Pre-CAS interviews

A Pre-CAS interview (PCI) is a mandatory, recorded credibility check for some international students. It is completed within CAS Shield and must be passed before we can issue your CAS that allows you to apply for your Student visa.

Part of our responsibility as a Student Sponsor Licence holder, is to be satisfied that our applicants are genuine students who can meet UKVI visa requirements and successfully complete their course within the conditions of their visa.

The Pre-CAS interview allows us to confirm that you:

• have the required English ability
• understand your chosen course and study plans
• have genuine intentions to study in the UK

Your answers will help us assess your motivation, financial planning and future goals, while also preparing you for any potential UKVI credibility interview later in the visa process.

Who needs to take a Pre CAS Interview

Students from the following countries are required to complete a recorded Pre CAS interview on CAS Shield before receiving their CAS:

Before recording your interview, you must pay part of your £5,000 deposit. A minimum payment of £1,000 is required in advance. After you pass the interview, the remaining £4,000 must be paid before your CAS can be issued.

What happens in a Pre-CAS interview

The PCI is a short, self-recorded video interview completed online through CAS Shield.

Before you start, try to find a quiet, well-lit space with minimal distractions and good audio quality where you can complete your interview. Make sure you have a working webcam and microphone so we can clearly see and hear you. CAS Shield works on mobile devices, so you can complete your interview on a phone or tablet if needed.

At the start, you will show your passport to the camera for an identity check. You will then see a series of questions on screen and will have a set amount of time to answer each question. One at a time, you should record your response to each one using your device.

The interview takes around 20 to 25 minutes to complete depending on the length of your responses. The questions are randomised but will typically cover:

• why you have chosen to study in the UK and at LJMU
• why you selected your specific course
• your post study plans and how the course supports them
• your financial circumstances and funding plans
• your accommodation arrangements
• your understanding of Student visa regulations

We encourage you to research LJMU and your chosen course so you feel confident answering the questions. Your responses help us understand your genuine intention to study with us, so be ready to clearly explain your motivations and future goals.

Whilst you should prepare for the PCI, you must not use notes, websites, or scripts during the interview. Your answers must be natural, based on your own understanding and communicated in your own words. Pre-prepared answers are easy to spot and may result in you failing the interview. We are looking for honest, genuine answers even if they are not perfect.

What happens next

Once you complete your interview, we will review your recording and aim to give you an outcome within three to four working days.

There are three possible outcomes:

• Pass: You have demonstrated a genuine intention to study at LJMU and we believe you can meet the Student visa requirements.
• Resit: Your interview is borderline, and you have been offered one chance to resit. If you do not pass your second attempt, the outcome will be a fail.
• Fail: We have concerns about your intention to study at LJMU or your ability to make a successful visa application.

Your outcome will be shared through the CAS Shield chat function. If you are unsuccessful, you will also receive email confirmation that your application has been rejected following an unsuccessful PCI.

If you are successful, we will let you know if we need any additional documentation such as bank statements from you before we can issue your CAS.