Understanding FLR visa UK requirements is essential for anyone seeking to extend their stay in the United Kingdom. This comprehensive guide covers all Further Leave to Remain forms—including FLR(IR), FLR(FP), FLR(HR), and FLR(M)—with detailed information on eligibility criteria, application fees, processing times, and common refusal reasons.
Understanding the FLR Visa UK System
The FLR visa UK system enables individuals already present in the United Kingdom to extend their permission to stay without leaving the country. Governed by UK Immigration Rules, FLR applications cover various circumstances including work, family life, private life, and human rights grounds. Choosing the correct FLR form is crucial for a successful application.
Unlike initial visa applications made from overseas, FLR applications are submitted while you are physically present in the UK. This process is distinct from Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which grants permanent settlement rights. FLR typically extends your stay for a limited period, often 2.5 years, before you can apply for further extensions or settlement.
Types of FLR Forms in UK
The main types of FLR forms in UK are: FLR(IR) for work and points-based system routes, FLR(M) for partners and parents, FLR(FP) for private life applications, and FLR(HR) for human rights claims. FLR(O) was discontinued in 2016 and replaced by specific route applications.
Understanding the different types of FLR available helps you select the correct application form. Each FLR category has specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and processing pathways. Submitting the wrong form can result in delays or refusal of your application.
FLR(IR): Immigration Rules Route Explained
FLR(IR) is for applicants extending their stay under specific Immigration Rules categories, primarily work-related visas. This includes Skilled Worker visa extensions, Tier 1 routes, representatives of overseas businesses, and other work-based categories where a specific FLR form is not designated.
The FLR(IR) form covers a wide range of immigration categories that fall under the broader Immigration Rules framework. It is particularly relevant for those on Skilled Worker visas and other work-based routes who need to extend their permission to stay while maintaining the same immigration category.
Who Should Use FLR(IR)?
- Skilled Worker visa holders: Extending to continue employment with the same or new sponsor
- Tier 1 visa holders: Including Investor, Entrepreneur (closed routes), and Exceptional Talent
- Representatives of overseas businesses: Sole representatives extending their permission
- Tier 5 visa holders: Certain Tier 5 categories requiring extension
- Domestic workers: Private household and diplomatic domestic workers
For detailed information on FLR(IR) applications, refer to the official FLR(IR) guidance published by the Home Office.
FLR(FP) and FLR(M): Family and Private Life Routes
FLR(M) is used by partners, spouses, and parents of British citizens or settled persons extending under Appendix FM. FLR(FP) covers private life applications including the 20-year long residence route and 10-year family/private life route. Both require meeting financial, accommodation, and relationship requirements.
Family-based FLR applications are governed by Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. These routes allow individuals to remain in the UK based on their family connections or established private life. The spouse visa extension process follows the FLR(M) route.
FLR(M): Partner and Parent Route
FLR(M) is the form for extending leave as a partner, spouse, civil partner, or parent under Appendix FM. Applicants must meet:
- Relationship requirement: Genuine and subsisting relationship with partner
- Financial requirement: Meeting the minimum income threshold (currently £29,000)
- Accommodation requirement: Adequate accommodation for the family
- English language requirement: CEFR A2 level for extensions (higher than initial A1)
FLR(FP): Private Life Route
FLR(FP) covers the private life route including:
- 20-year long residence: Continuous lawful or unlawful residence leading to settlement
- 10-year family/private life route: Extensions on the 10-year pathway to settlement
- Young persons: Those who have spent most of their life in the UK
- Adults with private life: Those with established private life connections
FLR(HR): Human Rights Route
FLR(HR) is for applicants claiming that their removal from the UK would breach their human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, primarily Article 8 (right to private and family life). This route requires demonstrating that removal would be disproportionate given established ties to the UK.
The human rights visa route provides protection for individuals whose removal would breach their fundamental rights. FLR(HR) applications are typically more complex and may be used when applicants do not meet the standard Immigration Rules but have compelling human rights arguments.
When to Use FLR(HR)
- Outside Immigration Rules: When you cannot meet standard requirements but have compelling Article 8 claims
- Exceptional circumstances: Cases involving exceptional circumstances
- Medical grounds: Serious medical conditions requiring UK treatment
- Long residence claims: Established ties that do not fit standard routes
FLR Requirements and Eligibility
General FLR requirements include holding valid leave in the UK, meeting route-specific eligibility criteria, demonstrating financial maintenance, providing adequate documentation, and not falling foul of general grounds for refusal. Specific requirements vary by FLR category.
Meeting FLR requirements is essential for a successful application. While specific criteria vary by route, certain general requirements apply across all FLR categories. Understanding these helps you prepare a comprehensive application that addresses all necessary elements.
General FLR Eligibility Requirements
- Current valid leave: You must hold existing permission to stay in the UK
- Timely application: Apply before your current visa expires to benefit from Section 3C leave
- Route-specific criteria: Meet the requirements for your specific FLR category
- Financial maintenance: Demonstrate ability to support yourself without public funds
- No criminal history: Comply with suitability requirements and general grounds for refusal
- English language: Meet applicable English requirements for your route
Common FLR Refusal Reasons
Understanding why FLR applications are refused helps you avoid common pitfalls. The most common refusal reasons include:
- Incomplete applications: Missing documents or unsigned forms
- Insufficient financial evidence: Not meeting income thresholds or inadequate bank statements
- English language failure: Not providing approved test results at the required level
- Relationship genuineness: Insufficient evidence of genuine relationships for family routes
- Late applications: Applying after current leave has expired
- Deception: Providing false information or fraudulent documents
FLR Fees and Processing Times
FLR visa UK fees vary by category, typically ranging from £1,048 to £1,846 for the application, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year. Standard processing takes approximately 8 weeks; priority services offer decisions within 5 working days or next working day.
FLR application costs include the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and potential biometric enrollment fees. For the most current fees, check the Home Office fees guide and official government sources.
FLR Processing Times
The FLR processing time depends on the service level selected:
- Standard service: Approximately 8 weeks from biometric appointment
- Priority service: Decision within 5 working days
- Super Priority service: Decision by end of next working day
How to Apply for FLR in UK
Apply for FLR online through the gov.uk website. Complete the application form, pay fees including IHS, upload supporting documents, and book a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre. Applications must be submitted before your current visa expires to maintain lawful status.
The FLR application process is primarily online, though some categories may require additional steps. Following the correct procedure ensures your application is processed efficiently without unnecessary delays.
- Identify the correct FLR form for your circumstances
- Gather all required supporting documents
- Complete the online application on gov.uk
- Pay the application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Upload supporting documents to the portal
- Book biometric appointment at UKVCAS centre
- Attend appointment with original documents
- Await decision from UKVI
Documents Required for FLR Applications
While specific documents vary by route, common requirements include:
- Valid passport: Current passport and any previous passports
- Biometric Residence Permit: Your current BRP if applicable
- Financial evidence: Bank statements, payslips, tax returns
- English language certificate: Approved test results at required level
- Accommodation evidence: Tenancy agreement, property inspection report
- Relationship evidence: For family routes—photos, correspondence, joint documents
- Sponsor documents: Employer letter, COS for work routes
- FLR visa UK applications allow you to extend your stay without leaving the country
- Choose the correct FLR form based on your immigration category and circumstances
- Apply before your current visa expires to benefit from Section 3C leave protection
- Meet all eligibility requirements including financial, English language, and accommodation criteria
- Consider priority services if you need a faster decision
Frequently Asked Questions About FLR Visa UK
What is FLR visa in UK?
FLR (Further Leave to Remain) is an immigration application made from within the UK to extend or change the basis of your permission to stay. Unlike initial visa applications made from overseas, FLR allows you to remain in the UK while your extension is processed. Different FLR forms exist for various circumstances including work, family, private life, and human rights claims.
What does FLR mean in UK immigration?
FLR stands for Further Leave to Remain. It is the term used by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for applications to extend your stay in the United Kingdom. The term distinguishes these in-country extension applications from initial entry clearance applications made from abroad and from Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) which grants permanent settlement.
What are the different types of FLR in UK?
The main types of FLR forms are: FLR(IR) for work visas and Immigration Rules categories, FLR(M) for partners, spouses, and parents under Appendix FM, FLR(FP) for private life and long residence routes, and FLR(HR) for human rights claims. FLR(O) was previously used for miscellaneous categories but was discontinued in 2016.
What is the difference between FLR(IR) and FLR(M)?
FLR(IR) is for applicants extending under work-based routes such as Skilled Worker visa, Tier 1 categories, and representatives of overseas businesses. FLR(M) is specifically for family route extensions—partners, spouses, civil partners, and parents of British citizens or settled persons. FLR(M) requires meeting Appendix FM requirements including financial, accommodation, and relationship criteria.
How much does FLR cost in UK?
FLR application fees range from approximately £1,048 to £1,846 depending on the route. Additionally, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year of leave granted. Priority service costs an extra £500 for a decision within 5 working days, while Super Priority costs £1,000 for next working day decisions. Total costs typically range from £3,500 to £6,000 for a 2.5-year extension.
How long does FLR application take to process?
Standard FLR processing takes approximately 8 weeks from your biometric appointment. Priority service provides a decision within 5 working days for an additional £500 fee. Super Priority service offers next working day decisions for an extra £1,000. Processing times may vary based on application complexity and UKVI workload.
Can students apply for FLR in UK?
Students typically extend their stay through the Student visa route rather than FLR forms. However, students may use FLR if switching to a different immigration category—for example, switching to a family route (FLR(M)), work route (FLR(IR)), or making a private life claim (FLR(FP)). The specific requirements depend on which route you are switching to.
What happens if my FLR application is refused?
If your FLR application is refused, you may have the right to an administrative review or appeal depending on the refusal reasons and your circumstances. Family route refusals typically include appeal rights to the First-tier Tribunal. Your refusal letter will specify your options and any applicable deadlines. You may also be able to submit a fresh application if you can address the refusal reasons.
For official guidance on FLR applications, visit the UK Government immigration pages.