How to withdraw Canada visa application

Off the top of my head, I can think of several “valid” reasons to withdraw your Canadian visa application.

I’ve been in that position before. I faced an unexpected change after submitting my application.

The change made it impossible for me to proceed with my plans to visit Canada.

I reconsidered my options, and ultimately, decided to withdraw my application.

The Canadian immigration authorities understand that situations change, and as long as you explain your reason, they’ll accept your decision.

Whatever your reason for wanting to withdraw your application, here’s how to do it.

How to withdraw Canada visa application

The simplest way to withdraw your Canada visa application is to submit a withdrawal request through the IRCC web form.

Alternatively, you can send a request by email or withdraw through the visa application centre where you originally submitted your application.

To send a withdrawal request through the IRCC web form:

Step 1: Visit the IRCC web form

• Go to the IRCC web form here
• Click the “see more details” on the “withdraw or cancel application” box.
• You’ll get a pop-up on your screen informing you that you can withdraw your application however, if the processing has started – at the time you sent your withdrawal request, you “may” not get back all the fees you paid.

See the notification below.

• Click “Continue to form” to move to the “Update or ask about your application” page.
• This is where you choose who you are.
• If you’re the principal applicant, tick “I’m the principal applicant”, if you’re representing someone else, tick “I’m a representative” and so on.
• Click on “Continue to Form” and fill out every “required” information about your application. You need information like:
  • • Your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) number
    • Your application number
    • Email address
    • First name
    • Last name
    • Passport number
    • Date of birth
    • Country.

Step 3: Write the reason for withdrawal

• The next step is to explain why you want to withdraw your application.
• Do that in the text box provided on the form.
• Your explanation does not need to include your name and other details  – you’ve already provided them in the form.

Step 4: Upload documents to support your request

• To conclude the form, upload any document supporting your reason for withdrawing your application in the box provided at the bottom of the form page.

• The document must be no larger than 2 MB.
• If it exceeds this size, you’ve to reduce it.
• IRCC accept the following file formats:
  • PDF (Portable Document Format)
  • JPG, TIFF, or PNG (Image Formats)
  • DOC or DOCX (Microsoft Word Documents)

Below is what the entire form looks like.

Step 5: Submit your request

After filling out all the required fields, submit the web form.

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You’ll receive a confirmation email that your request has been received, but it’ll take some time for the withdrawal to be processed.

How to withdraw a paper-based Canada visa application

If you submitted a paper application, the process is slightly different.

Here’s how to withdraw a paper-based Canadian visa application:

• Contact the visa office: You need to contact the visa office where you submitted your application.

You can do this by email, phone, or in person (if you’re able to visit the office ) – in person is the best option.

• Write the reason for withdrawing: Write a formal letter stating the reason for withdrawing your application.

Include your full name, application number, date of birth, and other necessary details.

• Submit the letter: Send the withdrawal request letter to the visa office by mail, email, or fax.

Make sure you keep a copy of the letter.

Sample of Canada visa application withdrawal letter

Here’s a withdrawal letter for a student visa application:

Dear Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada,

I am writing to request the withdrawal of my student visa application formally. After careful consideration, I have decided not to pursue my studies in Canada due to personal reasons.

Specifically, I have recently been accepted into a program at an institution in my home country, which aligns more closely with my career goals and allows me to stay closer to my family.

I appreciate your understanding and request confirmation of the withdrawal of my application at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Application Number]

Depending on the visa office, it’ll take some time for your withdrawal request to be processed.

Follow up if you don’t hear back within a reasonable time frame.

I haven’t used this offline method before, but I’ve heard from others that withdrawing a paper application is a bit slower.

How to withdraw your Canada visa application through email

Another way to withdraw your application is through email.

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I haven’t tried this method as well but, some folks say it works – you can give it a try.

Instead of using the web form or going through the VAC, you can send your withdrawal request as an email.

If you have been corresponding with IRCC via email, you can send your withdrawal request to the same email address.

Even though the email or in-person options are acceptable, submitting a withdrawal request through the IRCC web form is the best way to withdraw your Canada visa application.

While withdrawing is possible, it goes with a valid reason – have a valid reason for withdrawing your application, especially if its processing has started.

What happens upon withdrawing your Canada visa application

Once you submit a withdrawal request, you’ll get a response from IRCC.

• You should receive a confirmation (in the form of an email) from IRCC that your request has been received and the withdrawal process initiated.
• It can take a few days or even weeks for IRCC to completely process your withdrawal request.
• During this time, your application status will remain unchanged in the system.
• If your application hasn’t started processing, you’ll likely get a refund.
• If you decide to reapply after withdrawing, you can do so.
• A withdrawal won’t affect your chances of getting approval in the future.

You can read more about reapplying after a withdrawal here.

When I withdrew my application, it took a few days to complete the process.

Acceptable reasons to withdraw a Canada visa application

You can withdraw your Canada visa application if you:

• Have a life-changing event that alters your plans.
• Secure an opportunity that requires you to stay in your current location or move elsewhere.
• Have sudden financial issues that make you unable to fund your trip to Canada.
• Experience unexpected travel restrictions that affect your plans.
• Have a change in personal circumstances.
• Have health issues that make you unfit to travel.
• Or, if there is a new immigration policy that makes you ineligible to enter Canada.

Will you get a refund after withdrawing your Canada visa application?

You’ll get a refund only if your application hasn’t been processed yet. If processing has already begun, no refund will be issued.

Other fees related to your application, like fees paid for medical exams or police certificates, are paid to third parties and are non-refundable.

IRCC has made withdrawing a Canada visa application easy.

Read also: How late can I enter Canada with a student visa?

Whether your plans have changed or unforeseen circumstances have arisen, you can easily withdraw your application by filling out the IRCC web form.

Aside from the web form, you can also do it offline (by mail, or via email) depending on how you submitted your application.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, do not hesitate to contact IRCC here or check their help page here for answers.