FLR (FP): Further Leave to Remain on Family or Private Life

If your current UK visa is expiring, you may be able to extend your stay using the FLR (FP) application on family or private life grounds.

This visa is especially helpful for those who may not meet the requirements of other visa types, such as the standard spouse visa, but have strong and compelling reasons to remain in the UK.

Many people use the FLR (FP) route when leaving the UK, which would cause significant hardship or disrupt their family life or personal circumstances.

If you need assistance with your FLR (FP) application, call Wembley Solicitors today at 020 3417 3700 to extend your stay in the UK based on family or private life.

Table of Contents

What is the FLR (FP) Visa?

It is a UK immigration route for people already living in the UK who wish to extend their stay based on their family connections or established private life.

It is part of the UK's Human Rights framework, specifically Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to family and private life.

The FLR (FP) visa is ideal for those who do not qualify for other visa types, such as the Spouse Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, but have compelling reasons to remain in the UK.

You can apply for this visa if:

• You have a family life with a British citizen or someone with settled status in the UK.
• You have a private life established in the UK.

Successfully obtaining an FLR (FP) visa allows you to stay in the UK for an additional 30 months. It can also serve as a pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship.

If you need expert guidance with your FLR (FP) application to continue living in the UK, Wembley Solicitors are here to help. Call us today on 020 3417 3700 or submit your enquiry online for personalised support.

Who Can Apply for the FLR (FP) Visa?

The FLR (FP) visa is designed for individuals already living in the UK who want to extend their stay based on their family ties or established private life.

You may be eligible if you are living in the UK as a partner, parent, or dependent child of a British citizen or someone with settled status, or if you have built a significant private life in the UK over time.

You may qualify for FLR (FP) if you:

• Are a partner or spouse of a British citizen or settled person (10-year route).
• Are a parent of a British or settled child in the UK.
• Are a dependent child of someone with limited leave to remain.
• Are under 18 and have lived in the UK for at least seven continuous years.
• Are aged 18-24 and have spent more than half your life in the UK.
• Are an adult with under 20 years' residence who would face serious hardship abroad.
• Have lived continuously in the UK for 20 years or more.
• Are a child born in the UK to someone with, or applying for, leave based on private life.

This route is often used under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, protecting your right to family and private life, especially when returning home would cause hardship.

If you're unsure about your eligibility, Wembley Solicitors can guide you through your FLR (FP) application, helping you stay in the UK legally. Call us on 020 3417 3700 or submit your enquiry online today.

Understanding Family Life in FLR (FP) Applications

The family life element of the FLR (FP) visa is for individuals who have strong family connections in the UK but may not qualify for a standard spouse or partner visa, such as FLR(M).

This route is commonly used by:

• Unmarried partners living together in the UK
• Parents of British children
• Families who may face separation due to immigration rules

When applying, it's important to provide clear evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship with your UK-based family members.

Wembley Solicitors can help you prepare a strong FLR (FP) application, ensuring your family life in the UK is fully recognised. Call us today on 020 3417 3700 or submit your enquiry online for personalised guidance.

Understanding Private Life in FLR (FP) Applications

The private life element of the FLR (FP) visa is aimed at individuals who have established strong personal connections and roots in the UK. This could include:

• Long-term residence in the UK
• Close ties within the community, such as friends, work, or education
• Active involvement in cultural, social, or educational activities

This route is particularly relevant for:

• Young people who have grown up in the UK
• Adults who would face serious challenges adapting to life in another country

To succeed, applicants must show that their private life in the UK is genuine, settled, and well-established.

FLR (FP) Visa Requirements

To apply for an FLR (FP) visa, you'll need to meet certain requirements, which can vary depending on your personal circumstances:

• Evidence of your relationship with a partner, child, or parent
• How long have you lived in the UK
• The potential impact on your life and well-being if you were required to leave
• Your financial situation and ability to support yourself
• Proof that returning to your home country would be unreasonable or cause hardship

While the financial requirements are generally less strict than those of other visa types, you may still need to show that you will not rely on public funds.

How to Apply for the FLR (FP) Visa?

To extend your stay in the UK on the basis of family life or private life, you must apply online using the FLR (FP) form on the official Gov.uk website. You'll need to provide details about yourself, any dependent children, and your sponsor, whether a partner, spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, or parent.

It's essential to complete all sections accurately and use the latest version of the form to avoid delays or refusal. At the end, both you and your sponsor must sign declarations confirming that all information provided is correct.

Wembley Solicitors can guide you through the entire FLR (FP) application, ensuring your submission is complete and maximising your chances of approval. Call us today on 020 3417 3700 or submit your enquiry online.

Step-by-Step Guide to the FLR (FP) Application Process

Applying for the FLR (FP) visa involves several important steps. Following each one carefully can help prevent delays or refusal. Here's a clear overview of what to expect:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you start, confirm that you meet the FLR (FP) requirements. You must be in the UK on a valid visa and satisfy criteria such as relationship status, financial ability, and residence history.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Collect all necessary documents, including proof of identity, immigration history, and evidence of your family or private life in the UK.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Go to the official GOV.UK website and fill out the FLR (FP) form online. Carefully provide details about yourself, any dependents, and your sponsor. Accuracy is key.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application and IHS Fees

Pay the application fee for the FLR (FP) visa extension along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which covers access to the NHS during your stay.

Step 5: Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment

After submitting your application, schedule an appointment at your local visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph.

Step 6: Submit Supporting Documents

Depending on your case, you may need to upload your documents online or send them by post. Always follow the latest instructions on GOV.UK to avoid delays.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Processing times can vary, but you are usually allowed to stay in the UK legally while your FLR (FP) application is being processed, as long as you applied before your current visa expired. Once a decision is made, you'll be notified by email or post.

Document Checklist for an FLR (FP) Visa Application

When applying for an FLR (FP) visa to extend your stay in the UK based on family or private life, it's important to provide the right documents to support your application. These documents help demonstrate your identity, relationships, life in the UK, and financial and residential circumstances.

Submitting accurate documents in the correct format is crucial to avoid delays or refusal from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Here's a typical checklist of what you may need:

• Your valid passport
• Your previous passports
• Your BRP card, if you have one
• Proof of your relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate)
• Evidence of cohabitation, such as tenancy agreements or utility bills
• Birth certificates for any children included in your application
• Proof of private life, like school records, community involvement, or medical letters
• Financial documents, including bank statements and payslips
• Details of any criminal convictions, if any
• Certified translations for non-English/Welsh documents
• Additional supporting documents, depending on your individual circumstances

Wembley Solicitors can help you prepare a complete document package for your FLR (FP) application, ensuring everything meets UKVI standards. Call 020 3417 3700 or submit your enquiry online for expert assistance.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for an FLR (FP) Visa?

If you're applying to extend your stay in the UK through the FLR (FP) route, the standard application fee is £1,321, which covers the Home Office processing of your case.

In addition, you'll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), currently £2,587.50, which gives you access to NHS services while you remain in the UK.

For those who need a faster decision, the Super Priority Service is available for an additional £1,000, providing a decision within 1 working day.

There may also be extra costs depending on your situation, such as legal advice, certified document translations, or assistance with scanning and uploading documents.

What Is the FLR (FP) Visa Processing Time?

The standard processing time for an FLR (FP) visa is usually around 8 weeks, though more complex cases can take up to 12 months or longer.

If you need a faster decision, the Super Priority Service is available for an extra £1,000. With this service, you can expect a decision:

• By the end of the next working day, if your UKVCAS appointment falls on a weekday, or
• Within 2 working days if your appointment is on a weekend or bank holiday.

This service is particularly useful if your current visa is about to expire or if you need to travel urgently, giving you peace of mind and a quicker response.

What Happens After You Apply for an FLR (FP) Visa?

Once you submit your FLR (FP) application online to extend your stay in the UK, the next step is to book an appointment at your nearest visa application centre to provide your biometric information, which includes fingerprints and a photograph.

After your biometrics are submitted, the Home Office will begin processing your application.

You will receive a decision letter by post. If your application is approved, you will typically be granted an additional 30 months to stay in the UK. If it is refused, the letter will explain the reasons and outline your options, including whether you can appeal the decision.

What Happens If Your FLR (FP) Application Is Refused?

If your FLR (FP) application is refused, don't worry, there are often still options available. Many applicants may have the right to appeal, particularly if the refusal affects their right to family or private life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. In some cases, it may be possible to submit a new application with stronger supporting evidence.

It's important to seek professional advice as soon as possible if your application is denied. Expert guidance can help you understand your options, avoid being forced to leave the UK, and improve your chances of a successful appeal or new application.

Wembley Solicitors can provide specialist support to help you navigate refusals and secure the best outcome for your FLR (FP) application. Call 020 3417 3700 or submit your enquiry online for personalised advice.

How Wembley Solicitors Can Help with Your FLR (FP) Application

Every FLR (FP) case is unique. Whether you're applying as a partner, parent, dependent child, or based on your private life, Wembley Solicitors will guide you every step of the way.

We help with:

• Completing your application accurately
• Gathering and organising supporting documents
• Responding to UKVI requests quickly and professionally
• Handling refusals, appeals, and reapplications

Early professional guidance can reduce errors, speed up your application, and improve your chances of approval.

If you need legal assistance with your FLR (FP) visa application to extend your stay, call Wembley Solicitors on 020 3417 3700 or fill in our enquiry form.

Need Help with Your FLR (FP) Application?

Applying for an FLR (FP) visa can be complicated, and even small mistakes or missing documents can cause delays or refusals.

Wembley Solicitors' experienced immigration lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process, from preparing and organising your documents to submitting a complete application.

For legal advice and help with your FLR (FP) application, get in touch with Wembley Solicitors via 020 3417 3700 or our online form.