Cancel an application and get your documents back

Use this service to:

  • cancel an application to the Home Office
  • ask for your passport or other documents be returned

You can only use this service if you applied in the UK. If you applied from outside the UK, contact the visa application centre you applied to.

You can only get your documents returned to a UK address.

Before you start

You will need:

  • details of the documents (holder’s name, nationality and date of birth)

  • a reference number from the application (payment reference, courier number, case ID, unique application number or Home Office reference number)

  • the date the application was submitted

  • the main applicant’s details

If you do not do anything for 20 minutes, your answers will not be saved. Your answers are only saved when you submit the form.

How long it takes to get your documents back

If you are eligible to have your documents returned, you will normally receive them within 10 working days.

Who can use this service

You can use this service if:

  • you want to cancel an outstanding application with the Home Office and leave the UK

  • you are a British or settled sponsor and you need your documents back

  • you are a British national (overseas) applicant with valid permission to stay (leave to remain) but want to cancel your application and reapply using a different process

When you cannot get your documents back

If you need your documents back to travel, you must withdraw your application.

If you are not withdrawing your application, you can only get your documents back to prove your identity.

The Home Office only return documents to addresses linked with the application in their records. You may need to tell them if you have changed address.

The Home Office can refuse to return your documents if:

  • your application has been refused

  • you are being criminally prosecuted

We will reset your application if you do not complete the page and press continue in 5 minutes.

We do this to keep your information secure.

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