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

In a major shift, TLScontact will replace VFS Global for French visas in the US market. This transition is scheduled to take place on April 18th, 2025.

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

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

VFS Global currently has 10 locations in the United States that process visa applications for France. These locations include San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, New York City, and Washington DC. TLScontact will have 10 locations come April 18th as VFS Global discontinues its French visa services.

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

Visa appointments will be by appointment only.

According to the latest data from the EU, France received 50,054 visa applications from US residents in 2023. 96.2% of these applications were approved.

Out of all Schengen countries, France is by far the most popular destination for US applicants, accounting for nearly one-third of all Schengen visa applications (29%). This number mirrors global trends for Schengen visas as well. 28.7% of all Schengen visa applications globally are for France.

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

Like VFS Global, TLScontact won'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.

There isn't currently precise information about how the transition will be managed, such as what will happen to visa applications that are currently in progress and how the hand-off will occur. During the transition period, it will be important for travelers to follow local and visa processor communications closely, as well as Insurte for the latest emerging details.

"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 will no longer process 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 for 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
Spaces - Suite 242
3372 Peachtree Road
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
Regus - Suite 1033
315 Montgomery St.
10th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94104

Seattle
Regus Seattle City - Suite 2225
1420 Fifth Avenue
4th Floor
Seattle, WA 98101

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

Key highlights

• TLScontact will replace VFS Global for France visa processing in the US.
• This change will take place on April 18, 2025.
• TLScontact will have 10 locations in the US, replacing VFS Global's 10.
• TLScontact will have visa application centers in: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC will have a visa application center for France from April 18, 2025.
• This is TLScontact's first partnership in the US.
• Insurte.com reports that there will be more changes to the Schengen visa application process in the coming months/years.
• VFS Global will continue to operate on US soil for other destinations, such as Austria, Portugal, and the UK.
• Insurte provides 100% Schengen-compliant visa insurance.
• The duration of this new contract with TLS is 5 years, with the possibility to extend.

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