Applying for an educational credential assessment is a crucial step for many individuals planning to immigrate, pursue higher education, or obtain professional licensure in another country. However, life circumstances can change. You might realize you’ve submitted your application to the wrong organization, selected the wrong type of report, or decided to delay your plans altogether. In such cases, the natural question arises: Can you cancel your application?
The answer largely depends on the stage of your application, the policies of the evaluation authority, and whether your documents have already been reviewed. In this extensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about cancelling an academic credential assessment application — from eligibility and timelines to refunds, procedures, and alternatives.
Why Someone Might Consider Cancelling Their Application
Before diving into the cancellation process, let’s explore common reasons people request to withdraw their application:
-
Change of Plans: Career paths, immigration timelines, or academic goals might shift.
-
Duplicate Applications: Applicants may mistakenly submit more than one request.
-
Wrong Report Type Selected: Realizing the chosen report (e.g., general vs. detailed) does not meet institutional or immigration requirements.
-
Submitted to the Wrong Organization: Different institutions may only recognize evaluations from specific credential agencies.
-
Unforeseen Delays: Personal or financial setbacks may require postponing the entire process.
-
New Education Pathways: Some individuals switch to programs or destinations that do not require credential evaluation at all.
Is Cancellation Allowed?
Whether or not you can cancel your application depends on the specific stage your application is in and the internal policy of the evaluation body. Here are general guidelines:
-
Before Evaluation Begins: Cancellation is often possible if your documents haven’t yet entered the review process.
-
After Evaluation Starts: Most organizations will not allow cancellation or refunds once evaluators have begun processing your documents.
-
If Documents Are Already Processed: If even one credential has been reviewed or verified, your application may be considered ineligible for cancellation.
-
If the File is Complete and Report Issued: Cancellation is not permitted at this stage. You may still request updates or additional services but cannot reverse the process.
What Happens When You Cancel?
If your cancellation request is approved, the organization will typically do the following:
-
Cease All Further Processing: Your file will be archived or marked as inactive.
-
Refund Eligible Amounts: If you’re within the refund window, you may receive a partial refund (excluding non-refundable administrative or processing fees).
-
Discard or Return Documents: Depending on the service terms, your original documents may be returned or securely destroyed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cancelling Your Application
Step 1: Log In to Your Account
Access the online portal or dashboard through which you submitted your application. Locate the section that shows your file status.
Step 2: Check Application Status
Note whether your file has begun evaluation. This is key in determining your cancellation eligibility.
Step 3: Look for a Cancel or Withdraw Option
Many platforms offer a cancel button or a formal withdrawal request form. If not visible, navigate to the help or contact section.
Step 4: Submit a Written Request
If no direct option is available, submit a written cancellation request via email or support ticket. Be sure to include:
-
Your full name
-
Reference or file number
-
Reason for cancellation
-
Request for refund (if applicable)
Step 5: Await Confirmation
Once submitted, allow time for the organization to respond. Processing times vary, and you may be contacted for clarification.
Step 6: Follow Up
If no response is received within the expected timeframe, follow up with their support team. Keep records of all correspondence for your reference.
Refund Policy: What You Should Know
Refunds are usually not guaranteed, and most organizations retain an administrative fee even if cancellation is allowed. Below are common refund scenarios:
-
Full Refund: Rarely granted unless cancellation is requested almost immediately after submission and no work has begun.
-
Partial Refund: Offered if only preliminary administrative work was completed.
-
No Refund: Common when evaluation work is already in progress or completed.
Always review the refund and cancellation policy before initiating your application.
Alternatives to Cancelling
If cancellation isn’t permitted or if you want to retain your investment, consider the following alternatives:
-
Hold the Application: Some agencies allow you to pause or place your application on hold for a specific period.
-
Update Report Type: Rather than cancelling, upgrade or change the type of report to better match your goals.
-
Transfer Evaluation Report: Send your existing report to new institutions or organizations instead of starting over.
-
Change Delivery Address or Method: Modify shipping or delivery preferences to suit a new timeline or recipient.
Important Points to Keep in Mind
-
Administrative and courier fees are usually non-refundable.
-
Digital service fees, if used, may not be credited back.
-
Refunds can take several weeks to process.
-
Your file may remain on record even after cancellation for auditing or compliance reasons.
Our Services – FACTS Transcripts
We at FACTS Transcripts assist in various services, including:
- Mark Sheet Transcripts
- E-Transcripts
- Duplicate Mark Sheets & Degree Certificates
- Medium of Instructions Certificates
- Attestations
- HRD Attestation / Apostille Services
- ECA (Educational Credentials Assessment)
Trusted by leading global verification organizations, including WES, IQAS, PEBC, NDEB, NASBA, CAPR, NZQA, ICAS, NCESS, ICES, ECE, eduPASS, ACEI, GCEUS, Comparative Education Services, NNAS, NCA, SAQA, QMAS, FORAC, Australian Pharmacy Council, and more.
FACTS Transcripts – The preferred choice for university document verification worldwide. We ensure a hassle-free process for obtaining your transcripts.
