearly and truthfully.9. Where will you stay in the UK?
If you are staying at a hotel, mention the name and address of the hotel, and if you are staying at the residence of a family member or friend, you need to provide the address of the person.Check Out:
Countries to Visit with the UK Visa
Points to Consider During UK Visa Interview
Here are some important things you need to remember while attending your UK visa interview:- Choose to wear formal clothes for your interview to make an impression. Avoid clothes that are too colorful or grand. Dress up smartly and keep accessories to a minimum.
- Reply to the questions confidently and politely. Do not raise your voice or behave rudely at the consulate.
- Always answer truthfully. Remember that every answer of yours is verified. If the visa officer comes to know that you have lied during the interview, it may lead to rejection of your visa application.
Conclusion
Cracking the UK visa interview is a piece of cake if you are prepared for it. Keep your papers ready, arrive on time, and answer all the questions truthfully and confidently to make sure that your UK visa application is approved. During a UK visitor visa refusal appeal, familiarizing the refusal causes and preparing a good appeal can work wonders to overturn the decision.FAQ
Q1. How to prepare for a UK visa interview?
A proper UK visa interview preparation is vital to boost the chances of success. Various steps can aid one get ready for a UK tourist visa interview such as,- Familiarize about the specific visa being applied for and check the latest information at UK government’s official website.
- Organize the required documents
- Research about the interview procedure
- Practice to answer prospective UK visitor visa interview questions and answers
- Dress conservatively and professionally
- Be punctual
- Stay confident and calm and honest
- Follow instructions closely during the interview
- Treat the interviewer with courtesy and respect
- Review the application form and supporting documents
- Follow up and be patient
Q2. Is an interview a mandate to get a UK visa?
The interview for UK visa is crucial for the visa application procedure be it for a UK visit visa from Dubai or other places. This acts as a means for assessing the applicant’s authenticity and eligibility. The interview takes place at a Visa Application Centre in person or through Skype.Q3. What are the questions usually asked in UK visa interviews?
Some common questions asked during UK visa interviews revolve around the home country of the applicant, reasons to work/study in the UK, and expenses/cost of living in the UK, among others.Q4. What is the duration for UK visa interview?
The UK visa interview duration varies depending on diverse factors including the visa type applied for, one’s circumstances, and the specific needs of the UKVI office where an interview happens. In most cases, the interview is short, lasting around about 10-20 minutes. Some interviews however might be longer, particularly if a visa officer requires asking specific issues or concerns which require being addressed.Q5. How to schedule a visa interview appointment?
Post submission of the visa application through the visa immigration service website, one may book the visa interview. The confirmation of their interview appointment will be done through email.Q6. Post-completion of the initial visa interview, will one be notified for the second interview?
The majority of visa interviews are conducted just once. If a visa officer however needs more information, then one is likely to get a second call. Thus it is crucial for one to check their email time and again, which also includes the spam, to check if they need another meeting with them.Suggested read:
UK Visa Extension Procedure and Requirements