- The 38 new Visa Application Centres opened this week.
- The new network replaces existing Application Support Centres run by the US Department of Homeland Security.
- This transition is expected to simplify the application journey for customers and streamline processing for both the customer and UK Visas and Immigration.
VFS Global launched 38 new UK Visa Application Centres across the United States marking a significant enhancement in the visa application experience for customers. This marks a transition from the current Application Support Centers operated by the US Department of Homeland Security to a dedicated network managed by VFS Global.
The newly expanded network is designed to accommodate recent changes in the UK visa application process for customers in the United States. Customers will now be required to book an appointment at their nearest VFS Global UK Visa Application Centre, attend the site on their scheduled date and time, submit biometrics, and present their passports at the same location – eliminating the need to courier documents for processing.
This transition is expected to simplify the application journey for customers and streamline processing for both the customer and UK Visas and Immigration.
The 38 new Visa Application Centres opened this week in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Buffalo, Carlsbad, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Hartford, Houston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, Raleigh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St Louis, St Paul, Syracuse, Tampa and Washington D.C..
As a reminder, US nationals wanting to come to the UK for visits of less than 6 months DO NOT need a visa so do not need to visit a VAC. Instead, they need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before leaving the United States. More info about ETAs can be found here: www.gov.uk/eta/apply.
If you’re going to the UK to work or study read the latest on the digital transformation of the UK’s immigration system: www.gov.uk/guidance/online-immigration-status-evisa.
As a partner to UK Visas and Immigration since 2003, VFS Global offered visa services in 58 countries until 2023. Under the new global contract awarded to VFS Global in December 2023, the company provides UK visa services in 142 countries worldwide, including the US.
