Further Leave to Remain Application: Your Expert Guide
- mgibson66
- Aug 12
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 13
General Status Guidance: Basics You Need to Know
If you believe your immigration status requirements are more complex get in touch.
FLR Submissions: Your Expert Guide
If you're already living in the UK and wish to continue your journey here, a FLR application is often your next crucial step. If you are not currently on Spouse route under appendix FM - Partner. You will first need to gage if you can switch from your current visa category into Appendix FM.
If you are not sure get in touch and we can confirm if your eligible to switch into FLR -M category.
This process allows you to extend your stay as a partner or dependent, and it's essential to get it right. While it may seem daunting, understanding the requirements and following a clear process can ensure your application is a success.
I'm Marc Gibson, a UK immigration adviser with 20 years of experience, I have guided countless individuals through this process. At MYG LTD Immigration, my mission is to provide you with a personalized approach, ensuring you have the expert knowledge you need to navigate these rules with confidence.
An application for FLR allows you to continue staying in the UK. This is primarily for those already here as a partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner) or as a dependent of a British citizen, an Irish national, or an overseas national who has settled status under EU Settlement Scheme or indefinite leave to remain.
You can typically apply to extend leave any time before your current leave expires, though I recommend submitting your FLR application within 90 days of your current leave expiring. This provides a safe window to manage the process smoothly and not inadvertently increase your application costs on future application submissions.
The following are key eligibility criteria:
Age: You must be over 18 years old to apply as a partner
Relationship Status: You must be married, in a civil partnership, or have been living together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years.
Previous Immigration Status: You can only switch into this category from a previous leave of more than six months. The sole exception is for those who entered on a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner visa and have since married.
Important Note: If you are in the UK on a temporary or any type of visitor route, you generally cannot switch and must leave the UK to apply for a visa through entry clearance from abroad.
One of the key requirements on an application is proving you have an adequate knowledge of English. The level you need to demonstrate increases with each stage of your journey to settlement in the UK.
First Partner Visa Application: You typically needed to pass an approved English language test at CEFR Level A1. This is a basic user level, focusing on speaking and listening.
FLR-M Applications (Partner Extension): For your first extension application after 2.5 years, you will need to demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency. You must pass a test at CEFR Level A2.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): When you are eligible to apply for permanent residence, the standard requirement is to pass a test at CEFR Level B1.
For the latest details on which tests are approved by the Home Office and what to expect, read my comprehensive guide on Secure English Language Tests (SELT). This is a crucial step that you must prepare for in advance, and I can guide you through the process of choosing the right test and provider.
One of the most critical aspects of your application is meeting the financial requirement under Appendix FM of the UKVI rules. This is designed to ensure you and your dependents can be supported without accessing public funds.
Understanding Financial Requirements & Transitional Arrangements
If your initial Spouse / Partner entry clearance or leave to remain application was granted before April 11, 2024, you will be assessed under the previous UK immigration rules. This means the financial requirement is £18,600, plus an additional £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child up to a maximum of £29,000.
For all new applications submitted on or after April 11, 2024, a new minimum income requirement of £29,000 applies. Under these new rules, there is no longer a separate additional fee for children.
You can meet this requirement through your UK partner's income, or by using a combination of your joint household income if you are also working in the UK under a valid visa. In some cases, you can use cash savings to meet the requirement. My role as your immigration consultant is to ensure you have the most accurate and current information to build a successful case.
To demonstrate a "genuine and subsisting relationship" to the UKVI, you must provide robust evidence of your life together. This evidence is a cornerstone of your application. While cohabitation is a strong indicator, as of a January 2024 Home Office policy shifted, it is no longer strictly mandatory for all unmarried partners. However, where available, it is highly persuasive evidence that should always be included.
Recommended Evidence:
Cohabitation Evidence: You should provide at least six official items of correspondence addressed to both you and your partner, or to each of you individually, at the same address. These should be spread evenly over the two years before you apply. Examples include: joint tenancy agreements, council tax bills, utility bills, joint bank account statements, and HMRC letters.
Financial Links: Evidence of a shared financial life, such as joint bank accounts, joint mortgage statements, or shared financial responsibilities.
Relationship Continuity: Evidence of your ongoing relationship, such as flight tickets from shared holidays, joint travel, photographs, and significant communication records (messages, emails).
Third-Party Statements: Affidavits or statements from family and friends who can attest to the genuineness and continuity of your relationship.
Once you have established your eligibility, the application process itself requires meticulous attention to detail.
Gathering Your Documents: Basic requirements
The most common reason for refusal is an incomplete application. Here is a checklist of the documents you will typically need:
Identity & Immigration: Your current passport, BRP card, and or access to your UKVI E-visa account.
Financial: employment records, corresponding bank statements.
Relationship: Your marriage or civil partnership certificate.
Cohabitation: Official documents (as detailed above) from different sources, spread over the period of your last spouse visa.
Accommodation: A tenancy agreement or mortgage statement for your current home.
English Language: Your A2-level English test certificate.
Remember, this is a general list. My role is to provide you with a bespoke checklist based on your unique circumstances.
Completing the Online Form: Common Mistakes to Avoid
The online application form is a comprehensive document. It's easy to make mistakes that can lead to delays or refusals. Common errors include:
Inaccurate Dates: Double-check all dates for entry, exit, and cohabitation.
Inconsistent Information: Ensure the information you provide on the form matches the details in your supporting documents.
Failing to Disclose: It is crucial to disclose all relevant information, including previous visa refusals or criminal convictions, no matter how minor they may seem.
Visa Fees
The online application fee is currently £1321 per person.
Healthcare surcharge
For each adult (18 or older) it costs:
£2,587.50 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months (FLR Applications)
£3,105 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months (Entry Clearance)
£5,175 if you’re staying for 5 years (Overall cost before eligible for ILR)
For each child (under 18), it costs:
£1,940 if you’re staying for 2 years and 6 months (FLR Applications)
£2,328 if you’re staying for 2 years and 9 months (Entry Clearance)
£3,880 if you’re staying for 5 years (Overall cost before eligible for ILR)
The Biometrics Appointment and What to Expect
After submitting your online application and paying the fees, you'll be invited to a UKVCAS (UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services) appointment. At this appointment, you will:
Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).
Submit your supporting documents (if you haven't uploaded them online).
Bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation and your passport.
Post-Submission: What Happens Next?
After your biometrics appointment, your application will be processed by the Home Office. The standard processing time is typically 8-12 weeks. You will be notified by email or letter when a decision has been made.
Dedicated Section on Common Pitfalls and Complexities Common Reasons for Refusal
Refusals often stem from a lack of care in the application process. Common reasons include:
Insufficient Financial Evidence: Documents are not from the correct period or do not meet the legal requirements.
Inadequate Cohabitation Evidence: Not providing enough evidence to prove you have lived together.
False Representation: Providing misleading or inaccurate information, which can lead to a 10-year ban.
Incorrect Application Form: Selecting the wrong application route or filling out the form incorrectly.
What to Do in a Complex Case
A complex case might involve a previous visa refusal, a gap in your leave to remain, or unusual financial circumstances. If your case is not straightforward, seeking expert advice is essential. We can help you build a strong case and address potential issues proactively.
A Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
"How long does the process take?"
Standard processing time is 8-12 weeks. Priority and Super Priority services are available for an extra fee for faster decisions.
"Can I travel outside the UK while my FLR application is pending?"
No. If you leave the UK, your application will be automatically withdrawn.
"What happens if my visa expires while I am waiting for a decision?"
If you submitted your application before your visa expired, you are covered by Section 3C leave and can remain in the UK legally.
"Do I need to do the Life in the UK test for my FLR application?"
No, the Life in the UK test is only required for Indefinite Leave to Remain and British Citizenship applications.
"What is the difference between FLR and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?"
FLR is a temporary visa extension, typically for 30 months, which allows you to stay in the UK. ILR is a permanent settlement status, which you can apply for after five years of continuous residence. Click for more information about ILR
Why Choose MYG LTD Immigration for Your FLR?
Choosing the right immigration adviser is one of the most important decisions you will make. With MYG LTD Immigration, you benefit from the direct expertise of Marc Gibson in a personalized, one-to-one approach.
For more information about how Marc works with his clients:
Marc Gibson his 20 Years of Experience: I have a proven track record of helping clients navigate the complexities of UK immigration, including the submission process.
Personalized, One-to-One Approach: I handle every aspect of your case personally, ensuring you receive dedicated attention and a tailored solution.
Fixed-Fee Service: Our transparent, fixed-fee service means you will know all costs upfront, with no hidden fees.
Local and Accessible: Based in Salisbury, I am easily accessible to clients across the South West via in-person or video consultations.
Your continued stay in the UK is my priority. Let's make sure your application is a success.
Comments