What Is an FLR Visa?
Further Leave to Remain, commonly shortened to FLR, is used when an eligible person already in the UK needs further permission to stay. It can apply to family and private life cases, long residence, human rights applications, discretionary leave, Armed Forces cases and certain other immigration categories.
An FLR visa is not one standalone immigration route. The correct application, requirements and length of permission depend on the legal basis on which you are asking to remain. Axis Solicitors can assess your current immigration position and explain which Further Leave to Remain application may apply before you submit your case.
How to Apply for Further Leave to Remain?
A Further Leave to Remain application is normally made from inside the UK. Before applying, you should identify the immigration route that applies to your circumstances rather than selecting an FLR form simply because your current permission is approaching its expiry date.
The main stages usually involve:
- Check your route: Confirm whether you need FLR(M), FLR(FP), FLR(IR) or another appropriate application.
- Prepare your evidence: Gather documents supporting your identity, immigration history and route-specific requirements.
- Submit your application: Complete the correct online form, pay the applicable charges and provide your supporting documents.
- Complete identity checks: Follow UKVI instructions to verify your identity through the relevant digital process or biometric appointment.
Your application should reflect your circumstances on the date of submission. Axis Solicitors can provide Further Leave to Remain legal advice on the correct route, evidence and timing before your application is made.
Could Further Leave to Remain Apply to You?
Further Leave to Remain UK applications cover a range of circumstances. You may need to consider an FLR application if you are already in the UK and:
- You are continuing or changing your permission under spouse visa or partner visa.
- You are applying on the basis of your relationship with a child or parent in the UK.
- Your application is based on family life or private life.
- You have human rights grounds that are not covered by another specified form.
- You already hold qualifying Discretionary Leave and need further permission.
- You qualify under the Long Residence route but are not yet able to obtain settlement.
- You are an eligible member of HM Armed Forces or a qualifying dependant.
- You fall within another Immigration Rules category that uses an FLR form.
Not every UK visa extension is made using an FLR-labelled form. Work, study and other immigration routes can have their own application processes. For a broader breakdown of the evidence and eligibility involved, see our FLR visa requirements guide.
Which FLR Application Matches Your Circumstances?
The form you use depends on why you are seeking further permission to remain in the UK. Three of the most commonly encountered FLR forms are FLR(M), FLR(FP) and FLR(IR).
FLR(M)
FLR(M) is mainly used by eligible partners and certain dependent children applying under the family route. It may apply when extending permission as a spouse, civil partner or qualifying unmarried partner, provided the relevant Appendix FM requirements are met.
If you are specifically extending a partner route, see our dedicated spouse visa extension guidance for the detailed relationship, financial and English language requirements.
FLR(FP)
FLR(FP) is used for specified family life and private life applications. This can include applications as a partner or parent in circumstances covered by the relevant family rules, qualifying dependent children and people relying on the Private Life route.
These applications can involve different requirements from a standard FLR(M) partner extension and should be assessed according to the particular family or private life basis being relied upon.
FLR(IR)
FLR(IR) covers certain applications made under the Immigration Rules where the route uses this specified form. Examples can include UK Ancestry, Parent of a Child Student and certain older or specialist immigration categories.
The requirements come from the underlying route. FLR(IR) should therefore not be treated as a general form for anyone who simply wants to remain in the UK for longer.
What If Your Circumstances Have Changed?
The route you originally entered or remained in the UK under may not always be the correct route for your next application. Changes in your personal or immigration circumstances should be considered before applying.
- Your relationship with a spouse or partner may have changed or ended.
- You may now have a qualifying parental relationship with a child in the UK.
- Your family, private life or human rights circumstances may have changed.
- Your current immigration category may allow a switch to another route.
- You may now meet the qualifying period for long residence or settlement.
A change in circumstances can change the correct application. Check whether you need an extension, a switch, settlement or another form of permission before submitting your case.
Comparing the Main FLR Application Forms
Further Leave to Remain is an umbrella term covering several forms and legal routes. The appropriate form depends on the basis of your application.
No. | FLR Type | Purpose | Settlement Route |
01 | FLR(M) | Partner and certain qualifying dependent child applications under the family route | May lead to settlement on a qualifying family route |
02 | FLR(FP) | Specified family life and private life applications | May lead to settlement depending on the applicable family or private life route |
03 | FLR(IR) | Certain other applications under the Immigration Rules | Depends on the underlying immigration category |
04 | FLR(HRO) | Human rights claims, leave outside the Rules and specified cases not covered by another form | Depends on the legal basis and permission granted |
05 | FLR(DL) | Further permission or settlement in qualifying Discretionary Leave cases | May lead to settlement where the applicable requirements are met |
06 | FLR(LR) | Permission to stay on the basis of qualifying long lawful residence | Can lead to ILR where Long Residence settlement requirements are met |
07 | FLR(AF) | Eligible HM Armed Forces members and qualifying family members | May lead to settlement where the relevant Armed Forces requirements are met |
UKVI also uses specialist application forms for some other immigration circumstances. The correct specified form should therefore always be checked against the current Immigration Rules and Home Office guidance before submission.
FLR Visa Fees and Total Costs
FLR visa fees depend on the application route. There is no single total cost that applies to every Further Leave to Remain application.
Item | Current Fee / Position |
Application fee | Many in-country leave-to-remain and family applications currently cost £1,407 per applicant. Different charges apply to some routes, including certain visitor extensions and specialist categories. |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Normally £1,035 per year for most adults and £776 per year for applicants under 18 and certain other categories. The amount depends on the duration and type of permission. |
Biometrics | There is normally no separate Home Office charge for providing fingerprints and a photograph. Optional appointment or commercial services may carry additional costs. |
Priority service | £500 in addition to the application fee where the particular application and identity method are eligible. It is not offered for every FLR route. |
Super Priority service | £1,000 in addition to the application fee where available. Eligibility depends on the route and how the applicant verifies their identity. |
Some family, private life, human rights and qualifying discretionary leave applicants who cannot afford the required charges may be eligible to request a UK visa fee waiver. A fee waiver must be considered separately from the substantive immigration requirements
Home Office charges and service availability can change. Check the current Home Office fee schedule for your route immediately before submitting your application.
Example: 30-Month Adult FLR(M) Government Charges
Typical adult FLR(M) extension for 30 months | Amount |
Application fee | £1,407 |
Immigration Health Surcharge | £2,587.50 |
Combined government charges | £3,994.50 |
This is an example for a typical adult 30-month FLR(M) application. It excludes professional fees and optional services. Fee waivers or exemptions may apply in eligible cases, and other FLR routes can have different charges.
When Should You Apply Before Your Permission Expires?
You should normally deal with a leave to remain extension before your existing immigration permission expires. The appropriate timing can differ between routes, so check the rules for the application you intend to make rather than relying on one universal FLR deadline.
Applying too late can affect your immigration status, while applying unnecessarily early can also have consequences for the amount of permission carried forward or your future settlement timeline.
Applying From Inside the UK
FLR applications are generally applications for permission to stay made while you are already in the UK. Some immigration categories restrict who can switch into them from another route, so being physically present in the UK does not by itself establish eligibility.
If your circumstances require an application from outside the UK, the relevant entry clearance process should normally be used instead.
What Happens While Your Application Is Pending?
Where a valid application to extend or vary limited permission is submitted before the existing permission expires, section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 may extend that permission while the application remains undecided.
The conditions attached to your existing permission generally continue during section 3C leave. This means that any existing right to work, restrictions on employment or other conditions normally continue rather than being replaced by the conditions of the route you are applying for.
Leaving the UK ends section 3C leave, even if you travel to another part of the Common Travel Area. Separately, travelling outside the Common Travel Area before a decision on an in-country permission-to-stay application can cause the application to be treated as withdrawn.
Will You Need to Meet Income or English Requirements?
There is no single financial or English language requirement that applies to every FLR application. The requirements depend on the underlying immigration route.
For example, some partner applications under Appendix FM can require evidence of a minimum income requirement, suitable accommodation and English language ability. Applicants on other family, private life, human rights, long residence or specialist routes may be assessed under different requirements.
For partner applications made under the current five-year family route, the minimum income requirement is normally £29,000. Transitional requirements can apply where the applicant made a successful qualifying application as a fiancé(e), proposed civil partner or partner before 11 April 2024 and is continuing on the five-year route with the same partner. English language requirements can also increase at the extension stage.
These rules should not be applied to unrelated FLR categories. Axis Solicitors can identify which financial, English language or other eligibility requirements apply to the particular Further Leave to Remain application you are considering.
Can Your Partner or Children Apply With You?
Whether a partner or child can apply with you depends on the immigration route. Further Leave to Remain does not have one universal dependant rule.
For family applications, children may be included or make linked applications where the relevant Immigration Rules permit it. Evidence may be needed to establish the child's relationship, age, dependency, living arrangements and the immigration status of their parent or parents.
Other FLR routes have different arrangements. For example, the Long Residence route does not provide for dependants to be included simply because the main applicant qualifies through ten years of lawful residence. A family member would need to establish their own immigration basis.
Axis Solicitors can assess the position of each family member so that the application strategy reflects the rules applying to them individually.
FLR Visa Requirements and Documents
The documents required depend on the FLR form and the legal basis of the application. A general Further Leave to Remain document checklist may include:
- Current passport or accepted travel document.
- Evidence of your current immigration status and eVisa details where relevant.
- Previous passports or immigration records where relevant to your route.
- Evidence showing your immigration and residence history in the UK.
- Relationship or family evidence where the application is based on family life.
- Financial, employment or maintenance evidence where required.
- English language evidence where the relevant route requires it.
- Evidence relating to accommodation where this forms part of the requirements.
- Documents supporting private life, human rights or compassionate circumstances where relevant.
- Evidence of long lawful residence for an FLR(LR) application.
- Documents relating to any partner or child applying with or alongside you.
Documents not in English or Welsh may need an appropriate certified translation.
There is no benefit in submitting large amounts of irrelevant evidence. The documents should demonstrate the particular Immigration Rules or legal grounds relied upon. Our UK visa document checking service can provide an additional legal review before submission.
FLR Visa Processing Times
FLR processing time depends on the route. Applicants should not assume that every FLR application is decided within the same period.
Application / Route | Current Published Position |
Partner or spouse family application | Around 8 weeks where the minimum income and English language requirements are met |
Child family application | Around 8 weeks; approximately 12 months where the parent has permission on the 10-year route to settlement |
Parent or private life application | Currently around 12 months; these applications do not have the same formal service standard |
Long Residence permission to stay | A decision is usually expected within 6 months |
Other FLR forms | Processing depends on the specific route, circumstances and any applicable service standard |
A faster decision may be available for certain applications, but Priority or Super Priority availability is route-specific. Some FLR applications can access Super Priority but not the five-working-day Priority service.
Processing can also take longer if UKVI needs further evidence, verifies documents, conducts additional checks or requires more information. Published times should therefore be treated as guidance rather than a guaranteed decision date.
What Happens After Further Leave Is Granted?
A successful Further Leave to Remain application gives you permission to stay for the period and under the conditions stated in the decision.
- Permission length: Your grant may be for 30 months, several years or another route-specific period.
- Work: Your right to work depends on the conditions attached to the permission granted.
- Study: Study may be permitted, restricted or subject to additional requirements depending on the route.
- Public funds: A no recourse to public funds condition may apply unless the relevant rules or an authorised change allow otherwise.
- Digital status: Successful applicants generally receive an eVisa as the digital record of their immigration status.
- Future applications: Time spent with permission may count towards settlement where the particular route provides a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Do not assume that every FLR grant leads to settlement or carries the same conditions. Your decision notice and eVisa should be checked so you understand the permission you have received.
What Should You Check Before Choosing a Route?
Before submitting a Further Leave to Remain application, check the requirements that can affect the validity and long-term effect of your application.
Your Eligibility
- Check the legal basis on which you currently have permission.
- Confirm that the intended route allows an in-country application or switch.
- Review suitability and immigration history requirements that may affect eligibility.
Your Evidence
- Identify the documents required by your particular immigration category.
- Make sure evidence covers the correct dates and relevant qualifying period.
- Explain material gaps, inconsistencies or changes in circumstances where necessary.
Your Costs
- Confirm the current application fee for the specific route.
- Check whether the Immigration Health Surcharge applies and how much is payable.
- Consider whether a fee waiver may be available for an eligible application.
Your Timing
- Apply before existing permission expires where an in-time application is required.
- Check whether your route has a recommended or restricted application window.
- Consider how the timing could affect section 3C leave and future settlement planning.
Your Settlement Position
- Check whether the proposed permission counts towards an ILR route.
- Consider whether changing routes could restart or alter a qualifying period.
- Review whether you already meet the requirements for settlement instead of another extension.
Axis Solicitors can review these issues together rather than assessing an FLR application in isolation from your wider UK immigration plans.
What If Your FLR Application Is Refused?
A refusal does not automatically mean that every immigration option has ended. Your next step depends on the reason for refusal, your status and the rights provided in the Home Office decision letter.
Possible options can include:
- Immigration Appeal: An immigration appeal may be available where the decision carries a statutory right of appeal, including certain human rights decisions.
- Administrative Review: An Administrative Review may be available for an eligible decision where a Home Office caseworking error is alleged.
- Fresh Application: A new application may sometimes be appropriate where the legal requirements can be met and the refusal issues can lawfully be addressed.
- Judicial Review: Judicial Review may be considered where there are arguable grounds to challenge the lawfulness of a decision or process.
Not every refusal provides all of these options. Time limits can also be short. Axis Solicitors can review the decision, explain the available procedure and advise on the implications for your current immigration position.
How Can Axis Solicitors Help With a Further Leave to Remain Application?
Reviewing Your FLR Route and Supporting Documents
- Identify which Further Leave to Remain application may apply.
- Review documents against the relevant Immigration Rules and guidance.
- Highlight evidence gaps, inconsistencies or issues requiring attention.
Legal Guidance Before You Submit
- Explain the requirements applying to your particular FLR category.
- Review your immigration history and the information intended for the application.
- Advise on timing, Home Office fees, IHS and supporting evidence.
Advice While UKVI Considers Your Application
- Explain requests for further information where legal advice is required.
- Clarify section 3C leave and continuing immigration conditions where applicable.
- Advise on the legal options available if an adverse decision is made.
Planning Your Position After Further Leave
- Explain whether the permission can contribute towards a settlement route.
- Review when Indefinite Leave to Remain may become relevant.
- Discuss later immigration steps, including British citizenship, where appropriate.
Your Next Steps
- Arrange a consultation with a UK immigration solicitor.
- Receive advice based on your present immigration circumstances.
- Decide how to proceed after understanding the available routes and requirements.
