If you are already living in the UK with permission as the spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person, you may need to apply for Further Leave to Remain before your current permission expires.
For most people on the 5-year partner route, this means applying for a further period of leave after the first 2 years and 6 months in the UK.
What is Further Leave to Remain?
Further Leave to Remain, commonly referred to as FLR, is permission to remain in the UK for an additional period.
For spouses and partners applying under Appendix FM, the application is usually made using the FLR(M) route. This commonly applies to people who entered the UK on a spouse or partner visa and are now approaching the expiry of their first period of leave.
How long is an FLR(M) extension granted for?
If the application is successful, further leave as a partner is normally granted for another 2 years and 6 months.
For applicants on the standard 5-year partner route, this additional period usually takes them towards the point where they may later qualify to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, provided all relevant settlement requirements are met.
When should you apply for Further Leave to Remain?
You should apply before your current immigration permission expires.
It is important not to leave the application until the last minute, particularly where financial documents, English language evidence or relationship documents still need to be collected.
Submitting an application before existing leave expires can also be important for maintaining lawful immigration status while the application is pending.
How do you apply for FLR(M)?
FLR(M) applications are made online from inside the UK.
As part of the application process, you will need to complete the online form, pay the relevant application charges, provide supporting documents and prove your identity in the way specified during the application process.
Depending on the system used for your application, you may be asked to attend a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services appointment or follow an alternative digital identity process.
What documents are needed for an FLR(M) application?
The exact evidence required depends on your circumstances, but a typical spouse or partner extension application may include:
- current passport and immigration documents
- evidence of your partner’s British citizenship or settled status
- marriage certificate or evidence of the qualifying relationship
- evidence that the relationship is genuine and continuing
- evidence that you and your partner are living together
- financial evidence
- English language evidence
- accommodation evidence where relevant
- supporting declarations and application documents
What relationship evidence should be provided?
Applicants should normally show that the relationship is genuine and continuing and that the couple intend to continue living together permanently in the UK.
Useful evidence can include correspondence addressed to both partners, or individually to each partner, covering the relevant period and showing that they have been living together at the same address.
The exact evidence required will depend on the application history and personal circumstances.
What is the financial requirement for FLR(M)?
The financial requirement depends on when the family route began.
For many current partner applications, the minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year.
However, transitional rules continue to apply to some applicants who first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending their stay with the same partner.
Applicants who first applied on or after 11 April 2024
In most cases, the applicant and partner will need to show combined qualifying income of at least £29,000 per year.
Applicants who first applied before 11 April 2024
Where the applicant is extending with the same partner and qualifies for the transitional rules, the previous £18,600 minimum income framework can continue to apply.
Historic child additions may also apply in some transitional cases, subject to the current cap and exemptions.
Can savings be used?
Depending on the circumstances, cash savings may be used on their own or together with qualifying income to help meet the financial requirement.
The amount required and the evidence rules depend on the income category being relied upon.
What English language level is required for an FLR(M) extension?
Applicants who previously met the English language requirement at A1 level will normally need to meet at least A2 level in speaking and listening when applying to extend their stay after 2.5 years.
If the applicant previously passed an approved test at A2 or higher, that result may be reusable provided it remains acceptable under the current rules.
Some applicants may meet the English language requirement through an eligible degree or may qualify for an exemption.
How long does an FLR(M) application take?
UKVI currently states that an in-country partner or spouse application meeting the minimum income and English language requirements will usually receive a decision within around 8 weeks.
Applications based on different circumstances, including private life or cases where standard requirements are not met, can take considerably longer.
Can you pay for a faster decision?
A faster decision service may be available for eligible applications, subject to availability.
The availability of priority or super priority processing can depend on the application type and how the applicant proves their identity.
Applicants should check the options offered during the online application process rather than assuming a faster service will always be available.
Can you travel outside the UK while an FLR(M) application is pending?
Applicants should be extremely careful about travelling while an in-country immigration application is pending.
Leaving the Common Travel Area before a decision is made can result in an application being treated as withdrawn in many in-country routes.
If travel is unavoidable, professional advice should be taken before leaving the UK.
What happens after the FLR(M) application is approved?
Once the application is approved, the applicant will normally receive confirmation of their new immigration status through the current UKVI system.
The UK has moved increasingly towards digital immigration status and UKVI accounts, so applicants should follow the instructions provided in their decision and account information.
When can you apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?
A person on the standard 5-year partner route may normally become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after completing 5 continuous years in the UK on the qualifying partner route.
Time spent in the UK on other visa routes, or as a fiancé or fiancée before switching to the partner route, does not normally count towards the standard 5-year partner settlement period.
Common FLR(M) mistakes
Some of the most common problems we see include:
- using the wrong financial threshold
- missing payslips or bank statements
- using financial evidence from the wrong period
- incorrect employer letters
- insufficient cohabitation evidence
- using an unsuitable English language test
- applying after existing leave has expired
- assuming previous evidence can simply be reused without checking the current rules
How Thai Visa Express can help with FLR(M)
Thai Visa Express can assist with the preparation of spouse and partner extension applications from inside the UK.
We can review the applicant’s immigration history, identify the correct financial requirement, check supporting evidence, prepare the application and supporting representations, and help ensure the documents are organised correctly before submission.
This can be particularly useful where there are complications involving employment changes, self-employment, savings, previous refusals, gaps in evidence or unusual family circumstances.
Further Leave to Remain UK visa FAQs
How long does FLR(M) last?
A successful partner extension is normally granted for a further 2 years and 6 months.
Can I apply for FLR(M) online?
Yes. Applications from inside the UK are made online.
How long does FLR(M) take?
A qualifying in-country partner or spouse application will usually receive a decision within around 8 weeks, although some applications take longer.
What English test do I need for my spouse visa extension?
If you previously met the requirement at A1 level, you will normally need at least A2 speaking and listening for the extension after 2.5 years.
Is the FLR(M) income requirement £18,600 or £29,000?
It depends on when you first entered the partner route. Many newer applicants fall under the £29,000 threshold, while some applicants who first applied before 11 April 2024 can remain under transitional rules.
Can I use savings for FLR(M)?
Yes, qualifying cash savings can sometimes be used alone or together with income, depending on the circumstances.
Can I leave the UK while my FLR(M) application is pending?
Travelling outside the Common Travel Area while an in-country application is pending can cause serious problems and may result in the application being treated as withdrawn.
Can Thai Visa Express prepare my FLR(M) application?
Yes. We can assist with application preparation, financial evidence, relationship evidence, supporting documents and the overall submission process.
Planning ahead for settlement? Read our guide to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK and find out what happens after completing the qualifying partner route.