FLR (M): Further Leave to Remain for Spouse, Partner, or Child

If your Family visa in the UK is nearing its expiration, you'll need to apply for an extension using the FLR (M) form to continue living in the country legally.

To qualify for an FLR (M) visa as a spouse, partner or dependent child of someone with settled status, you must already be in the UK on a valid family-based visa.

For reliable legal advice on your FLR (M) application to extend your family visa, contact Vanguard Solicitors on 0208 616 5535 or send us your enquiry online.

Table of Contents

What is the FLR (M) Visa?

The FLR (M) visa, also known as Further Leave to Remain (Marriage/Partner), is a UK visa extension for individuals already in the UK on a family visa. This visa route is typically designed for spouses, partners, or dependent children of British citizens or those with settled status.

The FLR (M) 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. 

What's the Difference Between Further Leave to Remain (FLR) and Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Further Leave to Remain (FLR) is a temporary extension of your visa that lets you stay in the UK for a specific period. It's often granted when you need more time to live with your family, work, or study, but it doesn't provide permanent status.

On the other hand, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) gives you the right to live, work, and study in the UK without any time restrictions. With ILR, you have no expiry date on your stay and can enjoy many of the same rights as a British citizen, including the ability to apply for citizenship in the future.

In short, FLR is a limited, temporary permission to stay, while ILR is a form of permanent residence in the UK.

Who Can Apply for FLR (M)?

You can apply to extend your UK family visa with form FLR (M) if you're already in the UK and want to extend your stay as the partner or dependent child of someone who is settled in the UK or who is a refugee or under humanitarian protection.

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.

FLR (M) Visa Requirements for Spouses and Partners

If you want to extend your stay in the UK using the FLR (M) visa as a spouse or partner, there are specific requirements you need to meet.

First, you must be married to, in a civil partnership with, or have lived as an unmarried partner for at least two years with someone who falls into one of these categories:

• British or Irish citizen
• A person with settled status (ILR, EU Settlement Scheme, pre-settlement, or permanent residence)
• A person with a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa
• A person with a refugee status or humanitarian protection in the UK

You should have already met this relationship requirement when you first applied for your initial spouse or partner visa from outside the UK.

In addition to proving your relationship is genuine, for example, by providing a marriage or civil partnership certificate, you also need to continue to meet the original visa requirements. This includes satisfying the financial threshold, which shows you and your partner have enough income to support yourselves without public funds.

Finally, when applying for your FLR (M) visa extension, you may also be required to demonstrate your English language ability again, depending on the rules at the time of your application.

FLR (M) Visa Requirements for Children

If you're applying for an FLR (M) visa as a child, there are certain conditions you need to meet to qualify for an extension.

First, you must fall under one of these categories:

• Your parent has permission to live in the UK as the partner or parent of someone who is either:
  • settled in the UK
  • has pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or
  • holds a Turkish Businessperson or Turkish Worker visa
• You're applying to stay in the UK with someone who has been granted permission to remain based on their family life or private life in the UK.
• There are compelling reasons why you should remain in the UK, and suitable arrangements have been made for your care and well-being.

In addition to these, you must continue to meet the original visa rules you agreed to when you first applied. For example, if you are under 18 and were born outside the UK, you must not be married or in a civil partnership, and you shouldn't be living independently from your parents or guardians.

English Language Requirements for FLR (M)

When applying to extend your FLR (M) visa, many of the original requirements remain the same as when you first received your visa. However, there is an important update regarding your English language skills.

If you were initially granted a Spouse visa, you might need to provide new proof of your English language ability when you apply to extend your visa and stay in the UK for more than 2.5 years.

This is because the FLR (M) Spouse visa extension requires you to meet a higher English level, at least A2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is one step up from the A1 level required for the initial Spouse visa.

If you previously passed an approved English test at A2 level or higher when applying for your initial Spouse visa, you can usually use that same test result for your FLR (M) application, as long as your test certificate is still valid and hasn't been withdrawn by the test provider.

If you haven't met the A2 level before, or your certificate is no longer valid, you will need to take and pass an approved English language test at A2 level or above to successfully extend your visa with FLR (M).

Financial Requirements for FLR (M) Visa Extension

When applying to extend your stay with an FLR (M) visa, the financial requirements you need to meet are very similar to those from your initial Spouse or Family visa application.

Typically, you and your spouse or partner must show a combined minimum income of £29,000 per year. This is the baseline amount required to prove you can support yourselves without relying on public funds.

To meet these financial requirements, you can use different types of income. This could include your salaries from employment, but also other sources like cash savings, pensions, rental income from property, dividends, or other non-employment earnings.

For applications involving children, the sponsoring parent or parents must meet these financial criteria to ensure the family can be properly supported.

However, if your sponsor receives certain benefits, such as the Disability Living Allowance or Armed Forces Guaranteed Income, you may not need to prove the minimum income requirement.

When Can I Apply for FLR (M) Visa?

If you need to extend your Family or Spouse visa with an FLR (M) application, you must apply before your current visa expires to avoid any gaps in your immigration status.

However, it's best to submit your FLR (M) application no earlier than 28 days before your visa runs out. Applying too early might mean you have to apply for two separate visa extensions to complete the five-year residency needed for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

By applying within the last 28 days of your current visa, you usually only need one FLR (M) extension to stay on track for ILR, if you're following the five-year route.

Don't worry about your visa expiring while your application is being processed. As long as you send your FLR (M) application before your visa's expiry date, you're legally allowed to remain in the UK until the Home Office makes a decision.

How to Apply for FLR (M) Visa?

You need to apply online using the FLR (M) form on the Gov.uk website to extend your stay in the UK as the partner or dependent child of someone who is settled, a refugee, or under humanitarian protection.

You must be currently in the UK on a valid Spouse or Family visa 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 (M) 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.

Steps to Apply for an FLR (M) Visa Extension

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before starting, make sure you're eligible to apply. You must be in the UK on a valid Family or Spouse visa, and meet the specific requirements like relationship status, financial thresholds, and English language skills.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather all necessary documents, including:

• Your current passport or travel document
• Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, joint bills, etc.)
• Evidence of meeting financial requirements (pay slips, bank statements, savings)
• English language test certificate (if required)
• Any previous visa documents or Home Office letters

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official GOV.UK website and fill out the FLR (M) 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 application fee for the FLR (M) visa extension, 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 (M) 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.

FLR (M) Extension Document Checklist

When applying for an FLR (M) visa extension, you'll need to provide several documents to support your application. These help the Home Office confirm your identity, relationship, and eligibility to remain in the UK.

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

• Current passport or valid travel ID
• Copies of previous passports (photo page and visa stamps)
• Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable)
• Proof of your partner's or parent's immigration status
• Evidence of your relationship (e.g. marriage certificate, joint bills)
• Details of any criminal convictions
• National Insurance number (if you have one)
• English language test certificate (CEFR level A2 or higher)
• Financial documents (e.g. payslips, bank statements, savings proof)
• Certified translations for any non-English/Welsh documents
• Additional documents, depending on your circumstances

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

If you're applying to extend your UK Spouse Visa using the FLR (M) 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 (M) Visa Processing Time?

The standard processing time for an FLR (M) application typically ranges from 8 weeks to 12 weeks from the date you provide your biometrics.

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 Next After You Submit Your FLR (M) Application?

After you apply online to extend your Family or Spouse visa using FLR (M), 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 My FLR Application Is Not Approved?

If your FLR (Further Leave to Remain) application is refused, the Home Office will send you a letter explaining the reasons for the denial. This letter will also tell you whether you have the option to request an administrative review. If you are eligible, you must submit this review request within 14 days of receiving the decision.

If you're not eligible for an administrative review, you might still be able to challenge the decision through a judicial appeal. This is a legal process where a court reviews the Home Office's refusal.

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 (M) Application?

If you're in the UK on a Family visa or Spouse visa, sooner or later, you'll need to apply for further leave to remain (FLR). This is a crucial step towards qualifying for indefinite leave to remain and making sure you continue to meet the UK's immigration requirements.

At Vanguard Solicitors, we specialise in UK immigration law and have extensive experience helping clients with FLR (M) applications. Whether you're a spouse, partner, or child applying to extend your stay under a UK Family visa or Spouse visa, our expert team is here to guide you.

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 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 (M) visa application to extend your family visa, call Vanguard Solicitors on 0208 616 5535 or fill in our enquiry form.

Need Help with Your FLR (M) Application?

Applying for FLR (M) 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 (M) application process, from preparing your documents to submitting your application.

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