If UKVI contacts you after you submit your Student visa application

After you submit your Student visa application, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may contact you before making a decision. This does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your application.

Non-standard application emails

Some applicants receive an email telling them that their application is 'non-standard' and that UKVI needs more time to process it.

Although this can be worrying, it does not necessarily mean there are concerns about your application or that it will be refused. During busy periods, UKVI may send these emails because they are unable to meet their usual processing times.

You do not normally need to do anything unless UKVI asks you for further information.

Requests for additional information

UKVI may ask you to provide further information or documents before they make a decision. For example, they may ask for:

• evidence of what you have been doing since leaving a previous course or previous employment;
• details of your employment history;
• further information about the source of the funds you have relied on for your application; or
• updated financial evidence if the documents you submitted are no longer acceptable.

If UKVI contacts you:

• read the request carefully and make sure you understand what has been asked for;
• respond by the deadline given;
• send all the requested information in one email wherever possible, rather than sending several separate emails; and
• keep copies of everything you send.

Credibility Interviews

The UKVI may invite you to attend a credibility interview as part of the Student visa application process. You should be notified by email if you are required to attend one.

Many overseas applicants who are interviewed are asked to attend a video interview as part of their Visa Application Centre appointment. However, UKVI may arrange interviews in other ways, including by telephone, depending on the circumstances. Always follow the instructions in your interview invitation.

The purpose of the interview is to confirm that you are a genuine student. You will be asked a number of questions, which may include:

• Why you decided to study in the UK

• What made you choose the University of Manchester

• The reasons for selecting your course

• How you are funding your course

• Where you expect to live while you are a student

• How you chose your accommodation in Manchester

• Your plans for when you have completed your course, e.g. your career aspirations

Answer honestly and clearly. Give your own answers based on your personal circumstances and reasons for choosing to study in the UK, rather than using answers from other people or the internet.

For most applicants, the interview usually lasts 5–10 minutes. A transcript of the interview will be considered by the caseworker when deciding your visa application.