How to Request a Refund for Your UK Visa Application

Most UK visa applications require payment of a fee before submission. However, in certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a refund of your visa or immigration application fee. This article explains when you can request a refund, how to apply for it, and what limitations apply.

(Please note: this article does not cover refunds for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is subject to a separate process.)

General Rules for Refunds

Under Paragraph 13D of the Immigration and Nationality (Fees) Regulations 2018 (as amended), the Secretary of State has the discretion to refund any fee, or part of a fee, paid under these Regulations.

However, if your application was valid and has been considered by the Home Office, whether granted or refused, you will not normally receive a refund. In other words, once a decision has been made on a valid application, the fee is non-refundable.

When a Refund May Be Issued

You may be entitled to a refund in the following situations:

1. Fee-Exempt Applications

Some immigration routes are legally exempt from application fees. These include asylum applications, applications based on Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession, and applications made by children under local authority care. If a fee was paid for any of these routes, the Home Office must refund it.

2. Invalid Applications

If your application is rejected as invalid, for example, because mandatory information was missing or the wrong fee was paid,  it will not be considered. In these cases, the Home Office refunds the fee, minus a £28 administrative charge.

3. Void or Inappropriate Applications

If an application could never be considered or becomes void during processing, a full refund will normally be issued. This may happen when:

• You applied for limited permission to stay, but already have indefinite leave to remain;

• You applied for entry clearance despite being exempt (for example, a diplomat or member of the armed forces); or

• The applicant has died and the Home Office is notified before a decision is made.

  
  

4. Withdrawn Applications

If you withdraw your application before providing your biometrics or uploading your documents, you will usually be entitled to a refund. Once these steps are completed, however, the refund is unlikely unless another qualifying reason applies.

5. Premium Service Delays

If you paid for a Priority or Super Priority service and the Home Office fails to meet the published processing time, you may be eligible for a refund of the additional premium fee. Refunds are typically issued automatically if the failure is due to the Home Office’s error or a technical problem, but not if the delay is because the applicant failed to provide all necessary information on time or the application is not straightforward.

How to Request a UK Visa Refund

The refund process depends on the stage your application has reached:

• Before biometrics or document upload:

  Log in to your UKVI account and select the option to withdraw your application. Refunds are normally issued automatically to the original payment method.

  
  

• After biometrics or document upload:

  If your application is later found to be invalid or void, the Home Office should issue the refund automatically. However, it may still be advisable to contact UKVI directly to request it.

  
  

• To withdraw as a representative or family member:

  If you are acting on behalf of someone who has passed away or cannot manage their affairs, you can contact UKVI to withdraw the application and request a refund on their behalf.

  
  

Refunds typically take up to 28 days to be processed, although delays are common.

When Refunds Are Not Available

You will not receive a refund if your application has been validly decided, whether approved or refused. The same applies if you decide not to travel after receiving a visa.

Refunds are also not automatically issued for the Immigration Health Surcharge, which must be claimed separately.

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We can assist you in contacting UKVI to request your refund or follow up on a pending refund. Contact us today to find out more.

Understanding the UK Visa Refund process helps applicants know their rights and avoid unnecessary delays when seeking reimbursement for withdrawn, duplicate, or unprocessed applications.