Further Leave to Remain FLR UK Visa – Full Guide (2025)

If your current visa is nearing its expiry, you might feel anxious about what comes next. The good news is that applying for Further Leave to Remain (FLR) UK Visa can help you stay in the UK legally. Whether you’re here on a partner visa, living with your British children, or relying on your private life, understanding how FLR works is the first step to securing your future in the UK.

This guide explains what FLR is, who can apply, what documents you’ll need, and what to do if your application doesn’t go as planned.

What Is Further Leave to Remain (FLR)?

Further Leave to Remain, often shortened to FLR, is permission granted by the Home Office allowing you to stay in the UK after your current visa expires. It’s usually granted for a fixed period, typically 30 months (two and a half years), giving you time to build up eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

FLR is most commonly used by people applying under:

  • FLR(M): partners or spouses of British citizens or settled persons
  • FLR(FP): private or family life routes, including parents of British children or long-term residents

Some human rights cases also use FLR applications if applicants don’t fit within standard immigration rules but have compelling reasons to stay.

Who Needs to Apply for FLR?

You might need to apply for a FLR Visa if you fall into one of these categories:

  • Your current partner or spouse visa is expiring, and you want to stay with your partner in the UK 
  • You’re a parent of a British child living in the UK and your visa is ending 
  • You’ve lived in the UK for many years and rely on your private life as grounds to remain 
  • You’ve been refused asylum but granted discretionary leave outside the immigration rules

Applying on time is important. Letting your visa expire without applying can leave you without lawful status and facing removal.

Types of FLR Applications

There are two main FLR routes most people use:

FLR(M) – Partner and Family Route

This route is for partners or spouses of British citizens or people settled in the UK. It also includes dependent children who apply as part of a family application.

FLR(M) applications have strict requirements around finances, English language, and proof of a genuine relationship.

FLR(FP) – Family or Private Life

This route applies to people relying on family or private life grounds. Private life cases often involve people who have lived in the UK for many years, including children who’ve spent most of their lives here.

Family life applications may include parents of British children or adults relying on relationships with settled family members.

Requirements for FLR Applications

To succeed with your FLR application, you must meet several important requirements:

  • Valid Current Leave You need to apply before your current visa expires.
  • Relationship or Residence Evidence For FLR(M), you must show your relationship is genuine and subsisting. For FLR(FP), you must prove your private or family life ties to the UK.
  • Financial Requirements FLR(M) applications generally need to meet the financial threshold. This means proving a minimum income or savings.
  • English Language Requirement Partners applying under FLR(M) need to meet the English language standard unless exempt (e.g. because of age or medical reasons).

Getting your documents right the first time reduces the risk of refusal.

How to Apply for FLR

Applying for FLR Visa involves several steps. Careful preparation makes the process smoother.

Application Process

Complete the online application form on the GOV.UK website. Make sure you choose the correct form: FLR(M) or FLR(FP).

  • Pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
  • Upload your documents to the UKVCAS system or send them by post if asked.
  • Book and attend your biometric appointment, where your photo and fingerprints are taken.
  • Wait for a decision, which can take around eight weeks with standard service. If you’re in a hurry, you can use super priority processing for a quicker decision (at extra cost).

Documents Required

Having the right documents is key to a successful application. Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

  • A valid passport or travel document 
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate if applying as a partner 
  • Birth certificates for any dependent children included 
  • Proof of finances, such as payslips and bank statements 
  • Evidence of living together, like tenancy agreements, utility bills, or joint correspondence 
  • English language certificate if required

Gathering these in advance avoids delays once you submit your application.

FLR Application Fees and Processing Times

Knowing the costs helps you budget for your application.

  • Application Fee: £1,321
  • IHS Fee: £1,035 per year
  • Processing Time: Around eight weeks for standard processing. Super priority service can deliver a decision within one working day but costs an additional £1,000

Remember that fees are non-refundable if your application is refused.

What Happens If Your FLR Application Is Refused?

A refusal doesn’t just mean you can’t extend your stay. It could leave you without lawful status and facing removal. But don’t panic there are steps you can take:

  • Administrative Review: If you believe the Home Office made an error, you can request a review of the decision.
  • Appeal: In some cases, you can appeal if the refusal breaches your human rights or affects your family life.
  • Seek Professional Advice: Speaking to an immigration solicitor right away can give you the best chance to challenge the refusal successfully.

FAQs – FLR UK Visa

What is Further Leave to Remain?

Further Leave to Remain is temporary permission to stay in the UK beyond your current visa’s expiry. It allows you to remain lawfully in the UK while working towards eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

What is the difference between FLR(M) and FLR(FP)?

FLR(M) is for partners or spouses of British citizens or settled people. FLR(FP) is for applications based on family or private life grounds, like parents of British children or people with long-term UK residence.

Can I apply for FLR from outside the UK?

No. FLR applications must be made from within the UK before your current visa expires.

How long does FLR last?

FLR is usually granted for 30 months (2.5 years). After this, you may need to apply for a further extension or become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Applying for Further Leave to Remain UK Visa is an important step if you want to stay in the UK legally once your current visa is ending. It gives you time to build your life, maintain your family relationships, or continue your private life here.

Make sure you apply before your visa expires, complete the forms accurately, and include all required documents. Don’t take risks, mistakes can lead to delays or refusals, which may impact your ability to stay in the UK.

If you’re unsure or worried about your application, professional advice can help you avoid costly errors and give you peace of mind.

Ready to Apply for Further Leave to Remain? 

Don’t risk your future in the UK with an incomplete or incorrect application. At Deluxe Law Chambers , our expert immigration team offers clear, reliable support to help you prepare and submit a strong FLR application on time and with all the right documents.

We’re here to answer your questions, review your case, and guide you through every step so you can focus on what matters most: staying with your family and continuing your life in the UK.Let Deluxe Law Chambers help you protect your status and build a secure future.