Have you ever been super excited about a trip (maybe you want to travel to the UK, Australia or Canada), applied for a visa, and were eagerly waiting for the approval, only to have something unexpected happen at the last minute?
Maybe your boss needed you urgently at work, a family thing came up, or your health took a sudden turn—all just when you were hoping for that visa confirmation.
It’s a frustrating and disappointing experience that many of us can relate to. If you find yourself in this situation – you applied for an Australian visa but due to a sudden change in your travel plans, you now wish to withdraw your visa application, this guide will walk you through the process.
One of the most important things you need to know about withdrawing an Australian visa application is that timing is very essential.
Once you confirm a change in your travel plans and wish to withdraw your Australian visa application, you have to do that as fast as you can.
Failing to do so may result in potential complications and impact future visa applications.
Notify the Department of Home Affairs promptly to avoid any adverse effects on your immigration record.
How to withdraw an Australian visa application
To withdraw your visa application, you need to send a withdrawal notice to the Department of Home Affairs through its online or offline channels.
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Online withdrawal through ImmiAccount
This is the easiest and most convenient way to withdraw your Australian visa application
ImmiAccount is the online portal used for visa applications. If you submitted your application online, this is a convenient way to request withdrawal.
The process is usually straightforward, and you may be required to provide reasons for the withdrawal.
How to do it
- Go to the official website: Go to the official website of the Department of Home Affairs in Australia (https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/).
- Log into ImmiAccount: If you submitted your visa application online through ImmiAccount, log in using your username and password.
- Find the application you want to withdraw: Once you are logged in, locate the visa application you wish to withdraw. This can usually be found in the ‘Applications’ or ‘Visa Applications’ section of your ImmiAccount dashboard.
- Access application details: Click on the relevant application to access its details. Look for an option or button that allows you to manage or edit the application.
- Send your withdrawal request: Within the application details, there should be an option to request withdrawal. This may be labelled as a “Withdraw Application” or similar.
- Provide the reasons for withdrawal: You will be required to provide reasons for withdrawing your application. Be honest and specific in explaining the circumstances that led to your decision to withdraw.
- Submit your withdrawal request: Once you have filled in the necessary information, submit the withdrawal request. There will be a confirmation prompt, so ensure that you review your information before finalizing the request.
- Check for confirmation: After submitting the withdrawal request, check your ImmiAccount or email for confirmation. The confirmation will acknowledge that your withdrawal request has been received and is being processed.
- Contact the Department of Home Affairs (Optional): If you have concerns or questions regarding the withdrawal process, you can contact the Department of Home Affairs through the provided contact details on their website.
- You need to monitor ImmiAccount for updates: Keep an eye on your ImmiAccount for any updates regarding the status of your application withdrawal. Once processed, the status will reflect that your application has been withdrawn.
There are other methods you can follow to withdraw your Australian visa application if you didn’t submit your application through ImmiAccount or don’t want to do it online.
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You can use Form 1446 – Withdrawal of a visa application
Form 1446 is an official form provided by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to withdraw a visa application.
You can find this form on the official website, and it typically requires basic information about the applicant and the visa type.
How to do it
Complete Form 1446, “Withdrawal of a visa application,” and submit it to the Department of Home Affairs.
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Contact the Department of Home Affairs
This is also another great way to withdraw your visa application. You can find the Home Affairs contact details on the official website.
Once you get their contact details, you can speak with a representative.
How to do it
Reach out to the Department of Home Affairs by phone or email and inform them of your intention to withdraw the visa application.
Provide the necessary details about yourself and the visa application you wish to cancel.
They will respond to you and process your request.
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In-person withdrawal at an Australian visa office
If you prefer face-to-face communication, some applicants choose to visit a Visa Office, you can do that as well.
However, before you go, make sure to check if the office accepts in-person withdrawals and whether an appointment is required.
How to do it
Visit a local Australian Visa Office in person and submit a request to withdraw your application.
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Go through a registered migration agent
If you enlist the services of a migration agent and want to withdraw your application, they can assist in handling the withdrawal process.
Communication with your migration agent is crucial to ensure the withdrawal is properly documented.
How to do it
If you used a registered migration agent for your application, inform them of your decision to withdraw, and they can guide you through the process.
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Written withdrawal request
Though less common, you can submit a formal written request for withdrawal.
Make sure that the letter is clear and concise, and provides all necessary information.
How to do it
Draft a written withdrawal request, including your personal details, application information, and reasons for withdrawal, and submit it to the Department of Home Affairs.
Your letter should include your full name, application reference number, a brief explanation for the withdrawal, and your signature.
After initiating the withdrawal process (no matter the method you use), you need to wait for a confirmation notice from the Department of Home Affairs.
This confirmation may come in the form of an email or a formal letter. They will acknowledge the receipt of your request and inform you that they have started the withdrawal process.
In this same way, they will send you a notification once the withdrawal process is complete.
Keep this documentation for your records, as it may be required for reference in the future.
Conclusion
If you have applied for an Australian visa but due to sudden unexpected issues wish to withdraw your visa application, you can use any of the methods discussed above to withdraw your application.
Read also:
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- Where can I get biometrics for an Australian visa in South Africa?
- Is it easy to get an Australian visa from Nigeria?
- How do I report someone who lied to immigration UK?
- How to get cheap flights as a student
- How to cancel Thai Airways ticket online
All you have to do is send a withdrawal request through any of the provided channels but do not forget that once you send a withdrawal request and your request is acknowledged by the immigration authorities, you cannot cancel the withdrawal request so before you send a withdrawal request, make sure you have made up your mind.