The United Kingdom (UK) is changing its visa application service provider that manages applications from outside the country.
This update aims to streamline the visa application process and enhance the experience for applicants.
Here’s what applicants need to know about the ongoing changes, including detailed timelines and practical tips to ensure a smooth process.
Switching visa application service providers: key dates and countries
The UK has begun transitioning the management of its Visa Application Centres (VACs) in several regions.
The primary change is the replacement of TLScontact with VFS Global in some locations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
This transition is being carried out in stages beginning September 2024 and January 2025.
Here is the detailed schedule and list of affected countries recently added to the UK Government guidance page.
From 19 November 2024
Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
From 4 December 2024
Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Serbia, Spain, and Switzerland.
From 14 January 2025
Armenia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.
Applicants in these countries will now work with VFS Global for their visa application needs.
As the transition progresses, the UK Government will soon add more countries to the list.
It’s important to note that this change does not affect the processing or decision-making time for visas.
What UK visa applicants need to do during the transition
With proper preparation, the transition should have minimal impact on the visa application process.
For those applying for a UK visa during this transition, here’s how to ensure that the application proceeds smoothly:
1. Check your email
Applicants are encouraged to monitor communications from both providers.
Both TLScontact and VFS Global will communicate important updates about the transition.
Read all communications entirely and carefully and follow instructions to avoid any delays.
Make sure also to check spam or junk folders for any missed messages.
2. Verify Email Addresses
Applicants are advised to stay vigilant and cautious of phishing attempts.
Genuine communications from TLScontact and VFS Global will come from addresses ending in @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com.
3. Attend Scheduled Appointments.
Those who already booked an appointment with TLScontact must still attend it as planned.
The appointment details will remain valid, and confirmation emails should be referred to for specific instructions.
4. Stay Updated
Keep checking official updates and consult with immigration advisors if you have concerns about your application.
For the latest information, visit the official UK Government website or consult with reputable immigration advisors.
Why the UK is changing visa application service providers
In earlier updates, the UK government outlined plans to change the service provider managing visa applications in various regions.
This transition, aimed at improving efficiency and user experience, involved the gradual replacement of TLScontact with VFS Global.
TLScontact previously handled UK visa applications in many regions and continues to operate in some locations.
VFS Global is a global leader in outsourcing visa application processes and is known for its widespread presence and efficient services.
Benefits of this change include:
- Improved Efficiency: VFS Global is known for its streamlined processes, which can reduce the time required to submit applications and biometric data.
- Expanded Customer Support: Applicants can expect better support services, including user-friendly appointment systems and multilingual assistance at VACs.
- Wider Global Network: VFS Global operates in over 140 countries, providing a more extensive infrastructure and the ability to handle high volumes of applications effectively.
These improvements align with the UK’s goal of modernizing its visa application system and streamlining the visa process.
Changes to UK visa applications from within the country
While this transition focuses on overseas applicants, changes are also happening in visa application centers within the UK.
Since 15 October 2024, TLScontact replaced Sopra Steria as the service provider for UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS).
The transition to TLScontact for applications made within the UK may temporarily limit the availability of appointments.
However, visa decision times and processing speed are not affected.
Final notes
These updates aim to modernize and improve the UK’s visa application process, making it more efficient and accessible.
These improvements include having more accessible service centers and the use of more advanced technology.
Millions of applicants globally will benefit from faster, more secure, and user-friendly visa processing.
By staying informed and organized, applicants can confidently adapt to these changes and ensure a smooth application experience.