FLR FP (Family or Private Life)
Foreign nationals present in the UK on a visa or limited leave to remain basis may apply to extend their stay with Further Leave To Remain (FLR). Under an FP (Family or Private Life) visa category, they may apply to stay with their immediate family members in the country.
FLR can be a complex and difficult immigration process. For expert legal advice, speak to a Total Law solicitor today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
What is FLR (FP)?
FLR (FP) is Further Leave To Remain under Family (F) or Private Life (P) categorisation.
This means that providing the applicant is able to demonstrate that they are present in the UK legally and wish to continue in the country because their family members are present there or they have an established private life, they may apply to stay longer. Their private and family life is considered established in the UK.
Eligibility criteria for FLR (FP)
To extend a legal stay in the UK under Further Leave To Remain under the FLR (FP) category, applicants must meet set eligibility criteria, dependent on the type of application being made. These are as follows:
Partner or Spouse
Must be the partner or spouse of someone who is:
- A British or Irish citizen; OR
- Already be settled in the UK (and able to present proof of Indefinite Leave To Remain, Settled Status or Permanent Residence); OR
- Be a citizen of the EU (European Union), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and have pre-settled status in the UK; OR
- Hold a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa; OR
- Hold protection status (and able to present proof of refugee or humanitarian protection status); OR
- Have permission to stay in the UK as a stateless person; AND
- Is intending to live with their FLR FP partner or spouse permanently in the UK.
A partner or spouse in the UK is defined as someone with whom the applicant:
- Is in a marriage or civil partnership that’s recognised in the UK; OR
- Has been living together in a relationship for at least 2 years at the time of application; OR
- Is engaged or a proposed civil partner and will marry or enter into a civil partnership within 6 months of the FLR FP partner entering the UK; OR
- Have been in a relationship for at least 2 years when the FLR FP application is filed but have been unable to live together for work, study or cultural reasons.
- Where a partner is a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner and has been previously married or in a civil partnership, they must prove that their previous relationship has ended.
Parent
Must be the parent of a dependent child who is in the UK and:
- Is aged under 18 on the date of application; OR
- Was aged under 18 when the applicant was first granted leave; AND
- Lives with the applicant, unless they’re living away from home in full-time education; AND
- Is not married or in a civil partnership.
One of the following must also be true of the child. They must:
- Be a British or Irish citizen; OR
- Hold Indefinite Leave To Remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence; OR
- Be a citizen of the EU (European Union), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and have pre-settled status in the UK; OR
- (If the applicant is applying from the UK) Have lived in the UK for a minimum of 7 years continuously, and it would be unreasonable to expect them to leave.
The applicant must hold sole parental responsibility for the child, or share parental responsibility with someone who is not their current partner and is:
- A British or Irish citizen; OR
- Hold Indefinite Leave To Remain, settled status, or proof of permanent residence; OR
- Be a citizen of the EU (European Union), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and have pre-settled status in the UK.
Child
Must be:
- Born in the UK; OR
- Born outside of the UK; AND
- Live with their parent in the UK unless living away from home in full time education; AND
- Not be married or in a civil partnership.
If a child applicant is under 18, one or both of their parents must have applied for a visa or FLR FP as a Partner or Parent.
If a child applicant is over 18, one or both of their parents can include them on their application for a visa or FLR FP as a dependent; or they can apply on a separate basis.
One or more of the parents of a child applicant must be:
- A British or Irish Citizen; OR
- A person with Indefinite Leave To Remain, settles status, or proof of permanent residence; OR
- A Person from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein who holds settled status; OR
- A person with a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa; OR
- A person with protection status; OR
- A person with permission to stay as a stateless person.
Private Life
Must be:
- Aged under 18, have lived in the UK continuously for a minimum of 7 years and would find it unreasonable to leave the country; OR
- Aged between 18-24 and have lived in the UK continuously for more than half of your life; OR
- Aged 18+, have spent less than 20 years in the UK but would have significant problems living in the country you’d have to go to; OR
- Able to prove you have lived in the UK continuously for 20 years or more; OR
- Born in the UK to a person who either has permission to stay in the UK on the basis of their private life, or is in the process of applying for it.
Documents Required for UK FLR FP Application
The application for UK FLR FP is made through the submission of an online application form alongside the provision of supporting documents proving the applicant’s eligibility. These include:
- Proof of identity, such as a valid passport
- (For partner or parent applications) Proof of genuine relationship with partner or family member, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates or a civil partnership certificate, tenancy agreement, utility bills, bank statements, council tax bills
- (For Private Life applications) Proof of settlement, such as utility bills, tenancy agreements, school or medical records
- Proof of finances, such as bank statements, payslips or a sponsor letter
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Details of any criminal convictions
- (For some applicants) Tuberculosis test results.
Supporting documents requirements vary depending on application type and the nationality of the applicant. Seek professional advice on what you need to prove to stay in the UK by speaking to a Total Law expert on +44 (0) 333 305 9375.
Application process for FLR (FP)
Applying for FLR FP is done entirely online, but can take a long time to process. The application process is as follows:
Collect supporting documents
Evidential documents must be submitted online at the same time as the digital Form FLR FP; and so these should be collated ahead of any application being made.
Submit FLR FP form online
The Form FLR FP is to be completed online on the UK Government website. Supporting documents are uploaded and attached to the application form.
Pay FLR FP fee online
The last step of the Form FLR FP is to pay the application fee by credit or debit card. Once this payment clears, the application will be processed.
Await Decision
The applicant will be notified of the FLR FP decision in writing.
FLR FP Application Cost and Processing Time
The NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is also payable per person at a fee of for adults and for those under 18.
It can take up to 12 months for an FLR FP application to be processed. This may mean that the applicant’s current leave to remain or limited leave expires during this period. To avoid being an ‘overstayer’, the applicant must have filed the application with plenty of time remaining on their current travel permission.
How Total Law can help
Total Law are a firm of entirely specialist immigration lawyers who help individuals and businesses navigate immigration rules: including all the specific criteria and specific categories of visa and permissions to remain in the UK.
We aim to communicate jargon free to take the stress out of your immigration journey. Speak to an expert today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to discuss your circumstances and take the next step on your journey to life in the UK.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Partner application should always be made over a Parent application for FLR if both are true.
Applicants to FLR FP must be able to prove that they are able to support themselves financially while in the UK without relying on State Funds (benefits). The exact financial requirements vary dependent on the type of application being made and the nationality of the applicant. To identify your exact minimum income floor, speak to Total Law on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 for expert advice.
An established family or private life in the UK is determined by how long the applicant has lived in the UK, how they have settled and what responsibilities they have in the country. Seek expert legal advice to determine if your circumstances fit the bill on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 with Total Law immigration lawyers.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Total Law before making any decisions based on the content provided.