Further Leave to Remain (FLR)
Further leave to remain allows you to extend the duration of your legal stay in the UK. It allows you to remain in the UK for a further period of time and may provide an eventual route to permanent settlement.
However, there are numerous UK immigration rules surrounding FLR and understanding the exact requirements can often be confusing. Contact Total Law today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more about how we can help you navigate the process.
What is FLR visa in UK?
Further leave to remain in the UK allows you to extend your existing leave to remain in the UK. There are two main types of FLR: FLR (M) and FLR (FP). The former is intended to allow further leave to remain to those with strong familial ties to the UK, often via marriage. The latter offers a route to further leave to remain in the UK to those with strong family or personal reasons for remaining in the UK but who are not eligible for FLR (M). It is generally used by those with strong human rights claims to remain in the UK.
In many cases, FLR also provides a route to eventual indefinite leave to remain. This means that you can settle in the UK permanently, where you can live, work, and study without needing to secure further visas.
Often, indefinite leave to remain also provides a route to British citizenship, assuming that the numerous eligibility criteria are satisfied.
Page Contents
- What is FLR visa in UK?
- FLR (M) and FLR (FP): What are the differences?
- Documents Required for UK FLR Application
- How to Apply for FLR in the UK?
- Further Leave to Remain Application Fee
- What Are the Processing Times for FLR?
- What Happens After I Apply for FLR?
- FLR and the route to permanent settlement and citizenship
- How Can Total Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
FLR (M) and FLR (FP): What are the differences?
FLR (M) and FLR (FP) are the two main types of FLR. Both have different criteria and apply to different types of scenarios.
FLR (M)
FLR (M) generally refers to the granting of further leave to remain in the UK based on marriage or close familial relationship. If you have one of the following relationships to a British citizen, a person with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, or a person with refugee status or humanitarian protection within the UK, you may be eligible for FLR (M):
- Spouse
- Dependent children
- Parent
Through this route, the family members of a settled person within the UK will generally be able to extend their stay for 2 and a half years at a time. After 5 years of living legally and continuously in the UK, they may be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain, which allows them to settle permanently in the UK.
FLR (FP)
FLR (FP) provides a route to extending your UK stay if you are not eligible for FLR (M) but have grounds to stay in the UK on the basis of your private life or family life. For example, this could apply if you are in the UK without a valid visa but have a British spouse or child. This route is generally used by those with strong human rights claims for staying in the UK.
In this case, you will generally be expected to demonstrate that leaving the UK will have a substantial impact on your private life or family life. You may be eligible if one of the following conditions applies to you, for example:
- You are a minor and have lived continuously in the UK for at least 7 years, and would be substantially impacted by leaving the UK
- You are between 18 and 24 years old and have lived in the UK for at least half of your life
- You are 25 or older, have lived in the UK for at least 20 years, and would be substantially affected by leaving the UK
In general, this route is meant to provide an alternative for individuals who have strong personal or family reasons for staying in the UK but who are not eligible under the FLR (M) route.
Under the FLR (FP) route, indefinite leave to remain (which grants permanent residency within the UK) generally becomes an option after 10 years of legal and continuous residence, versus the 5 years under the FLR (M) route.
Documents Required for UK FLR Application
There are a number of documents which you will require as part of an application for FLR. While the exact documents will depend on the nature of your application, you will generally require a combination of the following:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form (available via UK government website)
- Evidence of sufficient English language skills
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of familial relationship to British citizen, person with settled status in the UK, or person with refugee status or humanitarian protection within the UK
- Proof of sufficient financial resources (if applicable)
You will need to make sure that all documents are submitted in either English or Welsh. If you need to have your documents translated, make sure to use an authorised translation service.
How to Apply for FLR in the UK?
In order to apply for FLR in the UK, you will need to fill out the online application form via the UK government website. You will need to make sure that you fill out the right form for your particular application type.
Once you have submitted your application, it is likely that you will also need to attend an interview to provide your biometric information (your fingerprints and photograph).
Once you have completed all of the required steps, your application will then be processed. If your application is successful, you will be granted further leave to remain in the UK. If your application is unsuccessful, you will be told why and given the details of your appeal options.
Further Leave to Remain Application Fee
The application fee when applying for UK FLR is uk-leave_to_remain_fee.
However, note that there may also be other costs associated with your application. For example, it is likely that you will also need to pay the health surcharge, which allows you to access the national health service (NHS). Additionally, you may need to pay to have your documents translated into English or Welsh.
In some cases, applicants also choose to pay for legal assistance with their applications. Contact Total Law today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more about our own range of services and how we can help to streamline your application.
What Are the Processing Times for FLR?
Processing times for FLR vary significantly based on the type of application and can take from weeks to a number of months. As such, it is important to apply within good time of when your current visa expires and to promptly provide any additional information which is requested.
Applications may also take longer to process if there is a high number of other applications simultaneously being processed.
In order to minimise delays to your application’s processing time, make sure that you submit all of the required documentation and avoid errors within your application.
What Happens After I Apply for FLR?
After you apply for FLR, your application will be processed and you will eventually receive a decision. If your application is successful, you will generally receive an extension of 30 months on your leave to stay in the UK.
If your application is unsuccessful, you will be given the reasons why. You will also be informed of your appeal options.
FLR and the route to permanent settlement and citizenship
FLR often provides a route to permanent settlement within the UK and, in some cases, UK citizenship.
In the case of FLR (M), you will generally be able to apply for permanent settlement status after 5 years of legal and continuous residence. In the UK, permanent settlement status is referred to as ‘indefinite leave to remain’ (ILR).
If you are applying via the FLR (FP) route, this period of time increases to 10 years.
Generally, after having ILR for at least 12 months, you can then apply for UK citizenship. This brings a number of additional benefits, such as the right to participate in UK elections and the ability to apply for a UK passport.
How Can Total Help?
Applying for FLR means that you can extend your legal duration of stay within the UK. For those with close family connections to the UK, applying for FLR is a popular option. Receiving FLR also provides a route to potential indefinite leave to remain, which allows the holder to settle permanently in the UK.
However, there are numerous rules regarding ILR and the requirements of UK immigration law vary according to the particular route you take. To learn more about the different options and the specific UK immigration law eligibility criteria, contact Total Law today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375. Our legal advisers can give you bespoke legal advice and assist you with every stage of the application process, including representing you during an appeal.
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
There are numerous grounds why a FLR application may be rejected. This could include a failure to provide sufficient evidence that you have eligible family ties to the UK or that leaving the UK would substantially impact your family or private life.
In order to maximise your chances of a successful application, you should submit as much evidence of your circumstances as you can. At Total Law, we can advise you on which types of evidence will provide your application with the most support. Contact us today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 to learn more.
When assessing the genuineness of your relationship, the UK government will take a number of factors into account, such as family records (like a marriage certificate), cohabitation, shared finances, level of communication, and other proof of a shared life (e.g. evidence that you have taken trips together). In order to maximise your chances of a successful FLR application, you should submit as much evidence of your relationship’s genuineness as possible.
Applicants for FLR (FP) will generally be applying because they are ineligible for FLR (M). In many cases, this may mean that they have overstayed a current visa or do not otherwise have current leave to remain in the UK. In such cases, you will need to demonstrate that leaving the UK would significantly impact your personal or family life, generally from a human rights perspective.
In the event that you are unable to do so, you will not be granted further leave to remain in the UK.
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.