On the 15th October 2024, the commercial partner used by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for biometric enrolment in the UK has changed. The commercial partner for UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service (UKVCAS) has changed from Sopra Steria to TLScontact.
When a person applies for permission to stay in the UK or for citizenship, they need to enrol biometric information and provide documents in support of their application. This is usually done through UKVCAS. Once an application to UKVI has been submitted, the applicant needs to create an account with UKVCAS and book to attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS service centre to have their identity document scanned and their photograph and fingerprints taken. Supporting documents are either uploaded to UKVCAS through an online portal or scanned in person at a UKVCAS service centre appointment.
UKVCAS is operated by a commercial partner on behalf of UKVI. Today, the commercial partner in the UK is changing to TLScontact.
The Home Office have advised that, due to this change, appointment availability may be limited for a short period of time. They are reassuring applicants that the change will not affect the decision on their application, nor the timescales for a decision.
This is part of a wider change to UKVI commercial partner visa application services. Between September 2024 and January 2025, some visa application centres that operate overseas are also changing. The commercial partner will change from TLScontact to VFS Global in some locations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia.
If you would like advice on your application to UKVI or UKVCAS services then please do not hesitate to contact one of the experienced solicitors in our immigration team.
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