Guidance

Changes to the commercial partner visa application services

Updated 20 November 2024

This guidance was withdrawn on

The changes are now complete. Visa applications are no longer affected.

For up to date information, go to:

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-commercial-partner-visa-application-services/changes-to-the-commercial-partner-visa-application-services

Visa application centres are operated by commercial partners (also known as ‘suppliers’) on behalf of UK Visas and Immigration.

In some locations, the commercial partner will change.

This means you may start your visa application with one commercial partner and finish it with another commercial partner.

Applications outside the UK

Between September 2024 and January 2025, the commercial partner will change from TLScontact to VFS Global in some locations in:

  • Africa
  • Europe
  • the Middle East
  • Central Asia

Other parts of the world are not affected.

What you need to do

If your application is affected, you will get emails from TLScontact and VFS Global.

Read all emails you receive from TLScontact and VFS Global. They may have actions you need to take to continue your application.

To confirm the email is genuine, check the sender’s email address ends in either:

  • @tlscontact.com
  • @vfsglobal.com

Check your junk folders to make sure you have not missed anything.

If you booked an appointment with TLScontact

Attend your appointment as normal. The address will be in your email confirmation.

If you want to get in touch about the service you received from TLScontact, go to the TLScontact website. Choose the relevant country and visa application centre, then follow the link to the help page.

If you paid a mandatory user pay (MUP) fee when booking an appointment with TLScontact

You will need to pay the MUP fee again if:

  • you change your appointment
  • the new appointment is with VFS Global

If this happens, ask TLScontact to refund your MUP fee.

What will be affected

The address and opening hours of some visa application centres will change.

In a small number of locations, appointments may be unavailable for a short time. If this happens, wait until VFS Global starts operating visa application centres in your location, then sign in to continue your visa application.

What will not be affected

These changes will not affect:

  • the decision on your application

  • how long it takes to get a decision

Locations changing commercial partner

You can check which locations have already changed commercial partner.

Find a visa application centre for opening times, addresses and contact details.

Applications inside the UK

The commercial partner for UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services changed from Sopra Steria to TLScontact on 15 October 2024.

Appointment availability may be limited for a short period of time.

You do not need to do anything.

This change will not affect:

  • the decision on your application

  • how long it takes to get a decision

If you want to get in touch about the service you received before 15 October, use the TLScontact ‘contact us’ form.

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