If you’re applying for a UK visa from Thailand, your first stop will not be the British Embassy in Bangkok. You must first connect with VFS UK Thailand, a private company that partners with the UK government to process visa applicants and biometric data. They operate a visa application center in Bangkok that accepts all visa applications, regardless of the category they fall under.
VFS UK plays a major role in your application, along with providing numerous services you can use to facilitate the experience. Continue reading to find out more about the UK VFS visa application center, what services it provides, and what you can use it for.
What is the UK VFS in Thailand?
The UK VFS in Thailand is a visa application center owned and operated by a private government contractor, VFS Global. It provides visa services for foreigners looking to either visit or settle in the United Kingdom.
VFS UK is responsible for receiving visa applications and any supporting paperwork provided, as well as collecting biometric information from applicants. They are also authorized by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) and forward visa applications to them for further processing and approval.
VFS UK does not approve or reject visa applications; that is still at the discretion of UKVI.
What Visa Types Are Processed at VFS UK?
The UK VFS in Thailand accepts all visa applications, including business, work, and student visas. Some of the more common examples of visas that they specialize in processing include:
UK Visitor Visa
This is a UK Tourist Visa which enables you to visit the United Kingdom for up to 6 months, making it ideal for short-term stays. You aren’t limited to using this visa just for tourism or transit purposes and can instead use it to volunteer for a certain period, tend to unpaid business activities, take part in training sessions, or attend a student exchange program.
UK Settlement Visa
This visa type is for Thai nationals and other foreign citizens looking not only to travel to the UK, but also to settle down in the country. Examples of this include:
- The UK Fiancé(e) Visa, which allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months, during which you have to marry your British partner.
- The UK Spouse Visa, which enables you to immigrate to the UK if you are a legal spouse or unmarried partner of a UK citizen or permanent resident (especially those under indefinite leave to remain status).
- The UK Dependent Child Visa, which allows non-UK citizen minors to settle in the United Kingdom with their UK-citizen or permanent resident parent/guardian.
Visa Services at UK VFS in Thailand
When you submit the paperwork for your UK visa in Thailand, UK VFS is the first to receive your application.
While your application is submitted to the UK VFS, further processing and approval will be granted by the UKVI instead. As they don’t play a role in the outcome of your application, VFS will forward it to the UKVI once they have received your application packet. After you’ve been approved, you can collect your visa at the VFS center or request it to be delivered to your address.
Biometric Data Services at VFS UK Thailand
As an applicant, you have to provide biometric data for most application processes, as it’s used to identify and verify visa holders. This biometric data typically takes the form of an applicant’s fingerprints or digital photographs.
Biometric data collection is one of the processes that VFS UK handles, but you will need to visit their location in person to provide it. After submitting your application, you’re required to schedule an appointment with the VFS center to provide your fingerprints and other requested data. You can also get your photo taken on the same day.
Priority Services at VFS UK Thailand
If you’re running short on time and want to secure your visa quicker than usual, you can leverage the priority services offered by VFS. If you apply for a priority service, you can receive your visa in 3 to 5 days, making it especially ideal if you need to travel due to an emergency or have urgent business that needs to be settled.
For even faster processing, VFS UK also offers super priority services for certain applications, allowing you to secure your visa within a day. The requirements for the super priority service vary based on the VFS location and the type of visa you’re acquiring.
What Other Visa Services Does VFS Offer?
The UK VFS in Thailand also offers services you can use to make obtaining your visa faster and easier, such as:
- Handling the collection of biometric data required for your application
- Offering courier services for the swift delivery of your passport and visa to your designated address
- Providing in-person services to help you with completing application forms and uploading them
- On-site premium lounge services for a more relaxed experience
- Digital photography services aligned with UK immigration standards
- A notification service that helps you keep track of your application by informing you of any updates on the application process
- And more
How to Streamline Your VFS UK Experience
When getting your biometrics done at the VFS center, make sure your fingertips are free from any forms of decoration, cuts, abrasions, or other markings, as these may impact your ability to provide acceptable fingerprint scans.
If you have an appointment with the VFS center, it’s important to arrive no later than 15 minutes before your scheduled time. You also cannot appoint someone to attend the appointment on your behalf. If you’re under the age of 18, you need to be accompanied by an adult who is not a member of the UK VFS staff (this can be your parent or guardian).
UK Visa Consulting Services
If you want to apply for a UK Visa the fast and convenient way, contact Siam Legal today and book a consultation with our qualified UK immigration specialists for professional assistance with your application. As a full-service law firm and visa consultancy in operation for 20 years in Thailand, our consultants have the knowledge and experience to ensure your application has maximum chances of approval.
VFS UK Thailand FAQs
Does the UK VFS Keep Your Passport?
Yes, the UK VFS in Thailand will keep your passport for the duration of the visa application. However, if you opt to keep your passport, VFS also offers a service titled “Keep My Passport When Applying.” By choosing this service, you can continue to hold your passport while going through your application and until a decision is made.
This service offers greater convenience if you decide to travel to other countries while waiting for the approval of your UK visa. After your application has been processed and a decision is made, you will be notified of the results.
Where is VFS UK located in Thailand?
You can find a VFS UK visa application center branch on the 1st floor of The Shoppes at Belle Grand Rama 9. The location is easily accessible by the MRT in central Bangkok. Here is the full address:
The Shoppes at Belle Grand Rama 9, 131/1,141/1, 1st Floor, BS003 – BS003/1, Grand Rama 9, Huai Khwang, Bangkok, Thailand, 10310
What Are the UKVI Guidelines for Digital Photographs?
Digital photographs of an applicant must follow the set guidelines established by UK immigration. When taking the photo, your full face must be visible with no hair across your eyes and with no sunglasses, tinted spectacles, or head coverings unless it’s for religious or medical purposes. A member of the VFS UK staff will take the photograph for you during your biometrics appointment.
Does My Child Have to Visit the VFS Center if They Want a Visa?
If you have a child under the age of 18 who’s applying for a UK Visa, they still need to visit the VFS, but will need to be accompanied by an adult. You can either attend the appointment with them or appoint someone else, but the chaperone cannot be a staff member working for UK VFS.
If your child is below the age of 5, you still need to bring them to the VFS center; however, they only need to get their digital photograph taken and won’t be required to do any fingerprinting.
Does UK VFS Thailand Accept Walk-ins?
No, VFS doesn’t accept walk-in appointments. To get your biometrics done and apply for certain visa services, you will need to book an appointment on the VFS Global’s main website beforehand.
Hiring a UK Visa Consultant
Before you submit your UK Visa application, you may contact an immigration specialist to seek professional advice regarding the proper submission of a UK Visa application Thailand. While you can easily use VFS Thailand services for processing, you still don’t want to fall short of filling out your paperwork correctly. It is always good to have another set of eyes to review what you are submitting. That way, you can make the visa application more streamlined and hassle-free and you will definitely have a higher chance of a successful visa application.
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6 Responses
Hi, I’m planning to apply for a UK visa. Can I just walk in to submit my application at VFS, or do I need an appointment? Thanks!
Hello Mina,
No, VFS only accepts applications with prior online appointments. Walk-ins are not allowed.
Hello Chloe,
You can submit your UK visa application at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre, located in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Appointments must be booked online in advance.
Hello there, where can I submit my UK visa application in Thailand?
Hello Chloe,
You can submit your UK visa application at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre, located in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Appointments must be booked online in advance.
We are trying to re-schedule our VFS Global appointment from January to February, but no slots are shown for February. How can we change our appointment dates? Thank you.