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Starting April 18, TLS Contact will take over France visa processing in the US, replacing VFS Global. Find out how this change affects visa applicants, passport collection, and processing times.
Planning a trip to France from the US? Get ready for a change in visa application processing. Starting April 18, 2025, TLS Contact will officially take over the processing of French visa applications in the United States, replacing VFS Global as the designated outsourcing company.
This significant shift aims to streamline the application process and enhance the overall customer experience for visa applicants.
Ten New Visa Application Centers Across the US
TLS Contact will operate ten visa application centers across major US cities, providing applicants with convenient locations to submit their documents. These centers will be available in:
• Seattle
• San Francisco
• Los Angeles
• Chicago
• Houston
• Atlanta
• Washington, D.C.
• New York
• Boston
• Miami
This strategic distribution is expected to facilitate faster processing and improved accessibility for applicants nationwide.
VFS Global’s Advisory for Ongoing Applications
For those who have already submitted their France Visa applications through VFS Global and have scheduled appointments before April 17 they can either keep their appointment or opt to cancel and rebook with TLS Contact.
Applicants awaiting passport collection should note the following changes:
• If you selected express mail delivery, no action is required—your passport will be shipped as usual.
• If you planned to pick up your passport in person at a VFS center, you must collect it from a different location after April 18.
France Remains a Top Schengen Destination for US-Based Applicants
France continues to be the most sought-after Schengen destination for US-based visa applicants. While American passport holders can travel to France without a visa, foreign nationals residing in the US who require a Schengen visa must follow the application process.
In 2023, Schengen visa applications from the US totaled 174,258, with 50,054 (28.7%) of them being for France. These figures highlight France’s popularity among travelers requiring a visa to enter the Schengen Area.
TLS Contact Aims to Improve Processing Efficiency
TLS Contact has assured applicants that the transition will improve appointment scheduling, customer service, and visa processing times. The company aims to streamline the application process with enhanced facilities.
The contract for handling French visa applications in the US will last for five years, with the possibility of an extension. This change is expected to provide a smoother experience for visa seekers.
VFS Global Continues Operations
While VFS Global will no longer handle French visa applications in the US, they will continue to provide visa processing services for other countries, including Austria, Portugal, and the UK.
Conclusion
This shift in visa processing services marks a significant change for US-based applicants traveling to France. With TLS Contact taking over, travelers can expect improved processing times and a more streamlined experience.
If you have a pending application with VFS Global, be sure to check the latest updates on passport collection locations to avoid any inconvenience.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/france-visa-update-tls-contact-10-us-cities/
