VFS Global Opens 38 New UK Visa Centers in the US — What’s Changing

If you’ve ever had to apply for a UK visa from the U.S., you know it hasn’t exactly been a smooth ride. That’s finally changing. VFS Global has launched 38 new UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) across the United States, starting July 15, 2025.

This move shifts the process away from the old Department of Homeland Security-run Application Support Centers to a dedicated network managed entirely by VFS Global.

What’s Changed for UK Visa Applicants in the US?

Until now, applicants had to juggle separate locations, one for biometrics, another for submitting passports, and then shipping documents around. Now, it’s all under one roof.

With the new system, here’s the process:

• Book an appointment at your nearest VFS Global UK VAC.
• Show up on your scheduled day and time.
• Submit your biometrics and passport in person, no more mailing anything in.

This change is aimed at streamlining the UK visa application process for U.S. residents and making the experience less fragmented.

Where Are These New Centers?

Here’s where you’ll find the 38 new VFS Global UK Visa Application Centres opened across the U.S. starting July 15, 2025:

1. Atlanta
2. Austin
3. Boston
4. Buffalo
5. Carlsbad
6. Charlotte
7. Chicago
8. Cincinnati
9. Columbus
10. Dallas
11. Denver
12. Detroit
13. Hartford
14. Houston
15. Indianapolis
16. Jacksonville
17. Kansas City
18. Las Vegas
19. Los Angeles
20. Miami
21. Milwaukee
22. Nashville
23. New Orleans
24. New York
25. Philadelphia
26. Phoenix
27. Pittsburgh
28. Portland
29. Raleigh
30. Salt Lake City
31. San Diego
32. San Francisco
33. Seattle
34. St. Louis
35. St. Paul
36. Syracuse
37. Tampa
38. Washington D.C.

So unless you’re in the middle of nowhere, there’s a good chance a center will now be within driving distance.

Who Actually Needs to Use These Centers?

Let’s clear this up: If you’re a U.S. citizen visiting the UK for less than 6 months, you don’t need to go through any of this. Instead, you’ll need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before leaving the States. This step is all online, and you can find details directly on the UK government’s website.

For those moving to the UK to work or study, make sure you read about the latest updates to the UK’s digital immigration system; the government is pushing more of the process online, which means paperwork is becoming a thing of the past.

A Global Expansion

VFS Global has been working with UK Visas and Immigration since 2003. They used to handle visa services in 58 countries. That number jumped to 142 countries, including the U.S., after a global contract was awarded in late 2023.

According to Amit Kumar Sharma, VFS Global’s Head for North America and the Caribbean, the new setup is all about comfort and convenience and it finally feels like a move in the right direction.

The Bottom Line

If you’re applying for a UK work or student visa from the U.S., starting July 15, you’ll deal with a much more straightforward system. No more shipping documents around or splitting tasks across multiple locations.

This update won’t matter to casual tourists, but for long-stay travelers, students, and professionals heading to the UK, it’s a big deal and a welcome one.