Application centres

Who runs the centres

The provider you deal with depends on whether you are applying from outside or inside the UK.

Because these are commercial partners rather than the Home Office itself, the exact company, website and booking system you use will differ by country and can change over time.

• Outside the UK: UKVI works with VFS Global and TLScontact to run overseas visa application centres. Which one operates in your country depends on where you are applying from.
• Inside the UK: appointments are handled through UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS). The commercial partner running UKVCAS changed from Sopra Steria to TLScontact on 15 October 2024, so UKVCAS is now operated by TLScontact.

What you do at an appointment

The core purpose of the appointment is to capture your biometrics and confirm your identity and supporting evidence.

You should always take your passport or travel document, and the confirmation for your appointment. For UKVCAS appointments in the UK, gov.uk says to bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation document with its QR code.

• Give your biometric information: fingerprints and a photograph.
• Have your supporting documents dealt with: in many cases you can upload these online in advance, or you can have them scanned at the centre.
• Confirm your identity against your passport or travel document.

Booking and the application order

The appointment comes after you start your application, not before. For in-UK applications, gov.uk explains that you create a UKVCAS account when you apply and then book your appointment online. For overseas centres, gov.uk states you must apply for your visa before you can make an appointment at a visa application centre.

You can look up the address, contact details and opening times for the centre relevant to you using the official gov.uk directory.

Free versus paid appointments

A basic appointment slot is generally available without an extra service charge, but the centres also sell optional add-on and premium services, and availability of the free options can be limited.

gov.uk indicates that how much you pay depends on the type of service point and whether you need extra services. Paid extras can include things like out-of-hours or weekend appointments and faster or same-day handling for urgent cases. These fees are separate from the visa application fee itself and from the Immigration Health Surcharge where that applies.

• Standard/free appointment: usually available but can be in limited supply.
• Premium or enhanced options: charged extras such as weekend, out-of-hours, or expedited appointments.
• Faster decision services (for example priority or super priority) may also be offered for an additional fee, depending on your route and location.

Is attending a centre a legal requirement?

Giving your biometrics is a formal part of the process for most applicants, and you will normally be told to attend an appointment to provide them. However, exceptions and route-specific arrangements exist, and not everyone has to attend in person in the same way.

Some applicants can reuse existing biometrics or use a digital identity-checking app instead of attending a centre, depending on their visa type and circumstances. Always follow the specific instructions given to you within your own application, as these set out exactly what you must do.