Further Leave Outside the Immigration Rules

Further Leave Outside the Immigration Rules (UK)

Further Leave Outside the Immigration Rules (LOTR) allows the Home Office to grant permission to stay in the UK in exceptional circumstances, where the normal Immigration Rules do not provide a suitable route. It is a discretionary option and is generally considered only where there are compelling circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

• Exceptional Circumstances: You must normally show compelling and compassionate circumstances that justify granting leave outside the Immigration Rules.
• Individual Assessment: Each application is considered on its own facts and evidence.
• Other Immigration Routes: You should normally apply under the appropriate Immigration Rules where a suitable route is available.
• Human Rights: Family and private life claims may instead be considered under the relevant human rights and family-life provisions.

Grounds for LOTR

LOTR may be considered where there are exceptional and compelling circumstances that are not adequately covered by the Immigration Rules.

Simply finding it difficult to meet the requirements of an existing visa route will not normally be enough. Strong evidence should be provided to explain why exceptional circumstances justify a grant of leave.

Application Process

• Online Application: Where appropriate, an application to extend stay on the basis of leave outside the Rules can be made using the FLR(HRO) form.
• Supporting Documents: Provide evidence explaining the exceptional circumstances and why leave should be granted.
• Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and a photograph as part of the application process.
• Decision: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will consider the application on a case-by-case basis.

GOV.UK confirms that FLR(HRO) is used for human rights claims, leave outside the Rules and certain other applications not covered by another form.

Fees and Fee Waivers

From 8 April 2026, the standard fee listed for “Leave to remain – Other” applications made inside the UK is £1,407. The exact fee can depend on the type of application being made.

Fee waivers are important for applicants who cannot afford the application fee. Depending on the circumstances, a person may be eligible for a fee waiver if they cannot afford essential living costs or paying the fee would affect their child’s wellbeing.

Where a fee waiver is required, applicants should normally obtain the fee-waiver decision before submitting the immigration application.

An Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) may also apply depending on the type and length of leave being sought.

Duration and Settlement

• Duration: The length of LOTR depends on the circumstances of the individual case.
• Further Leave: A previous grant of LOTR does not guarantee that further leave will be granted.
• Settlement: LOTR does not automatically provide a route to settlement. The route to ILR will depend on the basis on which leave was granted and the applicable Immigration Rules.

Important Considerations

• LOTR is not a general alternative for applicants who simply do not meet the normal Immigration Rules.
• Provide strong evidence of the exceptional circumstances relied upon.
• Consider whether another immigration or human-rights route is available before applying.
• Do not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while an in-country application is pending. Under paragraph 34K of the Immigration Rules, leaving the relevant area will generally result in the application being treated as withdrawn.
• eVisa: Successful applicants will generally have their immigration status recorded digitally through an eVisa. Applicants should maintain access to their UKVI account and ensure their passport and personal details are up to date.

LOTR applications are highly dependent on the individual circumstances of the applicant. Immigration rules, fees and Home Office guidance can change, so applicants should check the latest GOV.UK guidance before applying.