Further Leave to Remain (FLR(M)) – Extend Your Stay in the UK as a Partner
If you’re in the UK on a Spouse, Civil Partner, or Unmarried Partner visa, you may be eligible to extend your stay through the FLR(M) visa, also known as Further Leave to Remain in the Marriage category.
At Lexify Solicitors, we help individuals and families apply for FLR(M) with confidence. Whether you’re renewing your visa, switching from a Fiancé(e) visa, or including dependent children, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.
What Is FLR(M)?
FLR(M) stands for Further Leave to Remain – Marriage. It allows non-UK nationals already in the UK to extend their stay as the partner of someone who is:
- A British or Irish citizen
- Settled in the UK (holds ILR or EU Settled Status)
- A refugee or has humanitarian protection
- A holder of a Turkish Businessperson or Worker visa
This visa extension is typically granted for 30 months (2.5 years) and is a key step toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Who Can Apply for FLR(M)?
You may be eligible if you are:
- A spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (living together for at least 2 years) of a qualifying UK resident
- A fiancé(e) switching to a Spouse visa after marriage
- A dependent child of someone with valid leave under the family route
You must continue to meet the original visa requirements, including proving your relationship is genuine, meeting financial thresholds, and satisfying the English language requirement.
FLR(M) Application Requirements
Relationship Evidence
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Proof of cohabitation (e.g. joint bills, tenancy agreements)
- Evidence of ongoing relationship (photos, messages, travel history)
Financial Requirement (2024–25)
- Minimum income:
- £18,600 (before 11 April 2024)
- £29,000 (from 11 April 2024)
- Additional income for children:
- £3,800 for the first child
- £2,400 for each additional child
- Income can come from employment, self-employment, pensions, or savings over £16,000
- Exemptions apply if your partner receives certain benefits (e.g. DLA, PIP)
Accommodation
You must show you have adequate housing that meets UK living standards and won’t be overcrowded.
English Language Requirement
- You must meet A2 level on the CEFR scale (higher than the A1 level required for your initial visa)
- You may reuse a previous test result if it’s still valid and from an approved provider
- Exemptions apply for those with medical conditions or aged 65+
Required Documents for FLR(M) may include:
- Valid passport or travel ID
- Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable)
- Proof of your partner’s UK immigration status
- Financial documents (payslips, bank statements, tax returns)
- English language certificate
- Proof of relationship and cohabitation
- National Insurance number (if applicable)
- Criminal record details (if any)
- Certified translations for any non-English/Welsh documents
How to Apply for FLR(M)
- We will prepare and submit your application
- You must be physically present in the UK at the time of application
- Submit your documents and attend a biometric appointment
- Do not travel outside the UK while your application is pending — doing so will automatically withdraw your application
You should apply within 28 days of your visa’s expiry to avoid gaps in your immigration history.
FLR(M) Fees and Costs (2025)
| Fee Type | Amount |
| Home Office Application Fee | £1,321 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 per year |
| Total IHS for 2.5 years | £2,587.50 |
| English Language Test (if needed) | ~£150 |
| Document Translation (if needed) | £60–£85 per page |
Including Children in Your FLR(M) Application
Children can be included if:
- They are under 18 and not living independently
- They are applying with a parent who has leave under the family route
- There are compelling reasons for them to remain in the UK
Each child must meet eligibility criteria and be supported with appropriate documentation.
FLR(M) Processing Time
Service Type | Timeframe |
Standard Service | Around 12 weeks |
Priority Service | Next working day (after biometrics) |
What Happens After Approval?
If your FLR(M) application is successful:
- You’ll receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) valid for 2.5 years
- You can live, work, and study in the UK
- After 5 years on the partner route, you may be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Other FLR Categories
FLR Category | Description |
FLR(M) | For partners and family members of British citizens or settled persons |
FLR(IR) | For individuals extending stay for other reasons (e.g. Ancestry, private workers) |
FLR(FP) | Based on family or private life, often under human rights grounds |
How Lexify Solicitors Can Help
Our expert immigration team offers:
- Full eligibility assessment
- Document preparation and review
- Application form completion and submission
- Ongoing updates and communication
- Legal representation in complex or refused cases
We’ve helped hundreds of clients successfully extend their stay in the UK, and we’re ready to help you too.
Start Your FLR(M) Application Today
Don’t leave your future to chance. Whether you’re renewing your Spouse visa or switching from a Fiancé(e) visa, Lexify Solicitors is here to make the process smooth, stress-free, and successful.
Contact us today for a free initial assessment and take the next step toward securing your future in the UK.
How Lexify Solicitors Can Help You
At Lexify Solicitors, our expert immigration solicitors offer clear, practical legal support for all types of UK Student Visa applications and post-graduation immigration options. Whether you’re applying for a Student Visa for the first time, switching from another visa category, or looking to remain in the UK after completing your studies, we provide strategic, end-to-end guidance tailored to your situation.
We begin by carefully assessing your eligibility and advising you on the most appropriate visa route. Our team can assist you in preparing a fully compliant application and will draft a detailed legal representation to demonstrate how you meet the requirements set by the Home Office. We also support clients wishing to switch into the Student Visa category from another UK immigration route or extend their stay through post-study options such as the Graduate Route, the Skilled Worker visa, or the Innovator Founder visa.
Our goal is to ensure that your application is strong, accurate, and professionally presented to give you the best chance of approval. From initial consultation to submission, we are here to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.