Upcoming Changes to UK Visa Application Centres

Changes in Commercial Partners for Applications Outside the UK

Between September 2024 and January 2025, VFS Global will be replacing the existing commercial partner, TLScontact, in specific regions.

This change will take place in select locations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. It's important to note that this adjustment will not affect visa application centres in other parts of the world.

What This Means for You



If your application falls under the scope of this transition, you can expect to receive email notifications from both TLScontact and VFS Global.

It is vital to carefully read these emails, as they may contain crucial instructions regarding the next steps for your application. To ensure you don’t overlook any updates, regularly check your junk or spam folders.

Furthermore, to authenticate the legitimacy of these emails, verify that the sender's email address ends with either @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com.

UK Visa Application Centres Affected by the Change

On September 3, 2024, the visa application centre in Belgium switched from TLScontact to VFS Global. Therefore, UK visa applicants in Belgium must now schedule a biometrics appointment through VFS Global.

If you already have an appointment booked with TLScontact, you can still attend as originally planned. However, if you haven’t submitted your supporting documents yet, you will need to utilize the assisted scanning service when you go to your appointment.

Be sure to confirm the location details in your appointment confirmation email.

From October 22, 2024, VFS Global will take over the operation of visa application centres in the following countries:

• Mauritius
• Ghana
• Gabon
• Seychelles
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Tunisia
• South Africa
• Morocco
• Kenya
• Ivory Coast
• Gambia
• Madagascar

On November 5, 2024, VFS Global will commence operations in the following additional locations:

• Turkey
• Kyrgyzstan
• Kazakhstan
• Ukraine
• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Uzbekistan
• Israel
• France
• Jordan
• the Occupied Palestinian Territories
• Tajikistan

Additional locations will likely be included in the future, and you can go the respective commercial partner's website to see if they operate the visa centre for your country.

Changes for Applications Inside the UK

For individuals applying from within the UK, there will be a change in the commercial partner managing UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS). 

On October 15, 2024, the partner will shift from Sopra Steria to TLScontact. Fortunately, this transition will not influence the outcome of your application, processing times, or the availability of appointments, meaning there is no need for you to take any specific action.

Conclusion

Although these adjustments may seem substantial, they are intended to enhance the efficiency and smoothness of the visa application process. 

By staying updated and adhering to the guidance from UKVI, you can navigate these changes seamlessly. 

Remember to keep an eye on your email for notifications and follow the provided instructions to prevent any delays in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Visa Application Centres (VACs)?

Visa Application Centres are facilities managed by commercial partners on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for processing visa applications.

How will I know if my application is affected by the change?

You will receive email notifications from both TLScontact and VFS Global if your application is impacted. It’s crucial to read these emails attentively and check your junk folders to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

What should I do if I have already booked an appointment with TLScontact?

If your appointment is with TLScontact, you should proceed to attend it as scheduled. You can either upload your supporting documents by 11:59 PM on of the day before the change is scheduled to occur, or use the assisted scanning service during your appointment.

What is changing with the Visa Application Centres?

Between September 2024 and January 2025, the commercial partner overseeing some Visa Application Centres will change from TLScontact to VFS Global in certain regions across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

Will these changes affect all locations?

No, only designated locations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia will experience these changes. Other areas worldwide will remain unaffected.

How can I verify the authenticity of the emails I receive?

To ensure an email is legitimate, confirm that the sender's email address ends with either @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com.

What happens if my appointment is after the transition date?

Post-transition, you will need to book any new appointments through VFS Global. For instance, in Belgium, this change took effect on September 3, 2024.

Will these changes affect my visa application decision or processing time?

No, the modifications will not impact the decision-making process of your application or the time required to receive a decision.

Do I need to take any action if I’m applying for a visa inside the UK?

No specific actions are necessary. The commercial partner for UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services will transition from Sopra Steria to TLScontact in autumn 2024, but this will not influence the decision-making process, processing durations, or appointment availability.