Most family-route visas are granted for 2.5 years at a time. To stay legally and continue building your residence towards Indefinite Leave to Remain, you'll need to extend — that extension application is generally known as FLR.
The Main FLR Forms
- FLR(M) – for partners and children of British citizens or settled people on the 5-year route.
- FLR(FP) – for those on the 10-year family or private life route.
- FLR(IR) – for older categories or specific circumstances.
When to Apply
You should apply before your current visa expires. Submitting an in-time application activates Section 3C leave, which protects your status while the Home Office decides.
Critical: A single day of overstaying can break continuous residence and reset your ILR clock. Diary your visa expiry six months in advance.
What You'll Need
- Valid passport(s) and BRP.
- Updated relationship evidence covering the previous 2.5 years.
- Financial evidence to meet the maintenance requirement.
- Accommodation evidence (tenancy, mortgage, council tax).
- English language test certificate at the next required level.
- Children's evidence of residence and education, if relevant.
Step-by-Step Process
- Start the application online via gov.uk.
- Pay the visa fee and IHS.
- Book a UKVCAS biometrics appointment.
- Upload supporting documents through the IDV (Identity Verification) app or at the appointment.
- Wait for the decision — standard service is up to eight weeks; super priority is usually one working day.
What Comes Next
If granted, your residence continues to count towards ILR. After five years of continuous lawful residence on the 5-year route (or ten years on the 10-year route), you can usually apply for settlement.
"Each FLR is a checkpoint. File on time, file completely, file calmly."
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