
Three new South African Visa Facilitation Service centers (VFS) opened in London, Manchester and Edinburgh on August 7, 2015. The new centers provide eligible applicants with expedited processing, shorter waits, extended working hours and a new online tracking system.
The expected processing time for visa applications submitted to VFS centers can range from seven to 30 business days, depending on the type of application, including the day of submission and the day of collection. Actual processing times may change over time. Visa applications can be submitted and passports collected from 8am to 4pm on weekdays, except for public holidays. Passports will be kept at the VFS center during processing.
The South African High Commission in London will no longer accept any applications – all visa applications must go through one of the VFS centers.
Tracking System and Helpline
Applicants can check the status of their applications online and can register to receive text messages informing them of the status of their application at an additional cost. A helpline is also available from 8am to 4pm, which applicants can use to obtain assistance with their applications.
Applicants can utilize a Premium Lounge at an additional cost, where they can be assisted by dedicated staff to complete their applications in a separate lounge to expedite the time spent at the center.
Locations
- The London center is located at 66 Wilson Street, EC2 A2JX London.
- The Manchester center is located at No. 50 Devonshire Street North, M12 6JH Manchester.
- The Edinburgh center is located at 1 Rennie’s Isle, EH6 6QT Edinburgh.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Eligible applicants should benefit from more options for visa application submission and passport services, from faster processing and a helpline available for assistance with submission.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Media mentions
Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.

Awards
Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Media mentions
Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Blog post
Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.