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FLR(M) Extend Stay as Partner (UK)

Further Leave to Remain on Partner Route

Hard ~45 min ImmigrationPartnerSpouseUKExtension

/ What is this form?

FLR(M) is used to extend your leave to remain in the UK on the basis of your relationship with a British citizen or settled person. It is part of the 5-year route to settlement. You apply after your initial spouse or partner visa expires (usually after 2.5 years) for another 2.5 years.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Partners and spouses of British citizens or settled persons already in the UK
  • Must still be in a genuine, qualifying relationship at the time of application
  • Applying for further leave after the initial 2.5-year visa expires

/ What you need before you start

Valid passport
Evidence of a genuine, continuing relationship (bank statements, bills, photos)
Financial evidence: sponsor earns £18,600 or more per year
English language certificate (A2 from an approved SELT provider)
Fee: £1,048 application fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Confirm You Are on the Partner Route
FLR(M) is for those who entered the UK on a spouse or partner visa and are now extending. Check your current visa — it should say leave to remain as a partner.
2 Meet the English Language Requirement
For first FLR(M) extension: A2 level English from an approved SELT provider. Check the Home Office list of approved providers before booking.
3 Gather Continued Relationship Evidence
Collect fresh evidence your relationship is genuine: recent joint bank statements, shared utility bills, correspondence to shared address, and recent photos together.
4 Meet the Financial Requirement
The sponsoring partner must earn at least £18,600 per year. Prepare 6 months of payslips and corresponding bank statements.
5 Apply Online and Book Biometrics
Apply online via UKVI. Pay the £1,048 application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035 per year for a 2.5-year extension). Book a biometric appointment.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Financial requirement evidence Sponsor's employment details showing income of £18,600+ per year: 6 months payslips and corresponding bank statements Income can be combined with savings or self-employment — the requirement is not always salary alone

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not meeting the correct English language level (A2 for first FLR(M) extension)
Not applying before the current visa expires
Not having 6 months of payslips and bank statements for the financial requirement

/ Frequently asked questions

What is the route to ILR?

Initial spouse or partner visa (2.5 years) then FLR(M) extension (2.5 years) then SET(M) for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Total: 5 years on the partner route before settlement.

What does the IHS cost?

Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year. For a 2.5-year FLR(M) visa: £2,587.50 in addition to the £1,048 application fee.