This article is published by Nick Albin, Immigration Consultant at Migrate UK - an Immpact Legal Partner.

In-country Biometric Appointment Centres (UK)

If you're applying for a visa from within the UK, the provider of biometric appointments and services is shifting from Sopra Steria to TLS Contact. The transition has already started, however, as of 15 October 2024 all appointments within the UK will be provided by TLS contact.

There may be limited availability for appointments during the initial transition phase. Our consultants have experienced this first hand when attempting to book appointments, this was coupled with log-in issues when attempting to access the site.

Once the transition is complete, UKVCAS have stated that the service will be improved in the following ways:

• Free and chargeable appointments are available at ALL Service Points across the UK (excluding Premium Lounge)
• Increased number of free appointments available
• Simplified pricing structure for all chargeable appointments
• Longer time slots are available for family groups to book an appointment
• Updating the website to make it quicker and easier to book an appointment and find the information you need.

As part of the transition, some Sopra Steria locations have been permanently closed, including centres in Bristol, Swindon, Ipswich, and Gloucester. Applicants in these areas will need to visit other service centres for their biometric appointments.

Out-of-Country Biometric Appointment Centres (Outside the UK)

The shift of provider will also affect applications outside the UK. VFS Global will replace TLS contact as the commercial partner for UK visa application centres. This transition will happen across multiple regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, over the coming months.

The expected completion date is February 2025. This change is part of a global effort to improve the overall application process. During this period, applicants outside the UK may experience limited appointment availability or issues accessing the booking system during the early stages of the transition. It’s recommended to check the TLS contact or VFS Global websites regularly for updates specific to your location.

Once the transition is complete, applicants should receive the same service improvements as within the UK, such as freer appointment slots, family-friendly time windows, and simplified pricing for chargeable appointments.

If you are planning to apply for a UK visa from outside the country, make sure to stay informed through your local TLS contact website for the latest updates regarding appointment availability and service centre changes.

While the switch of providers may cause some short-term delays and disruptions, we hope that there are long-term benefits that enhance the overall visa application process both within the UK and abroad.

For expert advice regarding visa or immigration applications, do not hesitate to get in touch with the immigration consultants at Migrate UK.