ApplicationWithdrawn Student Visa Application – How long did your withdrawal take before IHS refund started?

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping someone has been in a similar situation and can share their experience.

I applied for a UK Student visa, but after submitting my application I realised that I had entered the wrong passport expiry date. It wasn't my passport number or any other document, just the expiry date.

I contacted UKVI and they told me that they could not amend the information after payment had been made. They advised that if I wanted to apply again, I should withdraw my application before a decision was made.

Because of this, I requested withdrawal on 26 June 2026.

My situation is:

• Visa application started but not submitted
• IHS and visa fee paid
• No biometrics attended
• No decision has been made
• CAS is still valid
• Withdrawal requested on 26 June

I later contacted UKVI again, and they replied that my case had been escalated to the relevant department on 8 July. They also told me they aim to contact me within 5 working days and asked me not to contact them again until 15 working days have passed.

My biggest problem is the IHS payment.

I cannot afford to pay the IHS and visa fee a second time while waiting for the refund. I understand that the IHS refund is automatic once the application is withdrawn, but until the withdrawal is processed, I can't submit a new visa application.

My university deadlines are getting closer, so every day of delay is becoming stressful.

Has anyone been in a similar situation?

1. How long did it take for UKVI to process your withdrawal?
2. How long after the withdrawal was confirmed did your IHS refund start or arrive?
3. Did anyone manage to get the withdrawal processed faster after it was escalated?

I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences, especially if your application was withdrawn before biometrics.

Thank you!