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How To Track Your TLS Visa Application And What Each Status Means
How To Track Your TLS Visa Application And What Each Status Means
You can usually track your TLS visa application by logging in to the correct TLScontact website for the country and visa application centre where you submitted your file. TLS tracking can show where your application is in the process, but it does not always show the final visa decision.
In most cases, TLScontact manages the administrative steps, such as appointment booking, document submission, biometrics, application transfer, and passport return. The embassy, consulate, diplomatic mission, or immigration authority makes the visa decision.
What Is TLS Visa Application Tracking?
TLS visa application tracking is the online status check for visa applications submitted through TLScontact.
It helps applicants see whether their application has been submitted, transferred to the decision-making authority, processed, returned to the visa application centre, or made ready for passport collection.
TLScontact is used by different governments in different countries. Depending on where you apply, TLScontact may help with:
Creating a visa application account
Booking an appointment
Receiving application documents
Collecting biometric data
Transferring the application to the embassy or consulate
Sending status updates
Returning the passport after a decision
The important thing to understand is this: TLScontact is not the visa decision-maker.
TLScontact may manage the process, but the final decision is made by the relevant embassy, consulate, diplomatic mission, or immigration authority.
Can You Track A TLS Visa Application Online?
Yes, if you submitted your visa application through TLScontact, you can usually track it online.
The exact tracking method depends on the country, visa type, and TLScontact portal you used. In most cases, you need to log in to your TLScontact account using the same email address and password connected to your appointment.
Some official visa websites also send applicants to TLS tracking. For example, France-Visas says that applicants who submitted at a TLS visa application centre should use the TLS online application tracking tool.
For the Netherlands, NetherlandsWorldwide says applicants who applied at TLScontact can track online by going to the TLScontact website, selecting the visa application centre, and logging in with their email address and password.
TLS Tracking Vs Visa Decision: What Is The Difference?
TLS tracking shows your application movement. It does not always show the visa result.
Item | What It Means |
|---|---|
TLS tracking | Shows the status or movement of your application |
Embassy or consulate review | The decision-making authority reviews your file |
Passport returned | Your passport has come back to TLScontact or is being prepared for return |
Visa decision | The final decision made by the embassy, consulate, or immigration authority |
Visa sticker or refusal letter | The document that confirms the result |
This means a TLS status update can tell you that your application has moved to the next stage, but it may not tell you whether the visa was issued.
In many cases, you only know the result when you receive your passport.
What Details Do You Need To Track Your TLS Visa Application?
Before checking your TLS visa status, prepare the details connected to your application.
Detail | Why It May Be Needed |
|---|---|
TLScontact account email | Used to log in to your application account |
TLScontact password | Used to access your dashboard |
Application reference number | Helps identify your visa file |
Passport number | May be used for identity matching |
Date of birth | Sometimes used for verification |
Visa application centre location | Helps you choose the correct TLS portal |
Appointment confirmation | May contain the correct reference or portal link |
Submission receipt | May contain file or tracking details |
If you cannot find your reference number, check:
TLScontact account dashboard
Appointment confirmation email
Application checklist
Visa centre receipt
Payment receipt
SMS updates from TLScontact
Any printed form given during your appointment
How To Track Your TLS Visa Application Step By Step
Use these steps if you submitted your visa application through TLScontact.
Step 1: Go To The Correct TLScontact Website
Start with the official TLScontact website or the official visa portal for your destination country.
Do not use a random website that appears in search results. TLScontact has different portals depending on the country where you apply and the destination country.
For example, a France visa application submitted through TLScontact should be tracked through the TLS tool linked by France-Visas or the relevant TLS France portal for your country.
Step 2: Select The Correct Visa Application Centre
Choose the TLScontact visa application centre where you submitted your application.
This matters because different cities or countries may have different TLS portals.
If you submitted your application in London, do not use a TLS portal for another country. If you submitted in Jakarta, use the portal connected to your local application centre.
Step 3: Log In To Your TLScontact Account
Use the same email address and password you used when creating your TLScontact account or booking your appointment.
If you forgot your password, use the official password reset option.
Avoid creating a new account unless the system specifically tells you to. A new account may not be connected to your submitted application.
Step 4: Open Your Application Dashboard
After logging in, look for your active application, submitted application, or tracking page.
The dashboard may show:
Application stage
Current status
Appointment status
Passport return status
Document request
Collection or courier instruction
The layout can vary depending on the TLScontact country portal.
Step 5: Read The Status Carefully
Read the wording exactly as shown.
Some statuses only mean your file has moved to another stage. Others mean you need to take action, such as submitting extra documents or collecting your passport.
If the status is unclear, check your email and SMS too. TLScontact may send instructions outside the dashboard.
What Each TLS Visa Application Status Usually Means
TLScontact status wording can vary by country, visa type, and destination. The table below explains the common meanings in simple terms.
TLS Status Or Message | What It Usually Means | What You Should Do |
|---|---|---|
Appointment booked | Your TLS appointment has been scheduled | Print or save your appointment confirmation |
Application submitted | TLScontact has received your documents | Wait for the next update |
Application transferred | Your file has been sent to the embassy, consulate, or mission | Wait for the decision-making authority to review it |
In process | Your application is still being reviewed | Check email/SMS and wait for updates |
Additional documents requested | More information is needed | Follow the instructions and submit the requested documents |
Passport returned to TLScontact | Your passport has come back to the visa application centre | Wait for collection or courier instructions |
Ready for collection | Your passport can be collected | Bring the required ID and documents |
Courier dispatched | Your passport is being sent to the address provided | Track courier if a tracking number is given |
No record found | The system cannot match your details | Recheck portal, email, reference number, and passport details |
Login error | The account details may be wrong | Reset password or contact the correct TLS location |
These are general explanations. Always follow the instructions shown in your own TLScontact account.
What Does “Application Transferred” Mean?
“Application transferred” usually means TLScontact has sent your file to the embassy, consulate, diplomatic mission, or immigration authority for review.
This is a normal step.
At this stage, TLScontact usually cannot decide or explain the result. Your application is no longer only at the visa application centre. It is with the authority that reviews the documents and makes the decision.
You should wait for the next official update.
What Does “In Process” Mean?
“In process” usually means your visa application is still being reviewed.
This status does not automatically mean there is a problem.
Your application may be in process because:
The embassy or consulate is reviewing your documents
The authority is checking your travel purpose
The authority is checking your financial proof
Your file is in the normal processing queue
Additional checks are taking place
The visa office has a high number of applications
Do not assume refusal just because the status stays “in process” for several days.
What Does “Additional Documents Requested” Mean?
This means the embassy, consulate, diplomatic mission, or visa office needs more information before continuing the review.
The request may come by email, phone, TLS dashboard message, or another official channel.
Common additional document requests may relate to:
Accommodation
Travel itinerary
Financial proof
Sponsor documents
Employment proof
Insurance
Travel purpose
Previous visa history
Family documents
Updated passport or identity details
If you receive this request, read it carefully. Submit exactly what is asked and follow the deadline.
Do not send many unrelated documents unless they clearly support the requested information.
What Does “Passport Returned To TLScontact” Mean?
“Passport returned to TLScontact” usually means your passport has come back from the decision-making authority to the TLScontact visa application centre.
It does not automatically mean your visa was approved.
Your passport may be returned with:
A visa sticker
A refusal letter
A document request
Another official instruction
No visible visa, depending on the result
You will usually need to collect your passport or wait for courier return if you selected that service.
Does “Passport Returned” Mean My Visa Is Approved?
No. “Passport returned” does not always mean approval.
It usually means a decision has been made or the passport has been returned by the authority handling the file. You need to check your passport and any letter included with it.
If a visa was issued, check the visa sticker carefully.
If the application was refused, read the refusal letter before deciding whether to reapply.
Why Is My TLS Visa Status Not Updating?
TLS status updates may not appear immediately.
Common reasons include:
Your application is still under review
The embassy or consulate has not returned the passport
TLScontact has not received a new update
The system has not refreshed
You are checking the wrong TLS portal
You logged in with the wrong email
You submitted very recently
It is a peak season
Additional checks are taking longer
The authority needs more documents
A status that does not update for a few days does not automatically mean there is a problem.
If your application has passed the normal expected timeline for your visa type and country, check the official guidance for your application centre or contact the correct TLScontact location.
What To Do If TLS Tracking Does Not Work
If you cannot track your TLS visa application, try these steps.
1. Check The Correct TLScontact Portal
Make sure you are using the TLScontact portal for the correct destination country and application location.
For example, if you applied for a France visa through TLScontact, use the France TLScontact portal for your country of residence.
2. Use The Same Email Address
Use the email address you used when creating your TLScontact account or booking your appointment.
If someone else helped you book the appointment, check which email address was used.
3. Reset Your Password
If you cannot log in, use the official password reset option.
Do not use unofficial login pages or third-party websites.
4. Check Your Appointment Confirmation
Your appointment confirmation may include the correct portal, reference number, or application information.
5. Check Your Receipt Or Application Checklist
TLScontact may give you a receipt, checklist, or printed document after submission. This may include important details for tracking or passport collection.
6. Wait If You Applied Recently
If you submitted your application recently, the status may not appear immediately.
Wait and check again later.
7. Contact The Correct TLScontact Location
If the problem continues, contact the TLScontact centre where you submitted your application. Use the official contact option from the TLScontact website.
Can TLScontact Tell You If Your Visa Is Approved?
Usually, TLScontact cannot tell you the decision before you receive your passport.
TLScontact may tell you whether your passport is ready for collection or whether your file has moved to another stage. But the visa result is normally confirmed through the passport, visa sticker, refusal letter, or official decision notice.
Do not rely on status wording alone.
Can TLScontact Speed Up Your Visa Application?
Usually, no.
TLScontact handles administrative steps, but the decision and processing time are handled by the embassy, consulate, diplomatic mission, or immigration authority.
Some TLScontact centres may offer optional paid services, such as SMS updates, courier return, photocopying, photo service, or premium appointment options. These may make the appointment or return process more convenient, but they do not normally change the visa decision.
Always check the official wording for your application country.
What To Check When Your Passport Is Ready
When your passport is ready for collection or courier return, check the result carefully.
If a visa was issued, check:
Full name
Passport number
Date of birth
Nationality
Visa type
Valid from date
Valid until date
Number of entries
Duration of stay
Destination or Schengen validity
Remarks or conditions
For Schengen visas, check whether your visa is single-entry or multiple-entry. If you are unsure, read Outbound’s single vs multiple entry Schengen visa guide.
If your application was refused, read the refusal letter carefully. Do not submit the same application again without checking what needs to be improved.
Common Mistakes Applicants Make With TLS Tracking
Using The Wrong TLScontact Website
TLScontact uses different portals for different countries and visa destinations. Using the wrong portal can make your application look missing.
Logging In With The Wrong Email
If your appointment was booked using a different email address, your application may not appear under your usual email.
Assuming “In Process” Means A Problem
“In process” often simply means your application is still being reviewed. It does not automatically mean refusal.
Assuming “Passport Returned” Means Approval
Passport returned means the passport has come back. It does not always mean the visa was issued.
Ignoring Email And SMS Updates
Some updates may arrive by email or SMS before the dashboard changes. Check your spam folder too.
Contacting The Wrong Office
Contact the TLScontact centre where you submitted your application. A different TLS location may not have access to your file.
Trusting Unofficial Tracking Websites
Use official TLScontact, embassy, consulate, government, or visa application centre websites. Avoid websites that ask for unnecessary fees just to check your application status.
TLS Visa Tracking Checklist
Before checking your TLS visa status, prepare:
TLScontact account email
TLScontact password
Application reference number
Passport number
Appointment confirmation
Submission receipt
Visa application centre location
Email used during booking
Phone number used during booking
After your passport is returned, check:
Whether a visa sticker was issued
Whether a refusal letter was included
Name and passport number
Visa validity dates
Number of entries
Duration of stay
Passport collection or courier instructions
Any condition or remark on the visa sticker
Where Outbound Can Help
TLS tracking helps you check what is happening after submission. But the strongest preparation happens before your appointment.
Outbound can help you review whether your visa profile and documents make sense together before applying.
You can use Outbound’s Free Visa Chance Checker to check parts of your profile that may need clearer explanation, such as:
Travel purpose
Financial proof
Sponsor details
Travel history
Previous refusals
Home ties
Document consistency
This can be useful if you are preparing a Schengen visa application and want to check your file before submitting it through TLScontact or another visa application centre.
You can also explore Outbound’s free visa tools to organize common visa preparation steps.
FAQ
Can I Track My TLS Visa Application Online?
Yes. If you submitted your visa application through TLScontact, you can usually track it online by logging in to your TLScontact account or using the official TLS tracking tool linked to your visa application centre.
What Details Do I Need To Track A TLS Visa Application?
You usually need the email address and password connected to your TLScontact account. Depending on the portal, you may also need your application reference number, passport number, date of birth, or appointment details.
What Does “In Process” Mean On TLS Tracking?
“In process” usually means your application is still being reviewed by the embassy, consulate, diplomatic mission, or immigration authority. It does not automatically mean there is a problem.
What Does “Application Transferred” Mean?
It usually means TLScontact has sent your application to the relevant authority for review. TLScontact may not have more information until the authority updates the file or returns the passport.
What Does “Passport Returned To TLScontact” Mean?
It usually means your passport has come back to the TLScontact visa application centre. It does not automatically mean your visa was approved. You need to check your passport and any included letter.
Does TLS Tracking Show If My Visa Is Approved?
Not always. Some TLS tracking systems show application movement but not the final decision. In many cases, you only confirm the result when you receive your passport.
Why Is My TLS Visa Status Not Updating?
Your status may not update because the application is still under review, the system has not refreshed, you are checking the wrong portal, or the passport has not returned yet.
What Should I Do If TLS Tracking Does Not Work?
Check that you are using the correct TLScontact portal and the same email used during booking. Reset your password if needed. If the issue continues, contact the TLScontact centre where you submitted your application.
Before You Submit Your Visa Application
Tracking is helpful after submission, but it cannot fix unclear documents once the file is already under review.
Before submitting through TLScontact, check that:
Your application form matches your passport
Your travel dates match your itinerary
Your accommodation covers your stay
Your financial proof supports your trip
Your sponsor documents are clear, if applicable
Your travel insurance matches the visa requirement
Your documents follow the official checklist
Your purpose of travel is easy to understand
Visa requirements can vary by destination, nationality, visa type, and country of application. Always check the official embassy, consulate, government, or TLScontact page for your specific application before submitting.
Sources
TLScontact — Official Website
https://www.tlscontact.com/en/TLScontact — German Visa Application Procedure Example
https://visas-de.tlscontact.com/France-Visas — Track Your Application
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/suivre-votre-demandeNetherlandsWorldwide — Track The Status Of A Visa Application At TLScontact
https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/visa-application-statusFrance-Visas — Visa Application
https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/demande-de-visaOutbound Visa — Free Visa Chance Checker
https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/visa-chance-checkerOutbound Visa — Free Visa Tools
https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/free-toolsOutbound Visa — Single Vs Multiple Entry Schengen Visa Guide
https://www.outboundvisa.com/en/blog/single-vs-multiple-entry-schengen-visa-strategy
