The government announced changes to the submission process of the commercial partner visa application.

Key Points:

  • Visa application centers are operated by commercial partners (suppliers) on behalf of U.K. Visas and Immigration.
  • For applications outside the U.K., the commercial partner has switched from TLScontact to VFS Global until January 2025 for Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, while other regions remain unaffected.
  • For applications inside the U.K., the commercial partner for UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services changed from Sopra Steria to TLScontact, effective Oct. 15.
  • Applicants can check an up-to-date list here for locations that have already changed commercial partners.

Additional Information: For applicants inside the U.K., appointment availability may be limited for a short period of time. Applicants outside the country should receive email updates from TLScontact and VFS Global if their application is impacted.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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