Preparing for a UK work visa interview can determine whether your application succeeds or fails. This comprehensive guide covers the most common Home Office interview questions for Skilled Worker visa applicants, complete with proven answers and expert strategies that help you demonstrate your credibility as a genuine worker.
Understanding the UK Work Visa Interview Process in 2026
A UK Skilled Worker visa interview is a credibility assessment conducted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to verify whether you genuinely intend to work in the UK for your sponsoring employer. While not every applicant is interviewed, the Home Office increasingly uses interviews when there are doubts about your job offer, sponsor legitimacy, or whether you meet the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
The interview is your opportunity to demonstrate that you meet the Genuine Employment Requirement. UKVI assesses whether your job, salary, qualifications, and sponsor all align with the information on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Understanding the types of questions asked and preparing thoughtful, honest responses significantly improves your chances of visa approval. For detailed requirements, see our guide to Skilled Worker visa requirements.
Who Gets Called for a UK Skilled Worker Visa Interview?
UKVI selects applicants for interviews based on risk assessment criteria including: applying from high-refusal-rate countries, having a newly licensed sponsor, salary close to the minimum threshold, qualifications that don't match the job role, or switching from a Student or Graduate visa.
Not all Skilled Worker visa applicants receive an interview request. UKVI uses sophisticated risk assessment tools to identify applications requiring additional scrutiny. Understanding these triggers helps you prepare a stronger application and anticipate potential interview questions.
Common Interview Triggers
- Newly licensed sponsor: Employers with limited sponsorship history face additional scrutiny
- High-risk nationality: Applicants from countries with higher refusal or overstay rates
- Salary near threshold: Jobs paying at or just above the minimum £41,700 requirement
- Qualification mismatch: Your education or experience doesn't clearly align with the job role
- Visa switching: Moving from Student or Graduate visa to Skilled Worker route
- Previous refusals: Any prior UK or other country visa refusals require explanation
- Sponsor compliance issues: Employer with a history of licence downgrades or warnings
Interviews can be conducted in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), by telephone, or via video call. You will receive formal notification with specific details about the interview format, date, and time. The interview typically lasts between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your application. Even if you are not interviewed, UKVI may still conduct sponsor checks or workplace compliance visits.
Work Visa Routes Where Interviews May Apply
Credibility interviews can apply to various sponsored work routes:
- Skilled Worker Visa: The most common work route subject to interviews
- Health and Care Worker Visa: Healthcare sector applications receive additional scrutiny
- Scale-up Worker Visa: High-growth company sponsorship route
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa: Global Business Mobility route
- UK Expansion Worker Visa: For overseas businesses establishing UK presence
- International Sportsperson Visa: Athletes and coaches
Home Office Interview Questions for Skilled Worker Visa
Home Office interview questions focus on five key areas: your job role and daily duties, salary and working conditions, employer knowledge and sponsorship details, your qualifications and suitability, and your immigration history and future intentions. All answers must align with your Certificate of Sponsorship.
The Home Office uses credibility interviews to verify that your Skilled Worker visa application is genuine. According to the Home Office Sponsorship Guidance, officers assess whether you understand your role, whether your sponsor is legitimate, and whether the job meets immigration requirements.
Most Common Home Office Questions
Based on UKVI interview patterns, these are the most frequently asked questions for Skilled Worker visa applicants:
- What is your job title and what will your daily duties involve?
- What is your annual salary and how many hours will you work per week?
- What do you know about your employer's business?
- How did you find and apply for this job?
- What qualifications or skills make you suitable for this role?
- How does your previous experience relate to this position?
- Have you ever been refused a UK visa or any other visa?
- Do you intend to stay in the UK permanently?
UK Work Visa Interview Questions and Answers
Your interview answers must be specific, consistent with your Certificate of Sponsorship, and demonstrate genuine knowledge of your job role and employer. Below are realistic sample questions with proven answer strategies that reflect what a genuine Skilled Worker applicant should say.
Job Role and Responsibilities Questions
Q: What is your job title and what will your daily duties involve?
Sample Answer: "I've been offered a position as a Software Engineer with ABC Technology Ltd. My daily tasks include developing web applications using Python and JavaScript, participating in code reviews, collaborating with the product team on new features, and maintaining existing software systems. I'll also be involved in sprint planning and technical documentation."
Why this works: The answer is specific about job title, employer name, and actual duties. It demonstrates genuine understanding of the role rather than vague generalisations.
Q: How does your current or past experience relate to this job?
Sample Answer: "I've worked for four years as a Junior Developer at a fintech company where I built payment processing systems and APIs. I hold a BSc in Computer Science and have professional certifications in AWS and Python. My experience directly aligns with the technical requirements for this Software Engineer role."
Salary and Working Conditions Questions
Q: What is your salary and how many hours will you work each week?
Sample Answer: "My annual salary is £48,000 and I'll be working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. These details match exactly what's listed on my Certificate of Sponsorship. My salary exceeds the minimum threshold of £41,700 for my occupation code."
Q: Do you understand the minimum salary requirement for your visa route?
Sample Answer: "Yes, I understand the Skilled Worker visa has a general salary threshold of £41,700 per year since July 2025. My occupation code also has a specific going rate, and my salary of £48,000 meets both requirements. I've verified this matches my Certificate of Sponsorship."
Employer and Sponsorship Questions
Q: What do you know about your employer?
Sample Answer: "My employer, ABC Technology Ltd, is a registered sponsor with the Home Office. They're a software development company based in Manchester with approximately 120 employees, specialising in enterprise solutions for the healthcare and financial sectors. They've been operating since 2015 and have an A-rated sponsor licence."
Q: How did you apply for the job?
Sample Answer: "I found the vacancy on LinkedIn and applied through the company's careers portal. The recruitment process included an initial screening call, a technical coding assessment, and two rounds of interviews—one with the engineering team lead and one with the hiring manager. I received the offer approximately three weeks after my final interview."
Qualifications and Suitability Questions
Q: What qualifications or skills make you suitable for this role?
Sample Answer: "I hold a BSc in Computer Science from [University Name] and I'm proficient in Python, JavaScript, React, and SQL. I also have AWS Cloud Practitioner certification and four years of professional development experience. My skills directly match the technical requirements specified in the job description and my Certificate of Sponsorship."
For more on how qualifications are assessed, see our guide on job level requirements for Skilled Workers.
Immigration History and Intent Questions
Q: Have you ever been to the UK before?
Sample Answer (if yes): "Yes, I visited the UK in 2023 on a Standard Visitor visa for a two-week holiday. I departed before my visa expired and complied with all visa conditions. I've also travelled to Germany and Singapore for work conferences."
Sample Answer (if no): "No, this will be my first visit to the UK. I've previously travelled internationally to the UAE and Singapore for business purposes with my current employer."
Q: Do you intend to stay in the UK permanently?
Sample Answer: "My immediate focus is to work for my sponsor and gain valuable international experience in my field. I understand the Skilled Worker route can eventually lead to settlement after five years, but I'm currently focused on contributing to my employer and developing my career. My long-term plans will depend on how my career progresses."
Credibility Assessment Criteria for UK Skilled Worker Visa Interview
The Home Office assesses seven key factors: your immigration history, educational qualifications, employer legitimacy, salary alignment with SOC code requirements, financial stability, country-specific risk factors, and your understanding of UK employment conditions. All factors must align with your application documents.
The UK Skilled Worker visa interview assesses your overall credibility against the Genuine Employment Requirement. Home Office officers evaluate multiple factors to determine whether you are a genuine worker or if your application raises concerns.
Immigration History and Compliance
Your past visa compliance and travel history significantly impact your credibility. If you have previously overstayed, used false documents, or had visa refusals, UKVI will closely scrutinise your application. A candidate who has consistently complied with previous visa conditions demonstrates responsible immigration behaviour. For information on how past refusals affect applications, see our guide on general grounds for UK visa refusal.
Qualification and Experience Alignment
Your qualifications and past work experience must logically match the role you have been offered. A software engineer with a Computer Science degree applying for a coding job makes sense, but a history graduate applying for a data analyst role without relevant experience may trigger additional scrutiny. From July 2025, most Skilled Worker roles must be at RQF Level 6 (graduate level) unless listed on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List.
Employer and Sponsorship Legitimacy
Home Office officers cross-check your sponsor's licence history, compliance record, and legitimacy. Red flags include newly registered sponsors without operational history, employers with poor compliance records or previous licence revocations, and companies that do not operate in the industry relevant to your role. Ensure your Certificate of Sponsorship is from an A-rated sponsor. For more details, see our guide on sponsorship requirements for Skilled Workers.
Salary and SOC Code Requirements
Your job role must match your SOC code and meet the minimum salary threshold. Common rejection reasons include job descriptions that differ between your CoS and interview answers, and salaries below the required threshold. From July 2025, the standard threshold is £41,700 per year or the going rate for your occupation, whichever is higher. For detailed salary information, see our guide on Skilled Worker salary requirements.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Interview Process and Outcomes
The UK work visa interview process differs depending on whether you apply from within the UK or overseas. In-country interviews are referred by UKVI caseworkers, while overseas interviews require Entry Clearance Officer and Manager approval. Interviews last 20-45 minutes and may be conducted by phone, video call, or in person.
In-Country Applications (Within the UK)
If you are switching to or extending a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK, your application may be flagged for interview if there are gaps or inconsistencies in your employment history, your sponsor is newly licensed or has compliance issues, your salary is close to the minimum threshold, or your job role does not clearly align with your past experience. Once flagged, a UKVI caseworker refers your file for a credibility interview, and you will receive official email or letter notification with the scheduled date.
Overseas Applications (Outside the UK)
For work visa applications from outside the UK, the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) reviewing your file may request an interview if your employer is newly licensed, your qualifications do not clearly match the job requirements, or your country of application has high visa refusal rates. The Entry Clearance Manager (ECM) must approve the interview request before it proceeds. Overseas interviews typically take place at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) or remotely via video call.
Post-Interview Outcomes
If the officer is satisfied with your answers, your visa application moves to the final processing stage and you will receive a decision within 1-3 weeks. If concerns remain, your case may be escalated to a senior officer for further review, additional sponsor checks may be conducted, or your visa may be refused. You can check current visa processing times for the most accurate timeframes.
Failure to attend your scheduled interview without a valid reason can lead to visa refusal under Paragraph 9.9.1 of the Immigration Rules. Rescheduling is only permitted in genuine emergency cases such as illness or travel disruption.
UK Skilled Worker Visa Interview Success Tips
Success requires thorough preparation: review your Certificate of Sponsorship, job description, and contract details. Answer questions directly without over-explaining. Maintain consistency between your verbal answers and written application. Present yourself professionally and speak confidently about your role and employer.
- Review your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) details thoroughly
- Know your exact salary, working hours, and SOC code
- Research your employer's business, size, and industry
- Prepare to explain your daily duties and responsibilities
- Have your job description, contract, and qualifications ready
- Review your immigration history and any previous refusals
- Dress professionally (business casual or formal)
- Test your technology if interview is via video call
What to Avoid During Your Interview
- Vague answers: "I'll be doing IT work" raises concerns—be specific about your role and duties
- Inconsistency: Contradicting your CoS or application suggests dishonesty or poor preparation
- Over-explaining: Answer what is asked; volunteering extra information can create new concerns
- Memorised scripts: Natural responses sound authentic; rehearsed answers sound suspicious
- Incorrect salary knowledge: Not knowing the £41,700 threshold or your exact salary is a red flag
- Poor employer knowledge: Unable to describe your sponsor's business or what they do
If your visa is refused, you will receive a formal refusal letter often including a transcript of your interview. You may be able to request an Administrative Review if you believe the decision was unfair. For guidance on reapplying, see our guide on chances of getting a visa after refusal.
- Know your exact salary (minimum £41,700 from July 2025) and how it relates to your SOC code
- All answers must be consistent with your Certificate of Sponsorship and application
- Research your employer thoroughly—their business, size, location, and industry
- Be honest about your immigration history and explain any previous refusals
- Demonstrate genuine knowledge of your daily duties and responsibilities
Frequently Asked Questions About UK Skilled Worker Visa Interviews
Do all UK Skilled Worker visa applicants need to attend an interview?
No, not all Skilled Worker applicants are interviewed. UKVI typically conducts interviews for high-risk applicants, newly licensed sponsors, cases with inconsistencies in job roles, salary, or work history, or applicants switching from Student or Graduate visas. Most straightforward applications do not require interviews.
What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa in 2026?
From July 2025, the standard minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas is £41,700 per year or the going rate for your SOC code, whichever is higher. Reduced thresholds apply: new entrants (£33,400), relevant PhD holders (£37,500), STEM PhD holders (£33,400), and certain Immigration Salary List roles (£33,400).
How long does the UK Skilled Worker visa interview take?
The Skilled Worker visa interview typically lasts between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your application and the number of areas requiring clarification. Telephone interviews tend to be shorter (20-30 minutes), while in-person interviews may take up to 45 minutes.
What documents should I bring to the UK work visa interview?
Bring copies of your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), job contract and offer letter, job description, educational certificates and professional qualifications, previous passports showing travel history, and financial evidence if required. Having organised documents demonstrates thorough preparation.
What happens if I fail the Skilled Worker visa interview?
If UKVI finds inconsistencies in your answers or doubts your job's legitimacy, your visa may be refused. You will receive a formal refusal letter, often including a typed transcript of your interview highlighting problematic responses. You may be able to request an Administrative Review or submit a fresh application addressing the identified concerns.
Will my employer be contacted during the UK visa process?
Yes, UKVI may contact your employer directly to verify job details, salary, sponsorship compliance, and the legitimacy of the role. They may also conduct unannounced workplace compliance visits. Ensure your employer is aware they may be contacted and that their records align with your application.
Can I switch employers after getting my Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, but you must apply for a new Skilled Worker visa with a fresh Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your new employer before you start working for them. You cannot simply switch jobs—each sponsoring employer requires their own CoS assignment and a new visa application.
Is the Skilled Worker visa interview conducted in English?
Yes, the interview is conducted in English. You are expected to communicate fluently as this demonstrates your suitability for a skilled job in the UK. From January 2026, new Skilled Worker applicants must also meet English language requirements at B2 level (previously B1).
Related UK Visa Interview Guides:
- UK Spouse Visa Interview Guide – Prepare for relationship-based questioning
- UK Student Visa Interview Guide – Academic and financial credibility assessment
- UK Visitor Visa Interview Guide – Travel intent and home country ties