Study Abroad Content Writer | Updated On - May 31, 2026
Every Indian student applying for a UK visa must visit a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India to submit biometrics (a digital photograph and fingerprints) as part of their application. VFS Global is the official partner of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in India and operates all UK VACs across the country. There are currently 18 standard Visa Application Centres and 12 Premium Application Centres across India, giving you a total of 30 centre options. You must complete your online visa application on GOV.UK and pay your visa fee before you can book a VAC appointment.
- Apply online first, then book your VAC appointment: You cannot walk into a VAC without a prior appointment. The online application on GOV.The UK must be completed and the visa fee paid before you can schedule your biometrics slot at a VFS centre.
- Standard VACs vs Premium Application Centres: Standard VACs are open Monday to Friday and handle the majority of applicants. Premium Application Centres (PACs) operate on select days, are located in hotel venues, and offer a more comfortable experience. Both processes the same visa types.
- Documents can be uploaded online or submitted at the centre: You can upload your supporting documents yourself via the UKVI portal before your appointment. If you prefer in-person help, VFS offers a paid Document Upload Assistance service at the centre.
What is a UK Visa Application Centre?
A UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) is an official facility where applicants submit their biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) as part of a UK visa application. VACs are operated by VFS Global, the official partner of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in India.
- The VAC does not make visa decisions. All decisions are made by UKVI.
- The VAC collects your biometrics, receives your supporting documents (if not uploaded online), and forwards everything to UKVI for processing.
- You must apply for your UK visa online on the GOV.UK and pay the visa fee before you can book a VAC appointment.
- If you are applying from inside the UK, you use UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) instead of a VAC.
- If your country does not have a VAC, you can choose a centre in a different country. India has 30 centres, so this does not apply to Indian applicants.
Important Note: UK visas are now fully digital. Successful applicants receive an eVisa linked to their UKVI online account instead of a physical stamp or BRP card. There is no physical visa document to collect from the VAC after your application is processed.
Read more: UK Student Visa 2026: Requirements, Fees and Application Process
Standard UK Visa Application Centres in India
India has 18 standard UK Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global. All standard centres are open Monday to Friday. The table below lists all locations, operating days, and hours as published on the official VFS Global India website.
| State / Region | City | Operating Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Delhi | New Delhi | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Goa | Goa | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Haryana | Gurugram | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Karnataka | Mysuru | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Kerala | Cochin | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram | See Schedule (check VFS website) | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai North | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai South | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Maharashtra | Pune | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 17:00 |
| Punjab | Jalandhar | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur | Tuesday and Thursday only | 09:00 to 16:00 |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Telangana | Hyderabad | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | Wednesday and Thursday only | 09:00 to 16:00 |
| West Bengal | Kolkata | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00 |
Important Note: Operating hours and schedules are subject to change. Always verify the latest timings directly on the VFS Global India website at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/gbr/attend-centre before booking your appointment. Jaipur and Lucknow operate on limited days only. Plan your application timeline accordingly if you are based in these cities. Thiruvananthapuram operates on a variable schedule; check the VFS website for current availability.
Premium Application Centres in India
Premium Application Centres (PACs) are an upgraded version of standard VACs. They are located in hotel venues and offer a more comfortable, less crowded environment. VFS Global expanded UK Premium Application Centres in India to 12 locations in 2025. PACs process the same visa types as standard centres but operate on fewer days per week.
| State | City and Venue | Operating Days | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Vishakhapatnam, Greenpark | See Schedule (check VFS website) | 10:00 to 17:00 |
| Assam | Guwahati, Radisson Blu | Thursday and Friday | 09:00 to 16:00 |
| Karnataka | Mangalore, Vivanta | Saturday only | 09:00 to 14:00 |
| Kerala | Calicut, The Raviz Hotel | See Schedule (check VFS website) | 10:00 to 15:00 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Indore, Radisson Blu | See Schedule (check VFS website) | 09:00 to 16:00 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal, Taj Lakefront | See Schedule (check VFS website) | 10:00 to 16:00 |
| Maharashtra | Nagpur, Radisson Blu | Currently Closed | Closed |
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar | See Schedule (check VFS website) | 08:00 to 16:00 |
| Punjab | Amritsar, Radisson Blu | Thursday only | 10:00 to 16:00 |
| Punjab | Ludhiana, Radisson Blu | See Schedule (check VFS website) | 10:00 to 15:00 |
| Tamil Nadu | Coimbatore | Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 14:00 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Noida, Radisson | See Schedule (check VFS website) | 09:00 to 16:00 |
Important Note: The Nagpur Premium Application Centre is currently listed as closed on the VFS Global website. Do not travel to this centre without first confirming its status. Several PACs operate on a variable schedule marked as "See Schedule" on the VFS website. Always check the current schedule at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/gbr/attend-centre before booking. PACs are particularly useful for applicants in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who would otherwise need to travel to a major city for their biometrics appointment.
How to Book a UK VAC Appointment in India
Booking a VAC appointment is a step that comes after completing your online visa application on GOV.UK. You cannot book an appointment before applying. The process below is sourced from the official VFS Global India website.
- Step 1: Apply online on GOV.UK. Complete your UK visa application form at gov.uk. Select your visa type, fill in all personal and travel details, and upload your CAS number (for student visas).
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee. Pay the base visa fee online. For a UK Student Visa, the fee is £524 (approximately Rs 56,000). You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year of your course at this stage.
- Step 3: Book your VAC appointment. After payment, you will be directed to book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre. Choose the centre closest to you from the list of 30 centres in India. Select your preferred date and time slot.
- Step 4: Upload your documents (optional but recommended). You can upload your supporting documents yourself online before your appointment. This is free and saves time at the centre. Alternatively, you can bring physical copies and use the paid Document Upload Assistance service at the VAC.
- Step 5: Attend your VAC appointment. Visit the centre on your scheduled date. Arrive a few minutes before your appointment time. Bring your appointment confirmation letter with QR code, your valid passport, and your document checklist printout.
- Step 6: Provide biometrics. At the centre, you will have your 10 fingerprints scanned digitally and a digital photograph taken. This takes approximately 15 to 40 minutes in total.
- Step 7: Track your application. After your appointment, you can track your application status through your VFS account or the UKVI online portal.
Important Note: If you arrive more than 15 minutes early for your appointment, you may have to wait until your scheduled time before being admitted. If you arrive after your scheduled appointment time, the centre may not be able to accommodate you and you may need to book a new appointment. Do not miss your appointment slot. Many Indian students report that appointment slots at major centres like New Delhi and Mumbai fill up quickly during peak season (July to September). Book your slot as early as possible after completing your online application.
What to Bring to Your UK VAC Appointment
The following checklist is sourced directly from the official VFS Global India website. Bring all mandatory items on the day of your appointment. Missing any item may result in your appointment being rescheduled.
| Item | Mandatory / Optional | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Appointment Confirmation Letter with QR Code | Mandatory | Received from VFS Global after booking. Can be downloaded from your VFS account. You must show this to security before entering the centre. |
| Valid Passport or Travel Document | Mandatory | Must be valid for the full duration of your intended stay. If applying for Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man, or Gibraltar, your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page. |
| Printout of Document Checklist | Mandatory | Generated at the end of your online GOV.UK application. Print this and bring it with you. |
| Supporting Documents (physical copies) | Mandatory only if not uploaded online | If you have not uploaded your documents online, bring good quality A4 or US letter size copies. You must purchase the Document Upload Assistance service at the centre to submit them. |
| Recent Photograph | Only if exempt from biometrics | Must comply with UK Visas and Immigration photo guidelines. Most applicants are not exempt and will have their photo taken digitally at the centre. |
| Evidence of Permission to be in India | Only if you are not an Indian national | Required if you are applying at an Indian VAC but are not an Indian citizen. |
| Evidence of Sponsor's Leave to Remain | Only if applying as a dependent | Required if you are applying as a dependent of someone already in the UK. |
Important Note: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above. This cannot be a member of VFS Global staff. If you are applying for a child under 5 years old, the child must attend the appointment for their digital photograph but does not need to provide fingerprints. Make sure your fingers are free from cuts, abrasions, decoration, or other markings on the day of your appointment, as these can affect the quality of your fingerprint scan.
What Happens at the UK Visa Application Centre
Understanding what to expect at the VAC helps you prepare and reduces stress on the day. The entire appointment typically takes 15 to 40 minutes. The process below is sourced from the official VFS Global India website.
- Arrival and security check. Show your appointment confirmation letter and QR code to security staff at the entrance. You will be admitted to the centre at or just before your scheduled appointment time.
- Identity verification. Staff will verify your identity against your passport at the counter.
- Biometric capture. A digital fingerprint scanner will capture all 10 fingerprints. No ink, liquids, or chemicals are used. A digital photograph of your full face will also be taken. You must not have anything covering your face or eyes. Head coverings are permitted only for religious or medical reasons.
- Document submission. If you have not uploaded your documents online, you can use the Document Upload Assistance service at the centre. Staff will scan and upload your documents on your behalf. This is a paid service.
- Receipt and next steps. After your biometrics are submitted, UKVI begins processing your application. You will receive an email decision. Your visa will appear as an eVisa in your UKVI online account.
You cannot send someone else in your place for the biometrics appointment. You must attend in person. Do not travel or change your passport after submitting your application and before receiving a decision. Processing time begins after biometrics are submitted, not from the date of your online application. Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks. Priority service (£500 extra, approximately Rs 52,000) gives a decision in 5 working days. Super Priority service (£1,000 extra, approximately Rs 1,05,000) gives a decision by the next working day.
Read more: UK Student Visa Documents Checklist 2026
Additional VFS Services Available at UK VACs in India
VFS Global offers several optional paid services at UK Visa Application Centres in India. These are not mandatory, but can make the process more convenient.
| Service | What It Includes | Who It Is For |
|---|---|---|
| Document Upload Assistance | VFS staff scan and upload your supporting documents on your behalf at the centre. | Applicants who have not uploaded documents online themselves. |
| Premium Lounge | Access to a comfortable waiting area with refreshments, dedicated staff, and faster processing at the centre. | Applicants who want a more comfortable in-centre experience. |
| Form Filling Assistance | VFS staff help you complete your online visa application form. | Applicants who need help filling in the GOV.UK application form. |
| Courier Return of Passport | Your passport is returned to your address by courier after processing, instead of you collecting it in person. | Applicants who cannot return to the centre to collect their passports. |
| SMS and Email Notifications | Real-time updates on your application status are sent to your phone and email. | All applicants who want to track their application actively. |
| On-Demand Mobile Visa Service | A VFS team visits your location to assist with the full application submission process, including biometric enrolment. | Applicants who cannot travel to a VAC due to mobility or other constraints. |
Important Note: All additional services are optional and carry separate fees. The base VAC appointment for biometrics is included in your standard visa application process and does not carry an additional charge from VFS. However, services like Document Upload Assistance, Premium Lounge access, and courier return are paid add-ons. Check the current fee for each service on the VFS Global India website before your appointment, as fees are subject to change.
Read more: UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students 2026: New Rules, Financial Proof & Checklist
India has 30 UK Visa Application Centres operated by VFS Global – 18 standard centres and 12 Premium Application Centres across major and Tier 2 cities. All centres are open Monday to Friday (standard) or on select days (premium). You must complete your online UK visa application on GOV.UK and pay the visa fee before booking a VAC appointment. At the centre, you submit biometrics (10 fingerprints and a digital photograph) and supporting documents. UKVI processes your application after biometrics are submitted, with standard processing taking approximately 3 weeks. Your visa is issued as an eVisa linked to your UKVI online account. Always verify the latest centre schedules and operating hours on the official VFS Global India website before travelling to a centre.
FAQs
Ques. How many UK Visa Application Centres are there in India?
Ans. There are 30 UK Visa Application Centres in India operated by VFS Global, the official partner of UK Visas and Immigration. This includes 18 standard Visa Application Centres and 12 Premium Application Centres. Standard centres are located in cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Pune, Cochin, Jalandhar, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gurugram, Goa, Mysuru, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mumbai South. Premium Application Centres are located in cities including Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Indore, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Noida, Vishakhapatnam, and Nagpur (currently closed).
Ques. Do I need an appointment to visit a UK Visa Application Centre in India?
Ans. Yes. You must book an appointment before visiting a UK Visa Application Centre. You cannot walk in without a prior appointment. To book an appointment, you must first complete your UK visa application online on GOV.UK and pay the visa fee. After payment, you will be directed to book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in India. Appointments can be booked through the VFS Global India website at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/gbr.
Ques. What documents do I need to bring to my UK VAC appointment?
Ans. You must bring your appointment confirmation letter with QR code (received from VFS Global), your valid passport or travel document, and a printout of your document checklist from your GOV.UK application. If you have not uploaded your supporting documents online, you must also bring good quality A4 copies of all required documents and purchase the Document Upload Assistance service at the centre. If you are exempt from biometrics, bring one recent photograph complying with UKVI guidelines.
Ques. What happens at the UK Visa Application Centre?
Ans. At the UK Visa Application Centre, you provide biometric information — a digital scan of all 10 fingerprints and a digital photograph of your full face. No ink or chemicals are used. Staff verify your identity against your passport. If you have not uploaded your supporting documents online, you can use the paid Document Upload Assistance service to have staff scan and upload them on your behalf. The entire appointment typically takes 15 to 40 minutes. After your biometrics are submitted, UKVI processes your application and issues a decision by email. Your visa is issued as an eVisa.
Ques. Can someone else attend the UK VAC appointment on my behalf?
Ans. No. You must attend the biometrics appointment in person. You cannot send a representative, family member, or agent in your place. This applies to all applicants who are not exempt from providing biometrics. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or above, but the child must still be present for their own biometrics. The only exception is if you are using the On-Demand Mobile Visa service, where a VFS team visits your location.
Ques. What is the difference between a standard VAC and a Premium Application Centre?
Ans. Standard Visa Application Centres are open Monday to Friday and handle the majority of UK visa applicants in India. Premium Application Centres (PACs) are located in hotel venues such as Radisson Blu and Taj properties, operate on fewer days per week, and offer a more comfortable, less crowded environment with dedicated staff. Both types of centres process the same visa types and submit biometrics to UKVI in the same way. PACs are particularly useful for applicants in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities who want a convenient local option without travelling to a major city.
Ques. How do I upload my documents for a UK visa application?
Ans. You have two options for submitting supporting documents. The first option is to upload them yourself online through the UKVI portal after booking your VAC appointment and before attending your biometrics appointment. This is free and recommended. It is advised to submit colour copies of your passport showing travel history and any official observations. The second option is to bring physical A4 copies of your documents to the VAC and use the paid Document Upload Assistance service, where VFS staff scan and upload them on your behalf. If you choose to upload online, you do not need to bring physical document copies to the centre.
Ques. How long does UK visa processing take after the VAC appointment?
Ans. Standard UK visa processing takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) after biometrics are submitted at the VAC. Processing time begins from the date of your biometrics appointment, not from the date of your online application. If you need a faster decision, Priority Service costs £500 extra (approximately Rs 52,000) and gives a decision in 5 working days. Super Priority Service costs £1,000 extra (approximately Rs 1,05,000) and gives a decision by the next working day. During peak season (July to September), standard processing may take the full 3 weeks or slightly longer.
Ques. Which UK Visa Application Centre is closest to me in India?
Ans. India has 30 UK Visa Application Centres across 18 standard locations and 12 Premium Application Centres. Major cities with standard centres include New Delhi, Mumbai (North and South), Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Cochin, Jalandhar, Gurugram, Jaipur, Lucknow, Goa, Mysuru, and Thiruvananthapuram. Premium Application Centres are available in Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Indore, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Noida, and Vishakhapatnam. To find the nearest centre and check current availability, visit the official VFS Global India website at visa.vfsglobal.com/ind/en/gbr/attend-centre.
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