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Law and Immigration page
Preparing Yourself For immigration Interview
Dr. David Akin-Samuels
The Home Office or the British High Commission in your country will normally invite you for an interview where your application for a visa cannot be determined or completed on the face of your VAF 1 (visa application form for non-settlement ie: visiting) or VAF 2 for settlement.
VAF 1 is normally used by those intending to come to the U.K either as a visitor or as a student. Where VAF 2 is normally for those intending to settle in the United Kingdom either as a spouse or a dependant of a person present and settled in the U.K.
Fundamentally mistakes are made by applicants who either through ignorance do not understand the difference between visiting and settlement.
Attending interview at the Home Office or British High Commission can be, and is always a daunting experience; especially where an applicant is unable to comprehend English language and or their written English does not compliment spoken English. If at any given time you realise that you might have difficulties in understanding English you are advised to request the services of an interpreter.
Hey! There is now a new requirement of English language and British-ness for anyone intending to naturalise as British Citizen. This then means that it is expected that you are able to speak, write and understand English language when you are attending an interview. Though there is no law saying you must! However, if you are unable to, you may limit your chances.
Let us take for instance that you are applying to come to the United Kingdom as a student, you will be expected to know the name of the college or University you intend to attend. You will also be expected to know the course you are attending, I mean understand the contents of the course, what level, what stage and what you intend to achieve i.e. BA, or BSc at the end of the course. (It is therefore important to obtain the college Prospectus and ensure you read it thoroughly). This will help you to understand the college, the course you intend to attend and to be able to answer any question on your particular course of study.
Furthermore, you will need to show that you are able to pay your school fees, usually; you need to have paid some fees before a letter of admission is issued to you. You will also need to show that you have adequate accommodation and be able to fund your out of pocket expenses without recourse to public funds. Generally, students are allowed to work 20 hours a week and more during the term holidays. (You will be making a mistake to think that you can work full time and study full time) Two thinks will happen:
1)You will be violating immigration rules in your particular case - This means that you have deceived the Home Office by saying you intend to study in the UK, whereas, you are actually working full time. If caught, you could be administratively removed from the United Kingdom and your entry visa cancelled - trust me, it has happened before!
2)You will, apart from violating immigration rules, be unable to cope with your studies, because the two do not go hand in hand. You require all your concentration when studying, you will need to be aware that studying in the United Kingdom is not the same as studying in Africa - you need to understand the teaching method, the language (accent differ and this may cause some problems initially).
Finally, conducting yourself at an immigration interview is the same as attending a job interview. It calls for honesty, integrity and ability to express yourself as honestly as you can. (It is better to be honest than to lie at the interview) - in most cases the Entry Clearance Officer will know that you are lying.
Moreover, do not use fake documents, such as bank statements, tax clearance certificate or so, it will be to your own disadvantage because if you are found out you will not be issued an entry clearance and even if you are not found out in your country, you may be (in most cases) found out here in the United Kingdom.
I wish you all the best and should you require any other help regarding immigration matter contact the African Echo.
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