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Table of Contents
What is Further Leave to Remain (FLR)?
Every visa has a validity date, and before your visa expires, you either leave the country, extend it, or switch to another visa type—if you meet the requirements.
FLR, or further leave to remain, is a term the Home Office uses to refer to an extension in a visa or permission to stay in the UK after the period of limited leave to remain ends.
What is Limited Leave to Remain (LLR)?
A limited leave to remain is the permission given to a non-British national to stay in the UK for a specific period. Meanwhile, a further leave to remain is an extension of a limited leave to remain visa.
The given grant is still limited to a specified period. It depends on your existing leave grant; for example, you will get an extension of 2.5 years under a spouse visa.
Learn more about other UK Visa types in our guide.
What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and How Can You Apply for it?
If you have lived continuously in the UK for 5 years, you can apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR); that is, if you want to settle permanently in the UK.
ILR is a settled person’s legal permanent residence status in the UK. With this status, you can live, work, or even study in the UK without limitation. You do not have to apply for or extend any visa if you get an ILR.
Check the recent white paper proposal for new UK immigration systems.
LLR or ILR? What is the Difference?
You are granted the limited leave to remain status if you can prove your capability to stay in the UK without depending on public funds.
This means that during your stay in the UK, you cannot receive any benefits. There are limitations to your work or study if you are on an LLR visa.
On the other hand, if you are an ILR visa holder, you will have the same rights to government services or public funds as a UK citizen.
After staying in the UK on ILR for an additional 12 months, you may apply for British Citizenship through naturalisation (a legal process through which a non-British citizen becomes a British citizen).
Categories of FLR Visa
There are two general categories of FLR visa, and the type depends on the situation—marriage, private life, family life, or dependency.
- FLR (M) — for marriage or partnership
- FLR (FP) — for family or private life
Each category requires a different set of requirements that you need to meet before applying for an extension.
FLR (M)
The FLR (M) category is reserved for the spouse, partner, or dependant child of a British citizen, a person settled in the UK, or an individual with refugee status.
To acquire an FLR (M) visa, a person must show a genuine, ongoing relationship with the partner. You can show a civil partnership or marriage certificate. If you have a dependant child, you must also prove it per their guidelines.
Moreover, an English language test and financial proof are also needed. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for an additional 2.5 years. If you renew it after the first 30 months and stay in the UK for a continuous 10 years, you will be eligible to apply for an ILR.
Read complete guide to UK Spouse Visa here.
FLR (FP)
FLR application is intended for those who want to extend based on family or private life or have strong personal ties with the country. It is valid for partners who do not meet the requirements of FLR (M) but manage to get an exception under the FLR (FP) category.
The FLR (FP) category also includes individuals getting an extension based on private life, i.e., people who have lived in the UK for a long time and established their private lives here.
The requirements based on private life are given below:
- The person is under 18 and has lived continuously for 7 years in the UK.
- The person is between 18 and 24 and has lived in the UK for almost half their lives.
The extension under this category is also for 2.5 years.
Other FLR Visa Categories
Aside from the above categories, you may be eligible for other FLR visa types:
- FLR (HRO): Human Rights Claims
- FLR (IR): Other Routes under Immigration Rules
- FLR (LR): Long Residence
- FLR (DL): Discretionary Leave
- FLR (AF): Armed Forces
- FLR (S): Stateless Person
FLR Visa Requirements
There are general and specific requirements for the different categories.
General Requirements
- ID proof – Your valid passport or identity document
- Existing visa status or LLR
- Timing – Apply before the expiration of your current visa
- Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Existing leave to enter or remain
FLR (M) Requirements
These are the specific requirements of a spouse visa or marriage visa:
- Marital status – legal marriage certificate or partnership document
- Accommodation –Proof of living in the UK
- Financial proof– Meet the minimum financial requirements
- English language proficiency – Proof of proficiency through a recognised English Language test
FLR (FP) Requirements
These are specific requirements for FLR based on family or private life:
- Genuine relationship proof
- Contribution during your stay in the UK – Community involvement, employment, or study
FLR Visa Cost
The cost of an FLR visa depends on your existing visa status. If you want to extend under the family visa route, you must pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Further Leave to Remain fee (under family visa route) — £1,321
- Immigration Health Surcharge — £1,035 per year
FLR Application Process
- Fill out the relevant form online: FLR (M) or FLR (FP)
- Ensure you fulfil all the requirements for the FLR visa and provide accurate details and documents.
- Complete the form accurately.
If you apply from within the UK, you will need to visit the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) to provide your biometric information.
Documents Checklist
- Valid passport
- Biometric residence permit (if required)
- Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate
- Birth certificates (if children included)
- The last six months of bank statements
- Salary proof (if employed)
- Employer letter
- English language proficiency proof
- Tenancy agreement or mortgage
- Utility bills
- Course details (if studying)
- Personal statement
- Complete application of FLR
- Payment proof of visa fee and IHS
- Past immigration history documents
- Medical reports (if required)
Make sure all the documents are accurate, complete and meet the Home Office’s compliance requirements.
FLR Visa Processing Time
A decision usually takes 8 weeks to receive. It may be delayed depending on the Home Office’s workload or your specific circumstances.
FAQs
If your application is refused, you may have the right to appeal or submit a new one. It is important to take professional advice to avoid deportation risks or other mistakes.
Leaving the country may indicate application withdrawal. Therefore, it is not recommended to leave the country until you have received a decision.
FLR specifically means extending your current visa status or limiting leave to remain. However, a visa renewal refers to application for a new visa or switching to another visa type.
If your existing visa status is not expired, you may work until your application is processed.
A late application may result in refusal or deportation. You should seek urgent legal advice to explore your options.
Make Your Application Stronger with Legend Consults
Critical visa application or extension processes should never be done without consultancy or guidance. If the Home Office refuses your application once, it would be even harder to follow the process all over again and re-apply.
Legend Consults is a team of experienced immigration professionals who have handled FLR Visa cases and ensure your application is neither refused nor denied.
Don’t risk rejection—get expert help today. Book your free consultation with Legend Consults now.
If your permission to stay in the UK is about to end, applying for further leave to remain (FLR visa) should be your immediate consideration. This visa lets you lawfully stay in the United Kingdom after your existing visa expires.
How you apply for further leave to remain depends on your existing visa status in the UK. If you are a partner, spouse, or dependent child of a UK-settled person or British citizen, you can apply for an FLR visa.
This blog will discuss different FLR categories, Home Office requirements, and tips to prepare a strong FLR application.
