Changes to UK Visa Application Centres
There are several upcoming changes to visa application centres (VACs) abroad and inside the UK. These centres, which handle visa applications on behalf of the UKVI are operated by commercial partners responsible for enrolling biometrics and processing visa applications. The same centres will be applicable for deciding your visa irrespective of whether you wish to live and work in Belfast, Northern Ireland or London.
Global UK Visa Application Centres Impacted by the Change
From 22 October 2024, VFS Global will operate visa application centres in the following locations:
- Algeria
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Ivory Coast
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Seychelles
- South Africa
- Tunisia
From 5 November 2024, VFS Global will operate visa application centres in the following locations:
- Cyprus (North)
- France
- Iraq
- Israel
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lebanon
- the Occupied Palestinian Territories
- Tajikistan
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Uzbekistan
Changes for Applications Made Inside the UK
For those applying within the UK, the commercial partner responsible for UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) will change from Sopra Steria to TLScontact on 15 October 2024. As immigration lawyers we have seen since the implementation of the new commercial partner a difficultly in securing biometric appointments in both Belfast and London. Coming up to Christmas this will have an impact for employers in Belfast and London who wish to start new hires sooner rather than later.
CMC Immigration Law is an immigration practice based in London and Belfast which provides UK immigration services and solutions to businesses and private individuals throughout the world.
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