Major Change for U.S.-Based Applicants
Beginning April 18, 2025, applicants in the U.S. will need to apply for a French visa through TLScontact. The company effectively takes over from VFS Global, the previous provider, which processed French visa applications.
Correspondingly, VFS Global will no longer manage the bulk of French visa appointments in the U.S. For the next five years, TLScontact will provide visa support, following France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs awarding it the contract.
Moving forward, applicants can look forward to upgraded services and streamlined appointments.
TLScontact Expands U.S. Footprint
TLScontact is opening new visa centers in ten U.S. cities. Specifically, this includes Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. These centers will start operating in mid-April, just in time for peak travel season.
The company promises modern spaces with better customer service and a focus on reducing wait times. Moreover, TLScontact specifically selected the locations to increase accessibility for travelers across the U.S.
TLScontact Improves Services
Applicants can now benefit from premium add-on services. Specifically, these include “Prime Time” appointments outside business hours and “Apply Anywhere,” which brings the process to the applicant’s location. Overall, these enhancements aim to increase convenience for busy travelers.
In addition, TLScontact offers premium lounges for applicants seeking a more comfortable experience. To clarify, these options will be available for an extra fee and aim to meet growing demand for flexibility.
What This Means for Travelers
Those who already booked appointments with VFS Global for dates after April 18 must rebook through TLScontact. Although this may cause brief disruption,
TLScontact is working to ensure a smooth transition.
In addition, visa fees have also changed. For instance, long-stay visa applications now cost EUR 220. However, students with French government scholars are exempt. These changes reflect updates in national visa policy.
Furthermore, the appointment system will shift entirely to TLScontact’s digital platform. As such, applicants must create accounts and explore available services before booking.
Gabriele Piva, CEO of TLScontact, stated, “This is a new chapter for TLScontact that will see us operating in North America for the first time in our history. I would like to thank the French authorities for this strong vote of confidence and reiterate our commitment to providing the best possible customer service in this new market.”
Next Steps for TLScontact Applicants
Now is the time for travelers to familiarize themselves with TLScontact’s website and application steps. Moreover, applicants should verify documentation, explore optional services, and schedule appointments early to avoid delays.
This transition reflects France’s broader efforts to modernize consular services for international travelers. With summer travel ahead, early action is crucial for those planning trips to France.
Overall, TLScontact’s entry into the French visa space marks a major step forward for U.S. applicants. Despite the change, the focus remains on enhancing the experience with more flexibility, better technology, and improved service.
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