Further Leave to Remain as a Partner

Further Leave to Remain (FLR) as a Partner in the UK

Further Leave to Remain as a Partner, commonly known as FLR(M), allows eligible partners of British citizens or people settled in the UK to extend their stay in the UK under the family visa route.

Eligibility Criteria

• Relationship: You must be married to, in a civil partnership with, or in an eligible relationship with a British citizen or a person settled in the UK.
• Genuine Relationship: Your relationship must be genuine and continuing, and you must intend to live together permanently in the UK.
• Financial Requirement: You must meet the applicable financial requirement unless an exemption applies.
• English Language: You must normally meet the English-language requirement unless exempt.

Financial Requirement

• For applications first made on or after 11 April 2024, the standard minimum income requirement is £29,000 per year.
• If you first successfully applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner, the transitional £18,600 requirement may apply, subject to the Immigration Rules.
• In certain circumstances, cash savings or other permitted income sources can be used to meet the requirement.

English Language Requirement

For an extension under the 5-year partner route, applicants who previously met the English requirement at CEFR A1 will generally need to meet CEFR A2 when applying for further leave.

Application Process

• Online Application: Complete the FLR(M) application online before your current permission expires.
• Documents: Provide evidence of your relationship, finances, accommodation and English-language requirement.
• Biometrics: Provide your fingerprints and photograph as part of the application.
• Decision: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will assess the application and issue a decision.

Fees

The current fee for an FLR(M) application made inside the UK is £1,407.

Most applicants must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). For a 30-month grant, the adult IHS is £2,587.50.

This makes the standard upfront cost £3,994.50, excluding optional priority services or legal fees.

Duration and Settlement

• Duration: FLR(M) is normally granted for 30 months (2 years and 6 months).
• Further Extension: You can normally apply for another extension if you continue to meet the requirements.
• ILR: Applicants following the 5-year partner route may qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after completing the required qualifying period.
• Some applicants may instead qualify under the 10-year family route, depending on their circumstances.

Important Considerations

• Apply before your current immigration permission expires.
• Keep evidence showing that your relationship remains genuine and continuing.
• Make sure you meet the correct financial and English-language requirements.
• Do not leave the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while your in-country application is pending, as your application may be treated as withdrawn.

Immigration rules and fees can change, so applicants should check the latest UK Government guidance before applying.

Written on: 28 August 2026