There are many reasons you might need to withdraw a UK immigration application. One of the most common is that you have identified mistakes on your application and need to withdraw it so that you can submit a correct one. Perhaps you submitted an application for the wrong visa, or perhaps your plans have changed and you now need to apply for a new visa category.
Rather than wait to confirm the outcome of a visa application that you no longer require, you would be better off withdrawing your application and submitting a new one. You may not be eligible for a refund if you withdraw your application, so think carefully before you pull the plug. If you’re ready to withdraw or cancel your visa application, read on to learn our essential tips for streamlining the process.
Is it possible to withdraw a UK visa application?
Yes, it is certainly possible to withdraw your application. Common reasons for cancelling a UK visa application include:
- No longer needing the visa, for example, if your travel plans have changed
- Realising you need a different visa category
- Recognising mistakes on your application that could adversely impact you
One of the most serious reasons that you might need to consider withdrawing your application would be if you realised you have supplied incorrect information. For example, if you supplied a document that you have since discovered isn’t accurate, then you could face a ban of up to 10 years if this is discovered. It would be far better to withdraw your application and reapply than risk a 10 year ban.
How do I withdraw my UKVI application?
If you have recently submitted your application, you can easily withdraw your application using the online application portal. You will need the login details you used to initially submit your application. From your account dashboard, you should see an option to “withdraw this application”.
Once you have submitted a request to withdraw, you cannot change your mind once it has been received by UKVI.
If you are further through the application process, the procedure for cancelling your application will depend on a few factors. After you have submitted your application online, you will either be asked to attend a visa application centre to give your biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) and to have your identity documents checked. If you do not have to attend a visa application centre, you may be asked to confirm your identity documents using the UK Immigration: ID Check smartphone app.
If you have been asked to attend a biometrics appointment but have not yet attended:
You will be able to cancel your application online and you should receive a refund of your application fee and immigration health surcharge.
If you have already attended a biometrics appointment:
You will be able to cancel your application by using this online form for applications from inside the UK, and by contacting UKVI for applications outside the UK. You won’t typically be eligible for a refund on your application fees.
Who is eligible for a refund of their UK visa fees?
Applying for a UK visa is not cheap, so you might be wondering what happens to your fee if the application is withdrawn. In general, the earlier you withdraw your application, the more likely you are to receive a refund.
If you cancel your visa application before you receive a decision, your immigration healthcare surcharge will be refunded. Once a decision has been reached, you will not be eligible for any refund, even if you choose not to use your visa.
You may get a refund on your application fee if you have not yet proven your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check smartphone app or at a biometrics appointment.
The refunded amount should be returned to the bank account it was taken from within 28 days. If your bank details have changed and UKVI is unable to return the funds, they will contact you to confirm your bank details. Wait to be contacted before providing your new banking details.
If you have cancelled the payment to UKVI through your bank (known as a chargeback) then you won’t be eligible for a refund.
How to get your documents back
You may have submitted your identity documents and other supporting documents as part of your application. If you need these urgently, you can request to have them returned to you. You don’t have to cancel your application to request these documents be returned to you, so if this is your sole reason for considering cancelling your application, don’t panic.
If you applied from outside the UK, contact UKVI to arrange the return of your documents. You will typically have three months to collect them from the visa application centre. If you fail to collect your documents, they will be returned to the issuing authority.
If you applied from inside the UK, you should check if you can use the online return of documents request form.
If I withdraw my application, how soon can I submit a new one?
If you have withdrawn your application because it was the wrong visa category, or if you have noticed mistakes in your application, you can submit a new application as soon as your initial application has been cancelled. This will allow you to apply for the correct visa category or correct any mistakes in your application.
Can I edit my application rather than withdraw it?
Once you have submitted your application, you won’t be able to edit the details provided. However, you can contact UK Visas and immigration to confirm the next steps.
For example, if the mistake is a spelling mistake that could alter the meaning of your application, then you should be able to fix this. However, if the mistake is more serious, such as incorrect or false documents, you will be advised to cancel your application and submit a new one.
If the decision process has already begun, you are less likely to receive a refund on your fees. It’s important to cancel an application if it contains false or inaccurate information as this could lead to a 10 year ban. Checkout Best Immigration Lawyers in London UK
