Upcoming Changes to UK Visa Application Centres
Significant changes are already underway regarding the operation of UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) worldwide, further transitions will occur between 5 November 2024 and 19 November 2024.
Changes to External VAC Operations
A substantial reorganisation of VAC service provision is being implemented between September 2024 and January 2025. TLScontact services are being transferred to VFS Global across multiple regions:
Completed Transitions
- Belgium: Transferred 3 September 2024
- African Region – Phase One (22 October 2024):
- Algeria
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Ivory Coast
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- Tunisia
Upcoming Transitions – November
5 November 2024
- Middle East and Central Asia:
- Cyprus (North)
- France
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- Occupied Palestinian Territories
- Tajikistan
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
19 November 2024
- African Region – Phase Two:
- Angola
- Botswana
- Cameroon
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Tanzania
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Practical Implications for Applicants
Current Applications
- Existing appointments with TLScontact remain valid
- Supporting documents not yet uploaded will require assisted scanning service
- Location details should be verified via appointment confirmation email
Communication Protocols
- Applicants will receive notifications from both service providers
- Monitor your email accounts, including spam folders
- Verify authenticity of communications (legitimate emails end in @tlscontact.com or @vfsglobal.com)
UK-Based Applications
The UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) transferred from Sopra Steria to TLScontact on 15 October 2024.
This internal transition:
- Does not affect application decisions
- Maintains current processing times
- Preserves appointment availability
- Requires no action from applicants
Key Implications
Our immigration team advises:
- Verify application centre locations before travel
- Retain all communication from both service providers
- Budget for assisted scanning services where required
- Allow additional time for appointment booking during transition periods
Professional Support
Axis Solicitors’ immigration team offers some extended legal services throughout these transitions.
The most relevant includes:
- Strategic application timing
- Documentation preparation
- Application management
- Application centre liaison
- Case management
Stay Informed
Follow us on social media, to maintain regular updates on topics related to UK Immigration in 2024.
For the latest information:
- Contact our immigration team
For new clients we offer a first free initial assessment, to determine how we can assist you and what your options are.
