The only time I ever had to withdraw my UK visa application was due to an unexpected change in my status.
I had initially hoped that this change would occur after my visa had been approved and my trip completed.
However, life took an unexpected turn, and the change happened much sooner than anticipated.
Read also: If my UK visa is rejected when can I apply again?
This unexpected turn of events left me with no option but to withdraw my visa application just after I received the request to submit my passport.
If you need to withdraw your UK visa application after submitting it, you can do so – the UK authorities allow applicants to withdraw their visa.
And, when you do, here’s what you can expect to happen.
What happens if I withdraw my UK visa application?
If you withdraw your UK visa application, the processing of your visa will stop immediately, and depending on the stage of your application before you send the withdrawal request, you might be eligible for a refund.
Read also: How to cancel a UK visa application
However, any fees for services already rendered, like biometric data collection, are non-refundable.
When can I withdraw my UK visa application?
According to the UK immigration rule, you can withdraw your UK visa application at any time before a decision is made on your application.
Time of withdrawal only affects your chances of getting a refund, not your ability to withdraw.
When is the best time to withdraw my UK visa application?
The best time to withdraw your UK visa application is before the processing has begun — specifically before you submit your biometrics.
If I withdraw my visa application do I get a refund?
You’ll receive a refund if you withdraw your visa application before a decision is made on your application or before submitting your biometric.
Simply put: Your chances of getting a refund depends on how far along your application is when you initiate the withdrawal.
If the processing of your application hasn’t started, you’ll get a refund if you withdraw your application.
Suppose you were asked to attend a biometric enrolment appointment, where you’d provide your fingerprints and photo, but haven’t attended yet.
In that case, you’ll likely get a refund for your application fee plus the immigration health surcharge.
Read also: How do I cancel my biometric appointment for a UK visa
On the other hand, if you’ve already completed your biometric enrolment, you’ll unlikely receive a refund for your application fees.
If you used the smartphone app for your application, you can still qualify for a refund if:
- You didn’t select “confirm and upload” in the app, meaning you haven’t uploaded your evidence or confirmed that there’s no evidence to submit.
- You withdrew your application before the deadline for submitting your evidence.
If you’re looking for a refund, it’s best to withdraw as early as possible.
Read also: Can a pregnant woman apply for a student visa in Australia?
The earlier you withdraw, the better your chances of getting a refund.
When I withdrew my application, I hadn’t done my biometrics, yet I didn’t get a refund.
The reason you won’t get a refund of the application fee if you’ve already attended your biometric appointment is that the processing of your application has already begun.
Read also: A complete list of requirements for international passport in Nigeria
In my case, I had to accept that I wouldn’t get my visa fee back, but it was worth it.
Upon withdrawing your visa, the UK authorities will return all the documents you submitted physically when you applied.
Withdrawing your application will not directly affect your ability to apply for another UK visa in the future but when you apply for a UK visa again, you’ll likely face additional scrutiny.
When will I get a refund if I withdraw on time?
If you withdraw your application on time, you’ll receive a refund within 28 days after UK Visas and Immigration confirm that your application has been withdrawn.
The money will be automatically processed and credited to the bank account you used to pay your application fees.
If you don’t see the refund within 28 days, check with your bank or contact the relevant visa office for an update.
How to withdraw your UK visa application
To withdraw a UK visa application, follow these guidelines based on your situation:
Condition 1: If you haven’t attended a biometric appointment:
- For those applying from inside the UK: Complete the online withdrawal form here to withdraw your application.
- For those applying from outside the UK: Log in to your application account using the link sent to you by the UK authority when you signed up (you can find it in your sign-up email). Go to ‘Section 6: Further Actions’, in your dashboard and select the option to cancel your application.
Condition 2: If you have attended a biometric appointment:
- If you’re applying from inside the UK: Fill out the withdrawal form here and submit it – to withdraw your application.
- If you’re applying from outside the UK: Contact UK Visas and Immigration directly using the contact details on their website here.
Condition 3: If you used the smartphone app:
- Whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK: Sign in to the app and select ‘Withdraw this application’ from your account options.
If you submitted your application but haven’t yet attended your biometric appointment or submitted your documents, withdrawing is easier.
You won’t have to worry about any further steps, and your application will be halted without further processing.
Can the Home Office deny my request to withdraw my application?
Yes, the Home Office can deny your withdrawal request if they suspect deception like if they believe your application contains fraudulent information or if your application is under scrutiny.
How long does UK visa withdrawal take?
Withdrawing your UK visa application is usually a quick process.
Once you’ve submitted your withdrawal request, you should receive confirmation from UKVI within a few days.
In my case, I got an email confirmation within three days, letting me know that my application had been officially withdrawn.
Does visa withdrawal affect future visa applications?
Withdrawing your visa application does not hurt your chances of getting approved for future visa applications.
When you withdraw your application, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) does not count it as a refusal.
This means that a withdrawn application will not be recorded as a failed attempt, so it won’t affect your visa history or future applications.
Essentially, withdrawing an application is not an issue, and you can apply for a visa again in the future without any prejudice from the withdrawal.
When I applied for another UK visa after withdrawing my previous application, I faced no issues – I got approval.
Can I reapply for a UK visa after withdrawal?
Yes, you can reapply for a UK visa after withdrawing your previous application. Withdrawing your visa application does not stop you from applying again in the future.
It also does not affect your future visa application.
How long does it take to withdraw a UK visit visa application?
Once you submit a UK visa application withdrawal request, it takes 3 to 10 working days to process your withdrawal request.
However, it can take longer than 10 working days if the immigration officers are not efficient or if there is much workload at the time you submit your request.
If you have a reason to withdraw your UK visa application, you can go ahead and send your withdrawal request, it’s a safe call.
Read also: How to check UK visa status with passport number
When you withdraw your UK visa application, it does not necessarily affect your ability to reapply in the future.
In addition, withdrawing your application will not be considered a visa refusal.
Leave a comment