A human rights visa UK application allows individuals to remain in the country based on their European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) protections. This comprehensive guide covers FLR(HRO) requirements, application fees, processing times, success rates, and the appeals process—providing everything you need to understand human rights applications in 2026.
Understanding Human Rights Visa UK Applications
Human rights visa UK applications provide a legal pathway for individuals who cannot be removed from the country without breaching their fundamental rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). These applications are made using the FLR(HRO) form—Further Leave to Remain on Human Rights grounds—and cover various circumstances including family life, private life in the UK, and protection from inhuman treatment.
The Home Office assesses each human rights application individually, considering the strength of evidence, the applicant's immigration history, and whether removal would be proportionate. Understanding the requirements and preparing a comprehensive application is essential for success. The Home Office guidance on human rights claims provides the official framework for decision-making.
What is FLR(HRO)?
FLR(HRO) stands for Further Leave to Remain on Human Rights grounds. It is the application form used to request permission to stay in the UK based on your rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, including family life (Article 8), private life, or protection from torture (Article 3).
The FLR(HRO) application covers several distinct categories of human rights claims. Understanding which category applies to your circumstances is crucial for preparing the correct evidence and meeting the specific requirements. The FLR forms guide explains the differences between FLR(FP), FLR(HRO), and other application types.
Types of Human Rights Applications
- Article 8 - Family Life: Applications based on genuine and subsisting relationships with UK-settled partners or family members, where separation would cause exceptional hardship
- Article 8 - Private Life: Claims based on long residence, social ties, and integration into UK society where removal would be disproportionate
- Article 3 - Medical Grounds: Applications where removal would expose the applicant to inhuman treatment due to lack of medical care in their home country
- Discretionary Leave: Granted outside the Immigration Rules where compelling circumstances exist
Human Rights Visa UK Requirements
Human rights visa UK requirements vary by application type. Family life claims require proof of a genuine relationship and evidence that separation would be unjustifiably harsh. Private life claims require evidence of long residence, strong ties, and significant obstacles to returning home. Medical claims require expert medical evidence.
The specific requirements for your human rights application depend on which ECHR article you are relying upon. Each category has distinct evidential requirements that must be satisfied. Comprehensive supporting documentation is essential for all human rights applications.
Article 8 Family Life Requirements
- Genuine relationship: Evidence of a genuine and subsisting relationship with a UK-settled partner or family member
- Insurmountable obstacles: Proof that the relationship cannot reasonably continue outside the UK
- Exceptional circumstances: Evidence that refusal would result in unjustifiably harsh consequences
- Children's best interests: If children are involved, evidence of their welfare needs and UK ties
Private Life Requirements (Paragraph 276ADE)
- Under 18: Lived continuously in the UK for at least 7 years and unreasonable to expect them to leave
- Aged 18-24: Lived continuously in the UK for at least half their life
- Over 25: Lived continuously in the UK for at least 20 years
- Any age: Very significant obstacles to integration into the country of return
FLR(HRO) Application Fees 2026
The FLR(HRO) application fee is £1,258 per person in 2026. Additionally, most applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per year of leave granted. Fee waivers are available for applicants who cannot afford the fees due to financial hardship.
Understanding the full cost of a human rights application helps you plan your finances. The fees apply to the main applicant and any dependants included in the application. For the latest official fee information, check the Home Office fees guide or the official UK Government fee table.
Fee Waiver for Human Rights Applications
Applicants who cannot afford the FLR fees may be eligible for a fee waiver. The Home Office will consider waiving the fee if paying it would leave you unable to meet essential living needs such as accommodation, food, or heating. To request a fee waiver:
- Complete the fee waiver form: Submit with your FLR(HRO) application
- Provide financial evidence: Bank statements, benefit letters, income evidence
- Explain your circumstances: Detail why you cannot afford the fees
- Include dependants: If applying for multiple people, explain their circumstances too
FLR HRO Processing Time
FLR HRO processing time is typically 6 months for standard applications submitted online. Complex cases involving medical evidence or Article 3 claims may take longer. Priority services can reduce this to 5 working days, while Super Priority offers next working day decisions for an additional fee.
Human rights application processing times vary depending on the complexity of your case, the volume of applications being processed, and whether you have requested priority service. For comparison with other application types, see the ILR processing time guide.
Human Rights Application on Medical Grounds
A human rights application on medical grounds under Article 3 ECHR is granted where removal would result in a serious, rapid, and irreversible decline in health leading to intense suffering or significant reduction in life expectancy. The threshold is very high—applicants must be critically ill with no available treatment in their home country.
Medical grounds applications are among the most difficult human rights claims to succeed. Following the Supreme Court case of AM (Zimbabwe) v SSHD [2020], the threshold for Article 3 medical cases was clarified. The test requires that removal would expose the applicant to a real risk of being subjected to inhuman treatment due to the absence of appropriate medical treatment in the receiving country.
Requirements for FLR HRO Medical Grounds
- Serious medical condition: A condition requiring ongoing treatment to prevent serious deterioration
- Unavailable treatment: Evidence that appropriate treatment is not available in the home country
- Life-threatening consequences: Removal would lead to rapid decline, intense suffering, or significantly reduced life expectancy
- Expert medical evidence: Reports from treating physicians and country-specific medical experts
Evidence Required for Medical Grounds Applications
Medical grounds applications require extensive documentation to support the claim:
- Consultant reports: Detailed medical reports from treating specialists
- Treatment records: Full medical history and current treatment plan
- Country of origin evidence: Reports on healthcare availability in the home country
- Expert opinion: Independent medical expert assessment of the consequences of removal
- Prognosis evidence: Likely outcomes with and without continued UK treatment
FLR(HRO) Success Rate
The FLR(HRO) success rate varies significantly by application type, ranging from approximately 30-50% for standard human rights claims. Family life claims generally have higher success rates than Article 3 medical cases. Success depends heavily on the strength of evidence, legal representation, and whether you meet the specific requirements under the Immigration Rules or can demonstrate exceptional circumstances.
Success rates for human rights applications are not officially published by the Home Office, making it difficult to give precise figures. However, understanding the factors that influence success can help you prepare a stronger application. Applications that fail under the Immigration Rules but succeed on human rights grounds typically require compelling evidence of exceptional circumstances.
Factors Affecting FLR(HRO) Success Rate
- Quality of evidence: Comprehensive, well-organised documentation significantly improves success chances
- Immigration history: Previous compliance with immigration rules strengthens applications
- Legal representation: Professionally prepared applications have higher success rates
- Children's best interests: Cases involving British or settled children often receive more favourable consideration
- Length of UK residence: Longer lawful residence strengthens private life claims
- Exceptional circumstances: Clear demonstration of why your case is exceptional
Appealing a Refused Human Rights Application
If your human rights application is refused, you typically have the right to appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. You must lodge your appeal within 14 days if in the UK or 28 days if outside the UK. The appeal is heard by an immigration judge who will assess whether the Home Office decision was correct in law and fact.
Human rights application refusals usually carry appeal rights because they engage fundamental ECHR protections. The immigration appeal process provides an independent review of the Home Office decision. Appeals can succeed even where the original application failed, particularly when new evidence is presented or the Home Office made errors.
Grounds for Appealing a Human Rights Refusal
- Error in applying Immigration Rules: The Home Office incorrectly applied the relevant rules
- Breach of human rights: The decision would breach your ECHR rights
- Factual errors: The decision was based on incorrect facts
- Failure to consider evidence: Relevant evidence was overlooked or misinterpreted
- Procedural unfairness: The decision-making process was flawed
For information on challenging specific family visa refusals, see the spouse visa refusal appeal guide. Understanding your rights under the Immigration Rules is essential for preparing an effective appeal.
- Human rights visa UK applications are made using the FLR(HRO) form and protect ECHR rights
- The FLR(HRO) application fee is £1,258 plus Immigration Health Surcharge—fee waivers are available
- FLR HRO processing time is typically 6 months; priority services can reduce this significantly
- Medical grounds applications have a high threshold requiring serious, life-threatening conditions
- FLR(HRO) success rates depend on evidence quality, legal representation, and individual circumstances
- Refused applications can be appealed to the First-tier Tribunal within strict deadlines
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Rights Visa UK
What is a human rights application in the UK?
A human rights application in the UK is a request to remain in the country based on your rights under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This typically involves Article 8 (right to private and family life) or Article 3 (protection from torture and inhuman treatment). Applications are made using the FLR(HRO) form—Further Leave to Remain on Human Rights grounds.
What is the FLR(HRO) success rate?
The FLR(HRO) success rate varies by application type, estimated at 30-50% for standard human rights claims. Family life applications typically have higher success rates than Article 3 medical cases. Success depends on evidence quality, immigration history, legal representation, and whether you can demonstrate exceptional circumstances or compelling factors.
How much is the FLR fee in the UK?
The FLR(HRO) application fee is £1,258 per person in 2026. Additionally, most applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year of leave granted (typically 2.5 years = £2,587.50). Fee waivers are available for applicants who cannot afford the fees due to financial hardship.
What is the FLR HRO processing time?
FLR HRO processing time is typically up to 6 months for standard applications. Priority Service (£500 additional) provides decisions within 5 working days, while Super Priority Service (£1,000 additional) offers next working day decisions. Complex cases involving medical evidence or Article 3 claims may take longer than 6 months.
What are the human rights visa UK requirements?
Human rights visa UK requirements vary by claim type. Family life claims require proof of a genuine relationship and insurmountable obstacles to continuing it elsewhere. Private life claims require specific residence periods (7 years under 18, half your life aged 18-24, or 20 years over 25) or very significant obstacles to integration in your home country. Medical claims require evidence of serious illness with unavailable treatment abroad.
Can I work on a human rights visa in the UK?
Yes, most human rights visa holders are permitted to work in the UK without restrictions. Your Biometric Residence Permit will confirm your work entitlements. Some grants of discretionary leave may have conditions attached, so always check your specific visa documentation. There are no restrictions on the type of employment or self-employment you can undertake.
Can I apply for a human rights application on medical grounds?
Yes, you can apply for FLR(HRO) on medical grounds under Article 3 of the ECHR. However, the threshold is very high—you must demonstrate that removal would cause a serious, rapid, and irreversible decline in health leading to intense suffering or significantly reduced life expectancy. You need comprehensive medical evidence and proof that appropriate treatment is unavailable in your home country.
Can I get indefinite leave to remain after a human rights visa?
Yes, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing the required period on a human rights visa. The route to settlement typically requires 5 or 10 years of continuous residence depending on your circumstances. You must meet the continuous residence requirement, pass the Life in the UK test, and meet English language requirements. Some routes may also have additional requirements.