Preparing for Your Skilled Worker Visa Interview: What to Expect

10th September 2024

What you need to know about your Skilled Worker Visa interview

Before you are granted your Skilled Worker Visa you may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process. This interview is your chance to showcase your qualifications, explain your motivations, and prove that you’re a good fit for the job. Here’s what to expect and tips and tricks for a Skilled Worker visa interview.

What to expect

Interviews are usually conducted over a Microsoft Teams call during visa processing and the Home Office will always start the call. However, they can also be conducted at the border upon your arrival into the UK.

Below are some questions that you may be expected to answer:

Job related questions:

  • Relevant professional experience
  • Your role and responsibilities in the new job
  • Your understanding of the industry
  • Your understanding of the company you will be joining
  • Details about your sponsor including work locations and employees
 

Motivation questions:

  • Why you want to work in the UK
  • What your long-term career goals are
 

Visa compliance questions:

  • Immigration history if relevant (if applicable, this may increase the likelihood of being invited to a Home Office interview)
  • If your job meets the salary threshold required for the visa
 
What happens after the interview

If your visa is approved, you will receive instructions on how to proceed, including how to collect your visa and any additional steps required before entering the UK. If denied, you should be provided with reasons, and in some cases, you may be able to request for an administrative review or reapply.

Tips and Tricks
  • You can use an interpreter (even though you are expected to have the required level of English language you are entitled to utilise a translator during your interview)
  • Be honest
  • Be aware that your sponsor may also be interviewed
  • The interview will be conducted by an Immigration Officer, they will have researched your application, immigration history and the skills required to carry out your role.
  • If you don’t understand a question always ask for a further explanation
  • Answer every question in as much depth as possible 

Yes, you will be notified of the interview via an email to the address stated on your visa application form.

You may be able to do an admin review or reapply as long as you have not been subjected to a re-entry ban

The Home Office invite to interview will detail the length of time your interview is expected to take. The interview can sometimes be up to 90 minutes long.

The invitation to interview explains that no one else should be present in the room during the interview and if the Home Office suspects that there is someone present, the interview may be terminated and your application assessed without a further interview.

You should notify the Home Office if you cannot make your interview date/time as soon as possible.

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