United Kingdom Visa Application Process in the U.S. Transitions to VFS Global Centres

Key Points  

• Starting 15 July 2025, UK visa applicants in the U.S. must attend appointments at newly launched VFS Global Visa Application Centres, replacing DHS-operated ASCs 

Overview  

The UK government has announced a major update for visa customers across the U.S. Effective 15 July 2025, 38 new UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) operated by VFS Global will replace the existing Application Support Centres (ASCs) run by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 

Key changes include: 

• Free-to-use VACs in 10 major U.S. cities. 
• 28 user-pay VACs available for applicants outside major metro areas. 
• In-person passport submission during biometric appointments—no need to courier documents to New York. 
• Enhanced services are available to all applicants. 

Under the new system, applicants must book an appointment at their nearest VAC, attend in person and complete both biometric enrollment and passport submission during the same visit. 

Transition guidance: 

• DHS ASC appointments must be booked before 15 July 2025 to be valid. 
• Confirmed ASC appointments may still be attended through 1 August 2025. 
• Rescheduling of ASC appointments is allowed before 15 July 2025.