Major Change: TLScontact to Handle French Visa Applications in the USA, Replacing VFS Global

In a major shift, TLScontact has replaced VFS Global for French visas in the US market. This transition took place on April 18th, 2025 - the same week the EU's anticipated Entry/Exit System went fully operational.

For several years, all US residents applying for French visas had been required to apply through VFS Global, a trusted partner of the French government, headquartered in Dubai.

Starting April 18th 2025, VFS Global was replaced by TLScontact, a visa processing company headquartered in Paris, France, Insurte.com reports.

VFS Global had 10 locations in the United States that processed visa applications for France. Those locations included San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, New York City, and Washington, DC. TLScontact now has 10 locations as of April 2025, when VFS Global discontinued its French visa services.

TLScontact has visa application centers in: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC.

Visa appointments are by appointment only.

According to the latest data from the EU, France received 54,021 visa applications from US residents in 2025. 95.8% of these applications were approved.

Out of all Schengen zone countries, France is by far the most popular destination for US applicants, mirroring global trends for Schengen visas as well. 26% of all Schengen visa applications globally are for France.

With this change, applicants can make appointments through TLScontact's official site, pay visa and service fees securely, and provide biometrics, as each of their new centers is fully equipped with the necessary technologies.

Like VFS Global, TLScontact doesn't have any authority regarding the visa decision process. Only consulates/embassies can decide whether or not a visa for France is approved or denied.

"This isn't the only change in store for Schengen travel," said Stéphane Jersol, CEO and Founder of Insurte, an online travel insurance company specializing in Schengen visa insurance, "With ETIAS set to launch at the end of 2026, and EU VAP on the horizon, travelers to Europe can expect to see more shifts in the months and years to come."

To apply for a French visa through TLScontact, the process will begin on the official France-Visas website. Then, applicants will create an account on TLScontact's website where they can book an appointment at one of their 10 visa application centers around the country. At this in-person appointment, applicants will bring the necessary documents to apply for their visa, submit their biometrics (fingerprints), and pay applicable fees. Applicants will receive their passport (which they submit at the appointment) by post, once a decision has been made.

While VFS Global no longer processes France visas in the US, this isn't the end of its operations. It will continue to operate for its existing partners, such as Austria, Portugal, and the UK.

Insurte provides 100% Schengen-compliant visa insurance and is proud to serve travelers to the Schengen area and beyond.

The duration of this new contract with TLS is 5 years, with the possibility of extension.

Where will TLScontact's visa application centers be located?

Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, DC.

Atlanta
Office 242
3372 Peachtree Road NE
2nd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30326

Boston
Regus - Suite 1619
101 Federal Street
16th Floor
Boston, MA 02110

Chicago
Expansive - Suite 100B
405 W Superior St.
1st Floor
Chicago, IL 60654

Houston
Expansive - Suite 200E
3120 Southwest Freeway
2nd Floor
Houston, TX 77098

Los Angeles
Spaces City National Plaza - Suite 1840
515 South Flower Street
18th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Miami
Expansive - Suite 400A
2125 Biscayne Blvd
4th Floor
Miami, FL 33137

New York
Spaces - Suite 705
Met Tower
142 W 57th St.
7th Floor
New York, NY 10019

San Francisco
720 Market Street
2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102

Seattle
Regus Seattle City - Suite 2225
1420 Fifth Avenue
22nd Floor
Seattle, WA 98101

Washington DC
1899 L St. NW
5th Floor
Washington, DC 20036

FAQs

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