Questions about Cancellation of FLR (M) to reapply

Hi all,

I made a terrible error on the FLR(M) application we submitted last night (16 June 2020). I omitted my middle name on accident, so it is all just FirstName Surname. My passport and BRP show FirstName MiddleName Surname. I spoke with someone at the UKVI support line (I know they're generally unreliable but my husband insisted I call) and was advised to just include a covering letter. I have done this for the time being and uploaded it to Sopra Steria, but I remained unconvinced this is enough.

I cannot help but still be worried. If I have to wait months just to be refused for this inadvertent mistake, I will be in constant panic attack mode. So, I have a few questions for anyone who has cancelled their application.

If, for my own sanity, we decide to cancel the application (no biometrics booked or attended yet):

- Can we immediately reapply? I want to reapply immediately with the same documents.
- Will we lose the visa fee and the IHS surcharge? Or can it be refunded to us? https://www.gov.uk/cancel-visa <- here, 'applying in the UK' seems to indicate we can get our visa fee back at least. I realise we will need to pay both fees again and am OK to do that, but really hope we can get the initial application fees back.
- Will this affect my current right to live and work here? My visa expires 27/09/20.
- Will this affect any future applications? Do I need to state somewhere on FLR(M) or ILR that I have previously withdrawn an application?

I really appreciate anyone's knowledge on this topic. I spent hours searching today and didn't come up with much.

Better yet - if someone can allay my fears that this is not as big of a deal as I am assuming it will be, that is appreciated too.. I was concerned over lack of firsthand accounts of this kind - my husband keeps telling me it's not a big deal... 

xx

Take a deep breath, and don't panic. This is not an issue at all.

Just do what UKVI said and include a covering letter explaining the mistake.

You can also mention it at the biometrics appointment when you have one - they may be able to change or note something in their system for you.

  Thank you, thank you, thank you, as always. I cannot explain the sheer terror and panic I experienced last night after we submitted and I was reviewing my submitted application. My husband and I even stepped through it line by line!

I felt like such a fool. I will definitely mention it at the biometrics appointment and will ensure my covering letter is clear and concise. It was honestly just a mistake on my end - I never use my middle name, but because it was on my birth certificate my passport has it!

I doubt it will be a problem, especially if you have included it in a cover letter.

In the past, when the application was printed out, you could just correct any mistakes in pen, so it really shouldn't be a problem. It's just annoying that it's all done electronically now, so you can't easily correct it.