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<p>TLS Contact and VFS Global operate the network of overseas Visa Application Centres
(VACs) on behalf of UKVI. Whilst the collection of biometric data is outsourced to
commercial partners, they have no involvement in visa decision-making, which are made
by British Government officials, and are unable to influence a visa decision outcome
in any way.</p><p>Customers attending a VAC overseas will have their passport retained
by the commercial partner whilst a decision is made on their application by the Home
Office. Once a decision has been made, the commercial partner will contact the customer
to invite them to attend the VAC to collect their passport and decision. Customers
have the option of purchasing the ‘Keep my Passport’ service, which allows them to
retain their passport whilst a decision on their application is being made.</p><p>TLS
only oversee biometric appointments and document decision and do not have any involvement
in visa decision making. (1) Family members of British Nationals in Russia, who need
to make an urgent visa application, can contact TLS via the link on their website
for support. There is sufficient appointment availability in (2) other countries to
allow customers to attend an appointment elsewhere.</p>
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