Hi, here is my personal experience, hope it helps.
My application was returned on March. But CIC had attached 2 papers, one was telling me what documents they wanted from me,
and the second one was giving me 2 options. the first options is attached the documents they required and then send everything back to continue processing. The other option is withdraw the application (you still need to send this paper back to get refund). So basically, I don't think it will be a new applicant during this case. But I "guess" if I didn't reply them within certain days, then I might have to send a brand new one.