FLR Visa: Essential Application Steps & Requirements for 2025

Is there a FLR Visa?

FLR stands for Further Leave to Remain. FLR is not a visa type but rather a form that non-British nationals use to apply to extend an existing visa or switch to a different visa category within the UK. It is commonly used by individuals already in the UK and who want to extend their stay under their current visa, such as family, private life, or as a partner or parent.

Suppose your visa is approaching expiry, and you wish to continue living in the UK for a specified period. In that case, you may need to submit an FLR application form depending on your application category. The length of this extension depends on your visa type. For example, if you are on a Spouse visa, an FLR(M) application could grant you an additional 2.5 years in the UK.

Changes to the FLR Form Process

The application process for Further Leave to Remain has undergone a significant digital shift in recent years. The UK Home Office has transitioned most FLR applications to an online application platform via the gov.uk website, simplifying the procedure for applicants. Individuals applying for FLR(M), FLR(FP), FLR(IR), and other FLR categories now usually complete their applications online, including fee payments and scheduling biometric appointments through the online portal.

However, not all FLR applications have transitioned entirely online. Certain forms are available in a paper-based format. For example, the FLR(P) form (for applying for permission to stay in the UK as a child of a non-parent relative with protection status) is still a paper form.

Applicants should generally expect to apply online and always refer to the official UK government website to ensure they follow the most current and appropriate process for their situation.

Types of FLR Applications

There are several types of FLR (Further Leave to Remain) forms, and the available routes and forms can change due to Home Office updates and changes in UK immigration laws. Each form is specifically designed to address particular needs and situations. Commonly used categories include FLR(M) for family visa extensions, FLR(FP) for family or private life extensions, FLR(HRO) for human rights or leave outside the rules application and FLR(IR) for other visa extensions.

General Immigration Routes

• FLR(IR): For other routes under the Immigration Rules that do not fit into specific categories. For example:
  • Standard Visitor visa
  • Business Visitor visa
  • UK Ancestry visa
  • Parent of a Child's Student visa
  • Representative of an Overseas Business

Family and Private Life

• FLR(FP): For family life as a partner, parent, or dependent child, or based on private life in the UK. For example, this includes family life as a partner and parent and private life in the UK (10-year route).
• FLR(M): For partners or dependent children of someone settled in the UK, a refugee, or under humanitarian protection.

Human Rights and Exceptional Circumstances

• FLR(HRO): For human rights claims, leave outside the rules and other routes not covered by other forms.

Long Residence

• FLR(LR): For individuals who have lawfully lived in the UK for at least 10 continuous years.

Stateless Persons

• FLR(S): For individuals applying for leave to remain as a stateless person.

Discretionary Leave

• FLR(DL): For those refused asylum but granted discretionary leave to remain.

Children with Protection Needs

• FLR(P): For children under 18 with a relative (not a parent) with protection status in the UK.

Specific Employment/Service Categories

• FLR(AF): For members of HM Forces or their dependents.

Differences Between FLR Visa Routes

At QC Immigration, we handle various Further Leave to Remain applications. The most common routes we process include FLR(M), FLR(FP), and FLR(LR). Each route has its own requirements and complexities, with individual cases often varying widely. The table below provides a high-level overview of the key differences between these FLR visa routes.

Documentation & FLR Eligibility Criteria

When applying for Further Leave to Remain in the UK, the eligibility criteria and required documentation vary depending on the FLR category. You must provide evidence that you continue to meet the same eligibility criteria as when you initially received your visa, including proof of your relationship to a British sponsor (if applicable), financial requirements, accommodation standards, English language proficiency, and the sponsor's eligibility, among others.

Standard requirements exist across many FLR applications and are unique considerations for particular routes. Below is a breakdown of the documentation and eligibility criteria for some of the most common FLR applications:

General Requirements Across FLR Applications

Applicants across various FLR categories generally need to provide:

• Valid Passport: Including copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps.
• Proof of Identity: Such as a full birth certificate.
• Evidence of Residence in the UK: Documents like tenancy agreements, utility bills, or council tax statements.
• Financial Evidence: Bank statements, payslips, or other proof of meeting the income threshold, if applicable.
• English Language Proficiency: Proof of meeting the required level through an approved test or educational qualifications.
• Criminal Record Details: Disclosure of any convictions, if relevant.

FLR(M) – Partner or Dependent Child of a Settled Person

For applicants extending their stay as the partner or dependent child of a British citizen or a partner with settled status:

Eligibility Criteria (non-exhaustive):

• Demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship with a British citizen or settled person.
• Evidence of cohabitation at the same address through documentation such as joint tenancy agreements, utility bills, or official correspondence addressed to both partners.
• Children applying under FLR(M) must meet specific age, dependency, and living arrangements criteria.
• Meet financial and accommodation requirements.
• Satisfy English language proficiency standards.

FLR(FP) – Family and Private Life Applications

Eligibility Criteria (non-exhaustive):

• Demonstrate a genuine relationship with a partner or child residing in the UK.
• Show significant private life established in the UK, making relocating challenging.

FLR(LR) – Long Residence

For those applying based on long residence (10 years or more of lawful residence in the UK):

Eligibility Criteria (non-exhaustive):

• Demonstrate continuous lawful residence in the UK for at least 10 years.
• Any gaps in residency or breaches of immigration conditions must be explained and justified.

Application Fees

The standard application fee for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) is £1,258. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), currently £1,035 per year.

Processing Times

Processing times for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) applications vary depending on the application type:

• FLR(M) (Family and Partner Route): Typically processed within 8 weeks.
• FLR(FP) (Family and Private Life Route): Processing times can be significantly longer, extending up to 12 months, particularly for private life applications.

Faster Visa Processing

For faster processing, you can choose where available:

• Priority Service: An additional £500 (decision within 5 working days).
• Super Priority Service: An additional £1,000 (decision by the next working day).

When to Apply for FLR

You can apply for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) up to 28 days before your current visa or limited leave to remain expires. An earlier application might be possible, but you should consider accumulating sufficient periods of residence to support a future Indefinite Leave to Remain application. Applying before your leave expires is essential to maintain your legal status in the UK.

If you do not apply on time, you will be considered an overstayer, which is a breach of UK immigration laws. Depending on the circumstances of your departure, overstaying can lead to removal from the UK and may result in a re-entry ban.

There is a limited 14-day grace period under certain exceptional circumstances. If you apply within 14 days after your visa expires, you must provide a valid reason for the delay, such as a medical emergency or bereavement. General forgetfulness or being busy are not accepted as valid reasons.

You are responsible for tracking your visa expiry date, as the Home Office does not provide reminders.

Application Process for FLR Visa

FLR applications are typically completed online, and the Home Office permits you to save your progress for later completion if needed. If applicable, your family members may apply on the same application; however, each application will be evaluated separately.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Ensure you meet the specific requirements for the FLR category you are applying under, whether FLR(M) for partners and dependents or FLR(FP) for family or private life considerations.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

• Visit the official UK government website and select the correct FLR application form (e.g., FLR(M), FLR(FP)).
• Enter personal information, including your name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details.
• Provide detailed information about your immigration history, current visa status, and the basis of your FLR application.

Step 3: Pay the Required Fees

• Pay the FLR application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online.
• The fee amount depends on your specific FLR category.

Step 4: Book a Biometric Appointment

• Schedule an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre, unless you qualify for biometric enrolment via the IDV app.
• At the appointment, you must provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo).

Step 5: Gather and Submit Supporting Documents

• Collect all required documents, including:
  • Proof of relationship (with Sponsor, Dependents or relevant parties)
  • Financial evidence (e.g., payslips, bank statements)
  • Proof of accommodation in the UK
  • Any other documents relevant to your specific FLR route
• Upload your documents online through the UKVCAS portal.

Step 6: Attend Your Biometric Appointment

• Attend your scheduled UKVCAS appointment to provide biometric data and submit any original documents if required.

Step 7: Submit Your Application and Wait for a Decision

• Once your application and biometrics are complete, the Home Office will process your application.
• Standard processing times vary, but it typically takes up to 8 weeks unless you opt for a priority service.
• If your application is approved, you will receive a decision by email or post, including details of your biometric residence permit (BRP).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The Home Office does not send reminders when your visa is due to expire. Failing to apply before your current leave expires can lead to complications. Stay organised, track key dates, and prepare well in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Below are some common mistakes people make when applying for an FLR visa themselves:

Applying for the Wrong FLR Category:
While online applications reduce the risk of selecting the wrong form, it is still important to ensure you choose the correct FLR category, such as FLR(M), FLR(FP), or FLR(LR), that matches your circumstances.

Financial Misrepresentations:
Errors in income reporting, such as overstating or misinterpreting financial requirements, can cause problems with your application. Ensure that your financial documents are accurate and consistent with the information you provided in your application.

Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation:
Missing or incorrect documents can significantly reduce your chances of approval. Double-check that all required documents are included and meet Home Office standards.

Inconsistencies Between Application and Supporting Documents:
Discrepancies between your application form and the provided documents can appear as an attempt to mislead. Consistency is crucial to avoid unnecessary scrutiny.

Lack of Proper Preparation:
Preparation involves more than gathering documents. It includes understanding eligibility criteria, ensuring up-to-date evidence, and presenting a well-structured application.

Duration and Conditions of FLR

An FLR visa is temporary. It typically grants permission to remain in the UK for around 2.5 years (30 months), but this can vary depending on the visa route.

FLR holders must be able to maintain and accommodate themselves without accessing public funds. Work permissions vary depending on the applicant’s previous visa type, which may affect allowable work hours and permitted paid engagements.

To maintain lawful status, applicants must submit their FLR application before their current leave expires.

Transitioning from FLR to ILR

If you wish to secure permanent lawful status in the UK, you can transition from Further Leave to Remain (FLR) to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). ILR grants permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in the UK without time restrictions, and is often a prerequisite for applying for British citizenship.

Eligibility Timeline:

• Standard Route: Many FLR holders can apply for ILR after 5 years of continuous residency in the UK.
• FLR(FP) Route: Those on the FLR(FP) route generally require 10 years of residency before becoming eligible for ILR.

Time spent in the UK on an FLR visa counts toward the required continuous residency period on your route. If you switch routes, beware of restrictions on combining time spent on different Visa categories, as specific routes may not allow this. For example, you cannot count time spent on the 10-year route towards a 5-year route towards ILR, while you may, in some circumstances, include time spent on a 5-year route towards ILR based on a 10-year route. To apply for ILR, you must demonstrate adherence to all immigration rules throughout your stay in the UK. Any breaches may affect your eligibility.

Example Scenario:

For a spouse visa holder, the typical path to ILR involves an initial grant of 2 years and 9 months (or 2.5 years if already in the UK), followed by a successful FLR application. After completing 5 years of continuous residency, you may then qualify to apply for ILR.

Differences Between FLR and ILR

Get Legal Assistance with an FLR Application

Submitting an FLR application can be complex, especially with constantly changing UK immigration rules and the need to understand the eligibility and documentation requirements for the correct FLR application form. Whether you aim to extend your stay in the UK or plan for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), our team of expert UK immigration lawyers is here to help.

We provide reliable, impartial immigration advice tailored to your specific circumstances. From choosing the right visa category to preparing a thorough and accurate application, we offer comprehensive support every step of the way.

With our legal representation, you can confidently approach the FLR application process, avoiding common mistakes and reducing the risk of delays or rejections.

Contact us today to ensure your continued stay in the UK is secure and your immigration journey is as smooth as possible.