Skip to Content

Cancelling an application

You may cancel your application at any time during the asylum seeking process. If you cancel your application, we will stop processing it and make a decision on the expiry of your application. You cannot appeal the expiry decision to an Administrative Court.

Follow these instructions:

  • You may cancel your application by giving us a written notification. You can write it in your native language.
  • You must personally give the notification to an official of the Finnish Immigration Service, the police, the border authorities, or the director or the deputy director of a reception centre.
  • Your notification must clearly and explicitly state that you are cancelling your asylum application. Date and sign the notification.
  • This is what happens when you hand over your notification:
    • The public officials will ask two competent witnesses to be present. The witnesses may be officials of the Finnish Immigration Service, border control authorities or police authorities.
    • The public officials will ask you to state your opinion on your potential removal from Finland and prohibition of entry.

When the Finnish Immigration Service makes a decision on the expiry of your application, we may at the same time decide on your removal from the country and impose a prohibition of entry. We will only decide on your removal from the country and impose a prohibition of entry if this is required by law.

After you have received an expiry decision, you may apply for assisted voluntary return to your home country.