UK Pre-CAS Interview
FAQ

A UK Pre-CAS interview is a mandatory 15-30 minute video credibility assessment by UK universities before CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) issuance. It evaluates genuine student intention, course knowledge, financial capability, and career plans. Introduced in 2024, it replaces the old CAS process and is required for all Tier 4 student visas.

Yes, EEC's UK Pre-CAS interview prep tool is 100% free. You can practice unlimited mock interviews, get AI feedback, and track your progress at no cost. The tool is designed to help Indian students prepare for their UK visa interviews without any financial barriers.

The AI analyzes your recorded answers and provides detailed feedback including a score (1-10), strengths, areas for improvement, and actionable coaching tips. It focuses on content relevance, clarity, and persuasiveness. The feedback is based on patterns from successful visa applications and expert UKVI guidelines.

Yes, the tool supports translation of questions, guidance, and feedback into Hindi and Gujarati. However, the actual interview will be in English, so practicing in English is recommended. The translations help you understand the content better before practicing in the interview language.

You'll need your university offer letter, IELTS/SELT scores, academic transcripts, 28-day bank statements, passport, Statement of Purpose (SOP), sponsor letter (if applicable), and TB test certificate. Additional documents may be required based on your specific circumstances like work experience or family sponsorship.

The interview typically lasts 15-30 minutes. You should be prepared to answer questions about your study plans, financial situation, and personal background. The interviewer may ask follow-up questions based on your initial responses.

The interview occurs after you receive your university offer letter but before CAS issuance. It's usually scheduled within 2-4 weeks of submitting your visa application. The timing depends on your university and the volume of applications.

Common questions include: Why did you choose this university/course? How will you fund your studies? What are your career plans after graduation? Tell us about your academic background. Why do you want to study in the UK? Be prepared to discuss your Statement of Purpose in detail.

Red flags include: Inconsistent financial information, unclear study plans, gaps in education/work without explanation, inability to discuss your course content, and lack of genuine intent to study. Always be honest and provide supporting documentation for any concerns.

Practice with our AI tool regularly, review your Statement of Purpose thoroughly, prepare financial documents in advance, research your university and course, and practice speaking clearly. Record yourself answering questions and get feedback from mentors or use our tool's AI analysis.

CAS Shield is a deeper form of the Pre-CAS credibility check used by some UK universities for applicants with unusual profiles—for example, large study gaps, complex business-funded finances, or prior visa refusals. Expect longer and more detailed questioning on academic progression, how funds were accumulated, and why the chosen course follows from prior study or work. A typical CAS Shield session focuses on facts, not persuasion: the interviewer wants consistent evidence that your plans are logical. Practical tip: map your academic timeline and money trail into short bullet points and practice them out loud. EEC's counselors and the eecglobal.com/ai/ukprecas tool simulate these tougher scenarios so you can answer calmly and consistently.

If a Border Force officer stops you at the airport, the questions are short and factual — course name, where you'll stay, who's paying for you, and whether you've arrived with documents such as CAS and the offer letter. The aim is to confirm your visa and travel claims match the paperwork. Keep originals (or clear digital copies) of CAS, offer letter and accommodation confirmations handy in your hand luggage. Practice quick, consistent answers — a calm two-sentence response is usually enough.

For 2026, maintenance requirements are calculated per month for up to nine months: if your university is in London, it's £1,334/month (total £12,006 for 9 months). For outside London, it's £1,023/month (total £9,207 for 9 months). These funds must be held for 28 consecutive days immediately before the visa application date (the end of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of your application). Also budget for the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) charged per year. These rules are set out by UKVI and are commonly enforced at the visa stage — match your numbers exactly to what appears on your bank statement and the CAS.

A Pre-CAS interview is done by the university before they issue the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies); it checks your course fit, finances and intent. A CAS interview or credibility check by UKVI may happen later at the visa stage — it's the Home Office verifying what you declared in the visa application. Both assess similar things, but timing and the exact focus can differ. Prepare consistent answers for both: your SOP, transcripts, and finances should tell the same story across every stage.

Yes. CAS confirms university acceptance but doesn't guarantee a visa. UKVI may refuse a visa if your financial evidence is inconsistent, if there are credibility issues, or if documents don't match what you said earlier. That's why careful, consistent preparation for both the Pre-CAS interview and the visa application is essential. Keep records (bank statements, sponsor letters, loan sanction letters) that align with what you say in interviews and on forms.

Questions explore five areas: course knowledge (modules, delivery), why the UK and this university, funding and source of funds, academic/professional progression, and future plans. Expect follow-ups — e.g., if you say 'my father will fund me', be ready to explain his income details and where the funds have been held. Real examples: 'Name two modules and how they fit your career plan' or 'Explain your sponsor's income stream briefly.' Practice concise, factual answers with evidence ready.

IELTS 6.5 is acceptable for many postgraduate programs, but each course sets its own bands — some require 7.0 or higher in specific modules. The test must be UKVI-approved and within two years when you apply. Check your chosen course page and confirm the exact band requirements before booking tests.

Being a genuine student means showing your course choice is logical given your background, that you can afford to study, and that you intend to study (not migrate). Evidence includes consistent SOP, subject knowledge, coherent career plans, and traceable funds. Interviews probe for gaps and inconsistencies, so prepare honest, well-documented responses.

The Graduate Route lets students stay to work or look for work after their degree. As per official guidance, if you apply on or before 31 December 2026 the route lasts 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). From 1 January 2027 the standard Graduate Route length changes to 18 months for new applicants (PhD remains 3 years). Always check timing against your graduation date and when you plan to apply.

Main intake: September 2026 (broadest course options). Secondary intake: January 2027 (more limited, common in business/computing). Plan preparation 6–9 months ahead for September entry — that gives time for applications, English tests, and Pre-CAS practice.

Start with your SOP and course modules: be able to explain how specific modules help your career. Match financial documents to what you'll say: bank statements, sponsor letters, or loan sanctions. Do timed mock interviews (15–30 minutes) and review feedback — record yourself to spot filler words and inconsistencies. Use profile-based practice (eecglobal.com/ai/ukprecas) and review CA-led financial checks for complex funding.

Many agencies exist, but EEC positions itself as a specialist in UK Pre-CAS work with 28+ years of UK education focus, 26 branches, and CA-led financial audits. If you value both document-level financial review and routine mock interviews, those are the services to check when comparing consultants. For impartial decisions, ask for specific case studies and timelines.

Typically universities issue CAS within 2–4 weeks after a successful Pre-CAS interview, but processing times vary by institution and whether any documents need clarification. If documents are incomplete, universities may delay CAS until they are satisfied. Keep communications active and provide missing items promptly.

Policies vary by university — some permit a second attempt, others may not. If you fail, ask the university for specific reasons and whether a second interview or additional documentation is acceptable. Use feedback to address gaps (e.g., fund clarity or course rationale) before reapplying.

Commonly accepted proofs include: 28-day bank statements showing required maintenance funds, sponsor's bank statements and signed sponsor letter, education loan sanction letter, tax returns or business proof (invoices/company bank statements). Explain any large deposits (dates, origin) with supporting paperwork. The goal is traceability — UKVI wants to see where money came from and that it's genuinely available.

Yes — most student visas allow up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during holidays (check your specific visa conditions). If you plan to work, be ready to explain how you'll balance studies and work without harming your academic progress.