If you have submitted an immigration application to enter the UK or to continue living in the UK, you can make a request to UKVI for your application to be withdrawn at any time before a decision is made.
Understand the implications of withdrawing your visa application
It's important to know what impact making a request to withdraw your visa application will have on your immigration status. You cannot have more than one form of entry clearance or leave (permission) to remain in the UK at the same time. If you already had entry clearance or leave to remain at the time you made your current application (known as extant leave), this will either be continued or cancelled, depending on if there has been a change of circumstances since the original visa was granted. If your original visa has now expired, your entry clearance or leave to remain will no longer be active and your leave will end on the date your application is withdrawn.
Should I withdraw my application if I've made a mistake on my form?
You shouldn't rush to withdraw your application if you notice a minor error on your application form after submission. There is a big difference between what UKVI considers 'innocent mistakes' and false representations. Spelling and numerical errors are treated differently to contradictory information or failure to declare previous refusals or criminal convictions. You can read more about what to do if you make a mistake here.
How to make the request
If you are certain that you want to make a request to withdraw your application, you can do so by either:
Informing UKVI by email or post
Informing UKVI by completing the online form.
Will I receive a refund?
Whether you receive a refund and how much you are entitled to receive will depend on the timing of your request. If you have not yet attended your biometric enrolment appointment, you should receive a full refund of both the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). If you have already attended the biometrics appointment but have not received a decision, you should receive a refund of the Immigration Health Surcharge only.
I paid for the priority or super-priority service
If you paid an additional fee for the priority or super-priority processing service, you can make a separate request for a full refund of this fee only if you have not yet attended your biometrics appointment. Requests for a refund will be processed within 28 days and must be made by email to: ukvi.visa.pvspv.customerrefundrequests@homeoffice.gov.uk
Please note: If your application has been considered not straightforward and you paid for the priority or super priority service, you will not be eligible for a refund unless notification of your application being not straightforward was given after the 1 or 5 working day period ended.
Will my request be automatically accepted by UKVI?
Every request to withdraw a visa application will be decided on a case-by-case basis. UKVI will normally withdraw your application unless when it has reason to suspect that deception is involved and the reason the withdrawal request has been made is to avoid adverse immigration or legal consequences.
Can UKVI withdraw my application unilaterally?
Your application will be considered as withdrawn, without prior notification, if you have applied from within the UK and subsequently leave the Common Travel Area (CTA) before a decision is made on your application. You can read more about the impact of leaving the UK/CTA whilst an application is pending here.