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Getting my fee back after cancelling my application

Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 8:18 pm
by idanD
Hi all,

I've made a naturalisation application earlier this week, and now realised that unfortunately I have to cancel if, for two reasons:
1. Even though I have Settled Status, I chose the Residence Card path
2. My English test has expired, so I need to take a new one

According to this page,
You can cancel your application online and your fee will be refunded if you have not yet given your fingerprints and photo.
So I started filling the cancellation form in this address, but right before submitting came across the following declaration:
I understand that:
  • if I withdraw an application, the fee will not be refunded;
  • if I am the main applicant (or main applicant’s legal representative) and I withdraw my application, this will also withdraw the applications for my dependants;
  • if I am not the main applicant (or am the legal representative of another applicant) and I withdraw my application this will only withdraw my application and I will only receive documents which I am named on;
  • if I have stated that I am a legal representative, this has previously been confirmed to the Home Office in the form of an authority signed by my client;
  • if I ask for documents back, the application may take longer to process;
  • if I am the main applicant or another applicant and I am subject to immigration control (i.e. not settled or an EEA national or the family member of an EEA national) and I have requested my travel document for identity purposes I understand that if I use those documents to travel outside the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man my application may be refused, voided or withdrawn and the fee will not be refunded. I may also be unable to re-enter the UK;
  • if I am a legal representative and my client is the main applicant or another applicant who is subject to immigration control (i.e. not settled or an EEA national or the family member of an EEA national) and I have requested my client’s travel document for identity purposes I understand that if my client uses those documents to travel outside the UK, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man their application may be refused, voided or withdrawn and the fee will not be refunded. They may also be unable to re-enter the UK
As you'll notice, the first bullet point claims quite the opposite of what was claimed beforehand.

Does anyone here have experience with this sort of cancellation, and maybe can shed some light on the supposed discrepancy?

Many thanks!

Re: Getting my fee back after cancelling my application

Posted: Sun May 09, 2021 9:42 pm
by CULLINAN
As long you have not submitted your biometrics, fee will be refunded in due course. If you already submitted biometrics, fee will not be refunded.

Re: Getting my fee back after cancelling my application

Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 1:50 pm
by idanD
Okay, thanks for clarifying.

Do you know why this is how they worded the declaration, then?

Re: Getting my fee back after cancelling my application

Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 2:33 pm
by alterhase58
I think this is referring to withdrawing an application that is being processed, i.e. after the biometrics have been done, in that case you only get a refund of £80 for the ceremony fee, the rest is lost.

Re: Getting my fee back after cancelling my application

Posted: Mon May 10, 2021 4:45 pm
by idanD
Thanks alterhase.
Hope that's the case, and that they won't decide they're too fond of my money to give it back.