What is FLR(M)?
FLR(M) stands for Further Leave to Remain (Marriage/Partner). It is the in-country application for individuals who:
- Hold a spouse visa, civil partner visa, or unmarried partner visa.
- Entered the UK on a fiancé(e) visa and have now married or entered a civil partnership.
- Are switching from another eligible category to the partner route.
If granted, you are usually able to extend your visa for 30 months. This forms part of the five-year route to settlement under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
Who can apply for Further Leave to Remain?
You can apply for the FLR(M) visa if:
- You and your partner are both over 18.
- Your partner is a British or Irish citizen, has indefinite leave to remain, or holds settled/pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Your relationship is genuine and subsisting, and you intend to live together permanently in the UK.
Key requirements
In order for a successful application to extend your stay in the UK by qualifying for FLR(M), you must meet:
- Relationship requirement – evidence of marriage/civil partnership or two years of relationship akin to marriage.
- Financial requirement:
- Minimum income: £29,000 per year (as of April 2024 and continuing in 2025 & 2026).
- Additional: £3,800 for first child, £2,400 for each additional child.
- Alternative: £88,500 in savings (held for 6+ months).
- English language requirement – CEFR A2 for extensions.
- Accommodation requirement – proof of adequate housing without recourse to public funds.
Recent updates
- Higher income threshold remains at £29,000 for new and extension applications.
- Digital document upload mandatory before biometrics.
- Suitability checks under Part 9 apply to all family routes.
- Processing times: Standard service approx. eight weeks; Super Priority available for £1,000 extra.
FLR(M) fees & Immigration Health Surcharge
- Application fee: £1,321 per applicant.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year, paid upfront for 2.5 years = £2,587.50.
- Optional extras: Super Priority (£1,000), document scanning (£50), translations.
What happens after approval?
- You’ll receive an eVisa valid for 30 months.
- You can work and study in the UK.
- After two FLR(M) grants (five years total), you may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and later British citizenship.
Common reasons for refusal
- Insufficient financial evidence.
- Missing proof of cohabitation or genuine relationship.
- Incorrect English language documentation.
- Inconsistent information between form and documents.
How we can help
Our immigration team offers:
- Eligibility checks and strategic advice.
- Document review and preparation to meet Home Office standards.
- Application drafting and submission for maximum accuracy.
- Urgent support for last-minute applications.
Start your FLR(M) application today
Avoid costly mistakes and delays. Contact one of our specialist immigration solicitors for a free initial consultation and let us help you secure your FLR(M) visa.
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Applying for a visa is a complex process. On this dedicated website, our immigration experts have cut through the mountains of regulation. We present clear answers to the frequently asked questions of those who want to move to the UK to work or study, and of businesses wishing to recruit individuals from overseas.
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