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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Visa Application Center in Mexico

From 1st July 2015, the UK visa application process for submission of biometrics will be carried out by VFS at a new Visa Application Centre (VAC).

From 1st July 2015, the UK Visa Application process for submission of biometrics will be carried out by VFS at a new Visa Application Centre (VAC). The address of the new VAC in Mexico City is: Jaime Balmes 11, Torre D, 2ndo piso, P olanco, Mexico DF11510

Here are the FAQs about this change:

  • Why are you moving the processing of UK visa applications to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) operation?

This is part of an ongoing process of finding ways to run the UK global visa network more efficiently. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has implemented a series of changes to its network around the world.

  • How will this change affect customers?

UK Visas and Immigration is increasing the visa application centre locations in Mexico from one to three. In Mexico City, the opening hours of the Visa Application Centre will be from 9-17 hrs Monday through Friday. The Visa Application Centre will open in Mexico City on 1st July. The two other Visa Application Centres in Guadalajara and Monterrey will follow shortly after. In Mexico City, a user pay fee of £59 (approximately $1,438 pesos dependent on exchange rate) per application will be applied to take account of this expanded service in Mexico. The fee for Guadalajara and Monterrey will be announced when dates for opening are published.

  • What about customers who have already booked their appointments for July?

The Visa Application Centre will contact customers individually and give them the options which include honouring their existing appointments at the new location. They won’t need to pay the user fee.

  • Are you making it harder for people to apply for a UK visa?

No. The immigration rules are applied in the same way to all UK visa applications lodged around the world and where a UK visa applicant can show they satisfy the immigration rules, their visa will be granted, whatever their nationality.

  • How will this change impact the time it takes to process applications?

None of these changes will impact on UK Visas and Immigration’s customer service standards. UK Visas and Immigration aims to process students, business and other non-settlement applications within 15 working days and for settlement applications in no more than 12 weeks.

  • What happens if there is an urgent application that needs to be issued immediately?

We strongly advise all UK visa applicants not to book travel until they have received their visa. However, we do understand that there are, from time-to-time, exceptional circumstances which require urgent travel. We aim to provide an efficient service to all applicants and whenever possible will ensure that those needing to travel urgently receive a result on their application as quickly as possible. Those with urgent travel requirements are advised to purchase the optional Priority Visa service.

  • What about visa applications for Overseas Territories/Commonwealth?

Applicants for Overseas Territory and Commonwealth visas are not required to give biometrics or attend in person. They should complete an application form at this link and mail the entire application and pre-paid return envelope to the British Embassy, Bogota for processing.

  • Where do I get further information on UK visa applications?

You should visit the UK Visas and Immigration website

Published 29 June 2015