New Service Providers for UK Visa Applications: What Applicants Need to

New Service Providers for UK Visa Applications: What Applicants Need to Know

If you're in the process of applying for a UK visa, whether inside the country or overseas, big changes are coming that may affect your experience.

The UK government is currently transitioning between commercial partners who operate the visa application centres on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This shift could impact where and how you apply for your visa.

The UK’s visa application centres, which are run by private companies, are undergoing a significant change.

For some, this means you might start your application with one partner and complete it with another.

Applications Overseas

Starting in September 2024, UK visa application centres in various regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, will begin switching from TLScontact to VFS Global. This transition will continue until January 2025, but here are some key dates and locations to keep in mind:

Already in effect: As of 3 October 2024, VFS Global took over operations at the visa centre in Belgium.

From 22 October 2024: VFS Global will handle visa centres in Algeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Seychelles, South Africa and Tunisia.

From 5 November 2024: The switch will take place in Cyprus (North), France, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Expect more countries and dates to be announced soon. If you've already booked an appointment with TLScontact, attend it as scheduled. You'll receive an email with further details if your application is affected.

Applications Inside the UK

For those applying from within the UK, a similar shift is taking place.

As of 15 October 2024, the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) will switch from Sopra Steria to TLScontact.

While appointments after 15 October will now be at TLScontact service points, visa applicants won’t need to do anything. However, appointment slots may be temporarily limited due to the transition.

What Stays the Same?

Despite the changes in service providers, some things won’t change:

The decision on your application will not be affected.
The time it takes to receive a decision remains the same.

So, whether you’re planning to apply for a visa from inside or outside the UK, stay informed, but rest assured that your application is in safe hands.

Do you need to renew your passport? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries

If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.

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