What Happens if I Withdraw My UK Visa Application?

Can I Withdraw My UK Visa Application?

Applicants may want to withdraw their visa application if a mistake was made in the application, if the wrong visa was applied for or if they no longer want a UK visa.

You can ask to cancel UK visa application for any type of application, including a visa, visa extension or citizenship.

If you withdraw visa application before making a decision, you will receive a refund for the immigration health surcharge. Depending on your current status in the application process, you may also be eligible for a refund of the application fee.

Contact IAS for further information on the financial consequences of withdrawing your application or continuing with an application that could face rejection.

When am I Able to Withdraw My Visa Application?

In the UK, the rules are that a visa applicant can ask to withdraw their visa application at any time before a decision is made on the immigration application.

If the Home Office accepts your request to withdraw the visa application, the withdrawal date is when the request was received. You cannot stop the withdrawal once it’s been received by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

It is important to remember that you may lose your permission to stay here if you are in the UK, so make sure you reapply for a visa application if you want to remain in the UK.

To do so, you must submit a valid application. Only the most recent application will be considered for a visa.

If I Withdraw My Visa Application Do I Get a Refund?

In the application process, if you have been told to attend a biometric enrolment appointment, where you give your fingerprints and photo, but have yet to attend the appointment, you will usually get a refund for your application fee.

Your application fees are usually not refunded if you cancel UK visa application after biometrics.

If you used the app on your smartphone, you can get a refund if:

• You did not select “confirm and upload,” which is to upload your evidence either or confirm that you have no evidence to upload
• You withdrew your application before the deadline set to upload your evidence

Once UK Visas and Immigration confirms that your application has been appropriately withdrawn, it can take up to 28 days for your refund to appear in your bank account, so don’t worry if you do not receive it immediately.

Process of Withdrawing UK Visa Application

The process for withdrawing your UK visa application depends on the following factors:

• Whether you are applying for a visa from inside or outside the UK
• Whether you have already attended your biometric appointment
• Whether you used the smartphone app

If you have not yet attended a biometric enrolment appointment and are applying from within the UK, you can complete an online form requesting to withdraw your application.

If you have yet to attend a biometric enrolment appointment and have applied outside the UK, you will need to follow the link sent to you via email when you signed up. Navigate to ‘Section 6: further actions’ and cancel your application.

You will also need to cancel any appointments at a visa centre in your country of application.

If you have already attended a biometric enrolment appointment and are applying from within the UK, you must complete an online form. But you should not expect to get your application fee back.

If you use the smartphone app, whether inside or outside the UK, you can withdraw an application by signing in to your account, where you will find ‘Withdraw this application’.

If you need help with the online form or know who to contact to withdraw your visa application, contact IAS today at +44 (0)333 414 9244.

Is there a Difference Between a Withdrawn Application and a Void Application?

There is a difference between a void application and a withdrawn application.

A void application is where it is not possible to grant you the permission you applied for. This could be if the applicant dies before the application decision is made, if you are exempt from immigration control and you still make an application, or if you have indefinite leave to remain and you make an application for limited leave to remain.

On the other hand, a withdrawn application occurs when you, as the applicant, decide you no longer wish to proceed with your visa application.

Can I Cancel My UK Visa Application and Reapply Immediately?

You can cancel your visa and immediately reapply with a new visa application. Just make sure you correct any mistakes you made in your previous application.

This prevents you from having to withdraw the new application once again and reapply.

Can I Edit My Visa Application After Submission?

You can update your UK Visas and Immigration account if you’ve changed any of the following:

• mobile phone number
• name
• identity document, such as your passport or national identity card
• home address
• email address

You can also edit the following:

• date of birth
• add an extra nationality if you have dual nationality
• add an extra identity document
• change your photo

However, you cannot change your identity document or name while you wait for a decision on a UK visa application.

You can generally fix minor errors, but if there are significant inconsistencies, you may be unable to edit. Instead, you should withdraw and reapply. Contact IAS to seek guidance on whether to edit or cancel your application.

How Can IAS Help You?

Contacting our specialist immigration lawyers at IAS today can save you time and money. Understanding what options are available to you when editing or withdrawing your application can be challenging. It might cause you to waste money or prevent a successful visa application.

We offer a wide range of services and immigration specialists who can ensure you understand how to withdraw your UK visa application.

Our team at IAS understands the importance of the application. We will work with you to make each step of the process easier for you. Contact us today by calling +44 (0)333 414 9244 or using our online chat.

Call IAS today on +44 (0)333 414 9244 to know more about our bespoke services and to discuss your scenario.