Further Leave to Remain in the UK as a Spouse/Partner
Further Leave to Remain (FLR) is an extension to stay in the UK. The application would typically be made to extend an existing visa (for example a Spouse Visa), but there are also instances where an applicant can switch from another valid visa if their circumstances in the UK change. There are different forms of FLR and Form FLR (M) is for family members of a settled person in the UK.
Form FLR (M)
Form FLR (M) is an application to extend your stay in the UK for 30 months as a partner or dependent child of someone who is either:
- A British citizen
- A person that has Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK
- An EU National with Settled/Pre-Settled Status in the UK (under the EU Settlement Scheme)
- An Irish National residing in the UK
- A person with refugee or humanitarian protection immigration status
Eligible applicants includes: spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners, same sex partners and children.
Your civil partnership or marriage must be recognised in the UK. For an unmarried partner, you must be able to evidence that you have been living together in a subsisting relationship (akin to a marriage) for at least 2 years prior to making your application.
Who should Apply for FLR (M)?
If you came to the UK on a spouse/partner visa or a fiance(e)/propsed civil partner visa, you will need to make an application for FLR (M) to extend your stay in the UK.
If you came to the UK via a different migration category e.g. as a skilled worker or a student and then got married to a British or settled person in the UK, you can also switch to the partner route by making an application for FLR (M).
You would also apply for FLR (M) if you are currently on FLR (M) and not yet eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
When Can I Apply for FLR (M)?
If you are applying to extend your existing Spouse, Civil or Unmarried Partner visa (entry clearance/leave to enter), the earliest you can apply to extend is once you reach 30 months (2 and a half years) of your current leave in the UK.
If you are extending your existing FLR M, the earliest you can apply for your extension is 28 days before your current leave expires.
If you are switching from a different visa category (such as a skilled worker) or converting your current fiance(e)/proposed civil partner visa, you can apply for/switch to FLR M at any time before your current visa expires.
In all cases you will need to complete the application online.

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How Much does a UK Partner Visa Extension Cost?
The current Home Office fee for FLR M is £1,321, and you would also need to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which is currently £2,587.50.
You also have the option to speed up your application and get a decision as quickly as 1 working day by choosing the super priority service, the fee for which is an additional £1,000. *Please note that this is always subject to availability.
Can I include Children on my UK Partner Visa Extension?
Children under the age of 18 can be included in your application. Dependent children over 18, however cannot apply with you unless they were originally granted leave in this category when they were under 18 and do not live an independant life e.g. They have left home, are married and have a family of their own. Note that you must also pay the respective Home Office and IHS fees for each dependent that is also applying.
What is the Processing Time for UK Partner Visa Extension?
The average processing time to get a decision from the Home Office is 2-3 months (unless you opt for the super priority service as mentioned above).
Delays in your application may occur if you have not provided all the required documents that the Home Office wants to see, or you are required to attend an interview.
What Are the Requirements?
The Financial requirement
If you or your partner were first granted leave as a spouse/partner for an application that was submitted before 11 April 2024 and you/they are extending that visa (including if you first applied as a fiancé(e) or proposed civil partner), the minimum income threshold is £18,600 gross per annum. This threshold increases to £22,400 if you are applying to extend with a dependant child, and then further increments of £2,400 for each additional child you are applying with (up to a maximum threshold of £29,000).
If your first leave as a partner was granted for an application that was submitted on or after 11 April 2024, you must meet the current minimum income threshold of £29,000 gross per annum.
You can meet this via you and/or your spouse/partner's income from employment or self-employment). You can also meet this with cash savings over £16,000, pensions, maternity allowances or bereavement benefits received in the UK.
You are exempt from having to meet the minimum income threshold if your spouse/partner is in receipt of specific benefits or allowances. In which case, you will need to provide evidence of adequate maintenance for you and any dependants.
Accomodation
Additionally, you must also have adequate accommodation for you and any dependants that live with you.
The English language requirement
Unless you resided in a country where English is the primary/dominant language e.g. USA or Australia, you will need to demonstrate you have good knowledge of the the English Language.
This can be met by having a degree or academic qualification that was taught or researched in English and recognised by UK NARIC otherwise you will need to take an English Language Test.
These are the primary requirements but there are many other elements for a successful FLR (M) application. There is whole host of information you must provide, and the type of supporting documents you and your sponsor must include, will depend on you and your partner's own circumstances.
It is not a cheap visa application to make, and any mistakes could be costly and stressful should your application be refused as a result.
If you have any concerns about meeting the requirements, or submitting the correct documents to support your application,
Contact Us now for expert advice and full peace of mind that your application will be successful.
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