VFS Joint Visa Application Centre - Manchester

"No words to express the shambles that is VFS - but here's an attempt... Starting with the process of booking an appointment - the online booking system did not work (and still doesn't 4+ weeks later), with mandatory fields greyed out and no option to progress. Therefore having to email to book an appointment, representatives not reading emails before responding, offering appointments to then say they are no longer available, to then offer the same appointments again. On the day of the appointment, the staff had no idea of the documents required or the reasons behind the requirements. Because of this, I was asked for certificates that were not a requirement, not necessary and not possible of attaining or even existing based on my criteria / circumstances. I also had this backed up with an email statement from the South African High Commission in London along with their contact details. Unfortunately this was not enough for the staff at VFS Manchester who just kept mumbling the word 'compulsory' before turning me away with no further explanation or understanding of the process or rules involved. *I have subsequently double checked my facts again with the South African High Commission in London to confirm with absolute certainty that VFS do not know what they are doing or asking for. Unfortunately I did not get the VFS Manchester staff members name but he was sat in booth number 8 at 9:30am 23 January 2023. I would hope that with time VFS would improve but judging from the other reviews from nearly a decade ago, it would appear there's not much hope."

"1. I waited 2 hours for my appointment. I missed my train back home and missed a work meeting because of that. Hire more people instead causing everyone else time and money losses. 2. I was surprised to learn, with no prior notice, that "they don't look at the uploaded documents before the appointment in the Manchester office." When I complained saying they don't mention that anywhere on the website, and that I have already uploaded all my documents as per their instructions, the lady casually said: yea I know we don't have that on our website. They then force you to print out the documents using their printer where you HAVE to pay a minimum of 3 pounds to print, regardless of how little you're printing. An absolute rip off. 3. I then had to wait for ANOTHER two hours to have my biometric info taken. This is extremely irresponsible. You are casually telling people who have followed all the instructions on your emails that they need to pay extra to print their documents. You're also giving them no prior notice about the long waiting times. So instead bearing the responsibility of hiring more people and letting people know BEFOREHAND that your workers don't look at the online-uploaded applications, you are letting us bear that financial burden. Absolutely irresponsible."

"I had a great experience at the Italian visa center today. Everyone was very kind and helpful, and my appointment was on time. I didn't have two of the required documents with me, but the staff explained everything in detail and helped me to fix the issue online. They also have a printing service for a reasonable price. I would definitely recommend booking an appointment on their website - between 1 and 2 am because it’s hard to do during the day. And check all the documents before (there were a lot of people who needed to print some documents or make a photo). I’m very grateful for persons who works there, because it’s very busy place and lot of people but the staff still friendly and polite. Thank you!"

"What a joke Very unprofessional loads of attitude, untrained staff act and deal still with 1900 century system don’t even know how to talk with senior citizens. We recommend strong trainings for all the VFS staff to avoid corruption. Mr. Modi can not be everywhere sometime as a citizen we also be kind while dealing with our fellow citizens."

"Hi, This review is specific to Indian passport service in VFS-Manchester. >Location- Easily found >Parking- No on-site parking but one can easily park on Higher Ardwick Road or, M12 6BZ(FREE-on road) or, PAID parking@Universal Building Car park(£3.50-All day) >Passport service- Quick and hassle free >Payment- They insist for Debit card(which I paid with) but I read in their website that Credit card is accepted with 1.8% surcharge. CASH not acceptable. >Photocopy- Available on-site(£3 total-multiple) >Internet/Print- Public access machine available on-site(charges apply see picture) >Photo- Opposite shop available(normally OPEN but it was closed on 28/12 for bank holiday maybe, so be prepared as I saw people running outside struggling to find another shop nearby). Also, please carry at least 4 copies for each application. >Application- *Appearance change copy for Adult is required even if no change is there(mandatory as stated by the staff collecting the documents). *For minor- Parents Marriage certificate is mandatory along with parents passport copy. #check photographs for help"