By Paul Richmond – Managing Associate
In This Article
- Introduction
- Changes in Commercial Partners for Applications Outside the UK
- What This Means for You
- UK Visa Application Centres Affected by the Change
- Changes for Applications Inside the UK
- Final Thoughts on the Changes to UK Visa Application Centres
- Contact our Immigration Barristers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Glossary
- Additional Resources
1. Introduction
In case you’re planning to use for a UK visa, it’s vital to remain knowledgeable about upcoming adjustments to visa software centres (VACs). These centres, which deal with visa purposes on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), are operated by business companions, also referred to as ‘suppliers.’ Nevertheless, between September 2024 and January 2025, some areas will see a shift within the business associate chargeable for these providers.
2. Modifications in Industrial Companions for Functions Exterior the UK
In sure areas, the present business associate, TLScontact, will likely be changed by VFS International. This transition will happen in particular areas throughout Africa, Europe, the Center East, and Central Asia. It’s vital to notice that different components of the world is not going to be affected by this transformation.
3. What This Means for You
In case your software is affected by the change, you’ll obtain e mail notifications from each TLScontact and VFS International. It’s essential to learn all these emails rigorously, as they might comprise vital directions on find out how to proceed together with your software. To keep away from lacking any updates, remember to examine your junk or spam folders repeatedly. Moreover, to confirm the authenticity of those emails, be sure the sender’s handle ends in both @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com.
4. UK Visa Utility Centres Affected by the Change
For instance, in Belgium, the visa software centre will transition to VFS International on 3 September 2024. From this date onward, you’ll must e book your appointment by way of VFS International. In case you’ve already scheduled an appointment with TLScontact, you’ll be able to nonetheless attend as deliberate. You’ve gotten two choices for submitting your supporting paperwork: both add them on-line by 11:59 pm on 2 September or use the assisted scanning service throughout your appointment. Be certain to double-check the situation particulars in your appointment affirmation e mail.
Different areas will likely be added to the record over time, so it’s a good suggestion to subscribe to updates on this page to remain knowledgeable about any adjustments that will have an effect on you.
5. Modifications for Functions Contained in the UK
For these making use of inside the UK, the business associate chargeable for UK Visa and Citizenship Utility Providers (UKVCAS) will change from Sopra Steria to TLScontact in Autumn 2024. The precise date of this transition will likely be introduced nearer to the time. Thankfully, this transformation is not going to impression the choice in your software, processing times, or the provision of appointments, so you don’t want to take any particular motion.
6. Remaining Ideas on the Modifications to UK Visa Utility Centres
Whereas these adjustments could appear important, they’re designed to make sure a clean and environment friendly visa software course of. By staying knowledgeable and following the steerage supplied by UKVI, you’ll be able to navigate these adjustments with ease. Keep watch over your e mail for any updates, and ensure to observe the directions supplied to keep away from any delays in your software.
For professional and help together with your UK visa software, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or full our enquiry type under.
What are Visa Utility Centres (VACs)?
Visa Utility Centres are amenities operated by business companions on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to deal with visa purposes.
What’s altering with the Visa Utility Centres?
Between September 2024 and January 2025, the business associate working some Visa Utility Centres will change from TLScontact to VFS International in sure areas throughout Africa, Europe, the Center East, and Central Asia.
Will these adjustments have an effect on all areas?
No, solely particular areas in Africa, Europe, the Center East, and Central Asia will likely be affected. Different components of the world is not going to see any adjustments.
How will I do know if my software is affected by the change?
You’ll obtain e mail notifications from TLScontact and VFS International in case your software is affected. It’s vital to learn these emails rigorously and examine your junk folders to make sure you don’t miss any updates.
How can I confirm the authenticity of the emails I obtain?
To verify that an e mail is real, make sure that the sender’s e mail handle ends with both @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com.
What ought to I do if I’ve already booked an appointment with TLScontact?
In case your appointment is with TLScontact, you need to attend it as scheduled. You possibly can both add your supporting paperwork by 11:59 pm on 2 September 2024 or use the assisted scanning service throughout your appointment.
What occurs if my appointment is after the transition date?
After the transition date, you’ll need to e book any new appointments by way of VFS International. For instance, in Belgium, this transformation takes impact on 3 September 2024.
Will these adjustments have an effect on my visa software determination or processing time?
No, the adjustments is not going to have an effect on the choice in your software or how lengthy it takes to get a call.
Do I must take any motion if I’m making use of for a visa contained in the UK?
No particular actions are required. The business associate for UK Visa and Citizenship Utility Providers will change from Sopra Steria to TLScontact in Autumn 2024, however this is not going to have an effect on the choice course of, processing instances, or appointment availability.
How can I keep up to date on additional adjustments?
You possibly can subscribe to updates on the related UKVI web page to obtain notifications about any future adjustments to Visa Utility Centres.
Visa Utility Centre (VAC): A facility the place people submit their visa purposes and supply biometric information, akin to fingerprints and pictures, as a part of the method. These centres are operated by business companions on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI): A division of the UK Dwelling Workplace chargeable for managing visa purposes, controlling immigration, and dealing with citizenship providers.
Industrial Associate (Provider): A 3rd-party firm contracted by UK Visas and Immigration to handle and function Visa Utility Centres. Examples embrace TLScontact and VFS International.
TLScontact: A business associate at present managing a number of Visa Utility Centres on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration. They are going to be changed by VFS International in some areas between September 2024 and January 2025.
VFS International: A world outsourcing and expertise providers firm that manages administrative and non-judgmental duties associated to visa, passport, and consular providers. VFS International will change TLScontact because the business associate in particular areas in the course of the upcoming transition.
UK Visa and Citizenship Utility Providers (UKVCAS): A service for people making use of for visas, go away to stay, or British citizenship from inside the UK. The present business associate, Sopra Steria, will likely be changed by TLScontact in Autumn 2024.
Biometric Information: Private information, akin to fingerprints and pictures, that’s collected as a part of the visa software course of to confirm the id of the applicant.
Assisted Scanning Service: A service supplied at Visa Utility Centres the place candidates can have their supporting paperwork scanned and uploaded by workers throughout their appointment.
Supporting Paperwork: Paperwork required to be submitted as a part of a visa software, which give proof and help the claims made within the software (e.g., id, funds, function of journey).
