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.