Cancelling a UK visa application is something most people never plan to do. When you apply for a visa, you expect to travel. But sometimes, plans change. A friend of mine once applied for a UK student visa, then received a better offer from another country shortly after. He needed to cancel his UK visa application and move on to the new opportunity.
The good news is that the UK Home Office allows you to cancel a visa application at any time before a decision is made. This applies to all UK visa types, including tourist, work, and student visas. The cancellation process depends on how you proved your identity when you applied. Below is a clear explanation of how to cancel your UK visa application, when you can get a refund, and what happens afterward.
How to Cancel a UK Visa Application
The cancellation method depends on how you verified your identity during your application. There are two identity verification methods:
- Attending a biometric appointment in person
- Using the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your passport and upload your photo
The method you used determines the cancellation steps.
If You Attended a Biometric Appointment in Person
If you proved your identity by attending a biometric appointment, the cancellation process depends on whether you applied inside or outside the UK.
If You Applied Inside the UK
You can cancel your visa application by completing the online cancellation form. After submitting it, cancel any biometric appointment you booked.
If You Applied Outside the UK
Do the following:
- Sign in to your UKVI account using the link sent to your email
- Go to Section 6: Further Actions
- Select Cancel this application
If you already booked a visa application centre appointment, cancel it as well.
If You Used the UK Immigration: ID Check App
If you used the smartphone app to prove your identity, follow these steps:
- Sign in to your UKVI account through the link in your sign-up email
- Go to your dashboard
- Select Cancel this application
- Confirm the cancellation
This applies to visa applications, visa extensions, and citizenship applications as long as a decision has not been made yet.
When You Do NOT Need to Cancel Your Application
You do not need to cancel your application if:
- You only want to request the return of your passport
- You applied inside the UK and now want to switch to a different visa
- You are waiting for a decision and your circumstances have not changed
Cancelling is only needed if you no longer want the visa or no longer qualify for it.
Can You Cancel a UK Visa Application and Reapply Immediately?
Yes, you can. You are allowed to cancel and reapply at any time. However, you must wait until UKVI confirms that your cancellation has been processed before submitting a new application.
Common Reasons a UK Visa Gets Cancelled
A visa can be cancelled by the Home Office if you:
- Submit false or incorrect information
- Have changes in your job, study, or sponsorship
- Breach your visa conditions
- Overstay your permitted time
- Fail to report changes in your circumstances
- Lose your sponsor
- Have a criminal conviction
- Are considered a security risk
These reasons apply to visas that are already approved, not applications you are still waiting on.
How Long It Takes to Cancel a UK Visa Application
The cancellation process usually takes a few days, but refunds take longer. UKVI may take up to 28 days to process a refund.
If you cancel before biometrics, your cancellation is processed quickly because your application has not officially started.
If you cancel after biometrics, it takes longer because your application is already in progress.
Can You Cancel After Biometrics?
Yes, you can cancel after completing biometrics, but you will not get a refund. Biometrics means your application has entered the processing stage, and fees are no longer refundable.
Refund Rules When Cancelling a UK Visa Application
Refund Before Biometrics
You can get a refund for:
- The visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Priority service fee (but you must request this one manually)
Fees that cannot be refunded include:
- Biometric appointment fees
- Service charges from VFS or TLS
- Additional optional services
Refund After Biometrics
No refund is given after biometrics because processing has already begun.
Refunds are sent automatically to the same card or account you used, except priority service refunds, which must be requested.
What Happens After You Cancel a UK Visa Application?
After submitting your cancellation request:
- UKVI stops processing your application
- You receive an acknowledgment
- Your passport is returned (if submitted)
- Your fee is refunded only if eligible
Cancelling does not affect your immigration record in a negative way. If you reapply later, the new application is treated as fresh. UKVI does not punish or penalize applicants for cancelling a visa request.
If your cancellation was due to personal or professional reasons, explain this clearly in your next application to avoid confusion.
When You Should NOT Cancel a UK Visa Application
Avoid cancelling your application if:
- A decision is already close
- Your reason for cancelling is temporary
- You still meet all requirements
- You are waiting for approval and nothing has changed
If a decision has already been made before your cancellation request is processed, the cancellation will be ignored and the decision will stand.
Can You Get Your Passport Back After Cancelling?
Yes. If you cancel your application, you may request your passport back. You can request this through:
- The UKVI online portal
- The visa application centre where you submitted your documents
The speed of the return depends on how far your application has progressed. If your passport has not been processed yet, it will be returned quickly. If it is already in the final stages, it may take more time.
How to Get Your Passport Back After Cancelling
To request your passport:
- Submit a “passport return” request through UKVI
- Provide your application reference number
- Wait for confirmation from UKVI or the visa centre
You can collect your passport in person or send a logistics company to pick it up on your behalf. Make sure the collection details match what the visa application centre requires.
Final Thoughts
You can cancel your UK visa application at any time as long as a decision hasn’t been made. The process is simple, but your eligibility for a refund depends on whether you completed biometrics. If you need your passport back, you must request it separately because cancellation does not trigger an automatic return.
If you plan to reapply later, there’s no penalty. Just make sure your new application explains any changes in your circumstances clearly.
