Key Points
- UK visa services in the US will transition from DHS-run ASCs to VFS Global Visa Application Centres starting July 15, 2025
- 38 new VACs will replace existing DHS ASCs
- In-person passport submission will now occur during biometric appointments
- Free and user-pay VACs are available across major US cities
Overview
Beginning July 15, 2025, the United Kingdom government will transition its visa processing services in the United States from the US Department of Homeland Security’s Application Support Centres (ASCs) to a new network of 38 Visa Application Centres (VACs) operated by VFS Global. This move is intended to modernize the application process, improve accessibility, and streamline document submission for UK visa applicants.
Ten of the new VACs will be free to use and located in major US metropolitan areas. The remaining 28 centers, positioned to serve applicants in more remote or less densely populated regions, will operate on a user-pay basis. This new model provides increased flexibility and access for individuals throughout the country.
One of the most significant improvements is the integration of biometric enrollment and passport submission into a single appointment. Previously, applicants were required to courier their documents to New York following their ASC appointment. Now, all documentation will be collected on-site during the VAC appointment, saving applicants time and minimizing logistical challenges.
Applicants with ASC appointments scheduled before July 15 may still attend those appointments through August 1, 2025. However, no new ASC bookings will be accepted after July 15, and applicants are encouraged to begin scheduling through the VFS Global platform. Rescheduling of existing ASC appointments is permitted until the July 15 deadline.
This change marks a shift toward centralized and standardized visa processing in line with broader global trends in consular services. The updated model enhances operational consistency, offers improved customer service, and aligns with the UK’s digital modernization initiatives.
Looking Ahead
Visa applicants in the US planning to travel to the UK should familiarize themselves with the new VFS Global booking system, identify the nearest VAC location, and begin preparing for in-person appointments that include both biometrics and document submission. Employers and legal representatives assisting applicants should update process checklists and ensure compliance with the new protocols to avoid delays. The UK government and VFS Global are expected to provide further guidance and support as the transition progresses.
