Can I withdraw my Canada visa application and reapply?

The first time I applied for a Canadian visa, I considered withdrawing my application after submitting it.

This was because I noticed it would be rejected

I made a mistake in the application and only saw it after submitting it.

Well, I didn’t withdraw it at the end of the day, so they rejected it, and I had to apply again after a while.

Read also: What happens if I don’t use my Schengen visa?

Many reasons can make you want to withdraw your application. On top of my head, I can say change of plan.

Sometimes, our plans change after applying for a visa, making it impossible for us to continue our planned trip.

I have had my fair share of this – I applied for a visa and after getting a request to submit my biometrics, I had a family emergency that ensured my trip wasn’t going to happen.

In situations like this, withdrawing your visa application with the hope of reapplying later looks like the next best thing to do.

And, if you’re considering withdrawing your application for any reason, here’s your option.

Can I withdraw my student visa application to Canada?

Of course, you can withdraw your Canada student visa application. If you decide not to continue with your application or if your circumstances change, you can withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Can I withdraw my Canada visa application and reapply?

Yes, you can withdraw your Canada visa application and reapply. Withdrawing your application does not prevent you from applying for the same visa or another visa type in the future.

A withdrawal is just a request to stop the processing of your current visa, it does not mean you won’t apply again in the future.

Withdrawing your application does not negatively affect your ability to reapply. You can submit a new application when you are ready.

You can apply for the same visa again in the future or even another visa type.

Read also: What happens if you stay in the UK after your visa expires?

In addition, there is no limit to the number of Canada visa applications you can withdraw.

You can withdraw as many applications as possible as long as you have a valid reason to do so.

What does it mean when your application is withdrawn?

When your application is withdrawn, it means that your request to stop its processing has been received and approved by the immigration authorities.

The application will not be considered for further action.

Read also: How do I know if my Canadian visa is approved

The immigration authorities have stopped working on it.

Here’s what it means:

• Processing of the application has stopped: Upon receiving a withdrawal request from you, the immigration authorities will cease the processing of your application immediately, and no further action will be taken on it.
• No decision will be issued: Since the application is withdrawn, no approval or rejection decision will be made.
• Record of withdrawal: The withdrawal is recorded in your immigration file.

This record will not in any way affect your chances of applying for another or the same visa in the future but it will serve as an administrative note that you chose to stop the processing voluntarily.

What happens if I withdraw my visa application?

If you withdraw your visa application, it will not be processed any further, and no decision will be made on it.

Then:

• You’ll receive a confirmation: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send you a notification (usually an email) confirming the withdrawal of your application.
• Return of documents: Your documents and passport (which you submitted along with your application) will be returned to you by the authorities.
• No refunds: Most visa application fees are non-refundable. If you withdraw your application, you likely won’t get your money back. The money you paid as service fees, biometric fees, or other related costs won’t come back especially if the authorities have started processing your application.

Read also: How do I anonymously report someone to immigration in Australia?

If I withdraw my Canada visa application do I get a refund?

If you withdraw your Canada visa application, you’ll not get a refund for the application fees. Canada visa application fees and other fees paid during your visa application process are non-refundable, even if you decide to withdraw your application before a decision is made.

However, there are a few exceptions:

• If IRCC hasn’t started processing your application: In some cases, if Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) hasn’t started processing your application yet, you’ll be eligible for a refund.

This is rare and depends on the specific circumstances of your application.

• Refund for overpayment or certain fees: You’ll get a refund for overpayments or other fees like the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), but this is separate from the main application fee.

When withdrawing your application, your focus shouldn’t be on getting a refund because that’s unlikely to happen.

What to expect when you apply again after withdrawing your application

After withdrawing your application, when you reapply, you’ll start the application process from the beginning.

This means

• Filling out the application form again
• Submitting the required documents
• And, paying the necessary fees.

Unfortunately, any fee you paid for the original application is gone – they’re non-refundable.

When you reapply, you’ll pay all the fees again, from the application fee to the biometrics fee, and any service charges.

The only change here is that you can use the opportunity to correct any mistakes or omissions in your original application.

Read also: What happens when you get deported back to your country?

If your circumstances have changed, you can now update your information.

Generally, withdrawing a Canada visa application before a decision is made does not negatively affect your chances of approval when you reapply.

Immigration authorities understand that circumstances change and that applicants can decide to withdraw an application and resubmit it.

However, your new application has to be error-free to avoid rejection.

Read also: What happens after my visa is approved?

If your initial withdrawal raised any concerns or red flags, address them in your new application.

For example, if you withdrew because you didn’t have enough supporting documents, make your reapplication thorough and complete.