FLR (FP): Further Leave to Remain - Family and Private Life

The FLR(FP) visa, which stands for Further Leave to Remain - Family and Private Life, is a type of UK visa application designed for people already living in the UK who want to extend their stay based on their family ties or established private life.

It is particularly useful for those who don't qualify for other visa categories, such as the standard spouse visa, but have compelling reasons to remain in the UK.

This visa route is often used when returning to your home country would cause serious hardship or disruption to your family life or personal circumstances.

If you need help with your FLR (FP) application to extend your stay in the UK, contact Vanguard Solicitors at 0208 616 5535 or send us your enquiry online.

Table of Contents

What is the FLR (FP) Visa?

FLR(FP), or Further Leave to Remain, allows you to apply to stay in the UK based on your family or private life if you're not eligible for other visa types.

It is an immigration route under the UK's Human Rights framework, particularly Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects your right to a family and private life.

This visa application is designed for individuals already living in the UK who need to extend their stay based on:

• Their family life with a British citizen or a person with settled status
• Their private life is established in the UK

It is often used when other UK visa routes like the Spouse Visa or Skilled Worker Visa are not an option.

The FLR (FP) visa permits you to extend your stay in the UK for an additional 30 months and can be a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually British citizenship. 

Who Can Apply for FLR (FP)?

The FLR (FP) visa route is designed for individuals who are already living in the UK and want to extend their stay based on their family or private life.

You may qualify for FLR(FP) if you're living in the UK as a partner, parent or dependent child of a British or settled person, or if you've built your private life here over time.

It's often used by applicants whose circumstances fall under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects your right to respect for family and private life, especially when returning to your home country would be unjust or harmful.

You may be eligible to apply under the FLR (FP) route if you are:

• A partner or spouse of a British citizen or settled person (10-year route)
• A parent of a British or settled child in the UK
• A dependent child of someone with limited leave to remain
• Under 18 and have lived in the UK for at least 7 continuous years
• Aged 18–24 and lived in the UK for more than half your life
• An adult with under 20 years' residence who would face serious hardship abroad
• Someone who has lived in the UK continuously for 20 years or more
• A child born in the UK to someone with or applying for leave based on private life

If you're unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria, our qualified UK immigration solicitor can assess your case and help you prepare a strong application to avoid delays or refusals.

Understanding Family Life in FLR (FP) Applications

The family life element of the FLR (FP) visa is intended for individuals who have strong family connections in the UK but may not meet the full requirements of a spouse or partner visa (like FLR (M)).

Examples include:

• Unmarried partners living together in the UK
• Parents of British children
• Families facing separation due to immigration restrictions

You'll need to show evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship with your UK-based family members.

Understanding Private Life in FLR (FP) Applications

The private life route is for individuals who have built meaningful connections within the UK, such as:

• Long-term residence in the UK
• Deep community ties (e.g., friends, work, education)
• Involvement in cultural, educational, or social life in the UK

This category can be especially relevant for:

• Young people who've grown up in the UK
• Adults who would face extreme difficulties integrating into life in another country

FLR (FP) Visa Requirements

To qualify under the FLR (FP) route, you must meet specific criteria, which vary based on your situation:

• Proof of your relationship with a partner, child, or parent
• Length of time spent in the UK
• Impact on your life and wellbeing if you're forced to leave
• Your financial situation and ability to support yourself
• Evidence that returning to your country of origin would be unreasonable or cause hardship

Although the financial requirements are less severe compared to other visa categories, you may still need to demonstrate that you are not a burden on public funds.

How to Apply for FLR (FP) Visa?

You need to apply online using the FLR (FP) form on the Gov.uk website to stay in the UK based on your family life as a partner, parent or dependent child or based on your private life in the UK. You must be currently in the UK on a valid visa and meet the eligibility criteria before you start your application.

During the application, you'll need to provide detailed information about yourself and any dependent children applying with you. This includes personal details, immigration history, and other relevant information.

You will also need to share details about your sponsor, whether that's your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or parent, who is supporting your application to stay in the UK.

Make sure to complete every section of the FLR (FP) application form carefully and accurately. Using the latest version of the form is crucial to avoid delays or rejection.

At the end of the form, both you and your sponsor must sign the declarations confirming that all the information provided is true and correct.

Step-by-Step Guide to the FLR(FP) Application Process

Applying for the FLR(FP) visa involves a few key steps, and it's important to get each one right to avoid delays or refusals. Here's a quick overview of what to expect:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting, make sure you're eligible to apply for FLR (FP). You must be in the UK on a valid visa and meet the specific requirements, like relationship status, financial thresholds, and residence status.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all necessary documents, including proof of your identity, immigration history, and evidence of your family life or private life in the UK.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official GOV.UK website and fill out the FLR (FP) application form online. Take your time to carefully and accurately complete every section about you, your dependents (if any), and your sponsor.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

You'll need to pay the FLR (FP) visa application, along with the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to the NHS during your stay.

Step 5: Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment

After submitting your application, you'll be asked to book an appointment at a local visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information).

Step 6: Submit Your Supporting Documents

Depending on your situation, you may need to upload your documents online or send them by post. Always check the latest instructions on the GOV.UK website.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Processing times can vary, but you can usually stay in the UK legally while waiting for your FLR (FP) visa decision, as long as you applied before your current visa expired. Once the Home Office has made a decision, you'll be informed by email or post.

Document Checklist for an FLR (FP) Visa Application

When applying for an FLR(FP) visa, to extend your stay in the UK based on your family or private life, you must submit a range of documents to support your application. The evidence you provide helps prove your identity, your relationships, your life in the UK, and your financial and residential circumstances.

Providing the right documents in the correct format is essential to avoid delays or refusals from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Here's a checklist of key documents you'll typically need:

• Your valid passport or travel document
• Biometric residence permit (if available)
• Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate)
• Birth certificates of any children involved
• Evidence of cohabitation (tenancy agreements, utility bills)
• Proof of private life (school records, community involvement, medical letters)
• Financial documents (bank statements, payslips)
• Additional documents, depending on your circumstances

Note: Any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for FLR (FP)?

If you're applying to extend your stay in the UK using the FLR (FP) form, the standard application fee is £1,321, which covers the Home Office processing your case. In addition, you'll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which currently costs £2,587.50 and gives you access to NHS services during your stay.

For those needing a quicker decision, an optional Super Priority Service is available at an extra cost of £1,000, offering a decision within 1 working day.

Keep in mind, there may also be extra expenses for things like legal advice, document translation, or assisted scanning and uploading services, depending on your situation.

What Is the FLR (FP) Visa Processing Time?

The standard processing time for an FLR(FP) visa application is usually around 8 weeks, but complex cases can take up to 12 months or longer.

If you need a quicker decision, you can choose the Super Priority Service, which costs an additional £1,000. With this service, you'll get a decision:

• By the end of the next working day, if your UKVCAS appointment is on a weekday, or
• Within 2 working days if your appointment is on a weekend or bank holiday.

This option is ideal if your visa is due to expire soon, or you need to travel urgently and want peace of mind.

What Happens After You Apply for FLR (FP)?

After you apply online to extend your stay in the UK using the form FLR (FP), you'll need to book an appointment at your nearest visa application centre to provide your biometric information, which means fingerprints and a photograph. Once your biometrics are submitted, the Home Office will process your application.

You'll receive a decision letter by post. If approved, you'll usually get another 30 months to stay in the UK. If refused, the letter will explain why and outline your options, including whether you can appeal the decision.

What Happens If Your FLR (FP) Application Is Refused?

In the unfortunate event that your FLR (FP) application is refused, don't panic. You may still have options. Many applicants will have the right to appeal the decision, especially if the refusal breaches their right to family or private life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Alternatively, you may be able to submit a new application with stronger evidence.

If your application is denied, it's very important to get professional advice as soon as possible. Expert guidance can help you understand your options, avoid being forced to leave the UK, and improve your chances of successfully appealing the decision.

How Can Vanguard Solicitors Support Your FLR (FP) Application?

Every person's situation is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're applying as a partner, parent, dependent child, or based on your private life in the UK, our immigration solicitors take the time to understand your background and recommend the best course of action for your application.

At Vanguard Solicitors, we specialise in UK immigration law and have extensive experience helping clients with FLR (FP) applications.

We can assist you every step of the way, from completing your application form correctly to gathering and organising the right supporting documents. Getting professional advice early can reduce errors, speed up your application process, and increase your chances of success.

If UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) ask for more information or clarification, we handle it for you. We'll make sure all communications are timely, clear, and professional, helping to avoid unnecessary delays or complications.

If your FLR (M) application has been refused, don't worry. We also offer dedicated support for Family and Spouse visa appeals, helping you understand your options and preparing your next application to meet all legal requirements.

If you need legal assistance with your FLR (FP) visa application to extend your stay, call Vanguard Solicitors on 0208 616 5535 or fill in our enquiry form.

Need Help with Your FLR (FP) Application?

Applying for FLR (FP) can be complex. Mistakes or missing documents can lead to refusals and delays. At Vanguard Solicitors, our experienced immigration lawyers can guide you through the FLR (FP) application process, from preparing your documents to submitting your application.

If you need help extending your stay with an FLR(FP) application, call Vanguard Solicitors on 0208 616 5535 or submit your enquiry through our form.