If you are currently in the United Kingdom with Leave to Remain and seek to extend your stay, you must apply for Further Leave to Remain. Some individuals will submit their application for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR (IR). You will need to submit this form correctly and in time to secure your immigration status in the United Kingdom.
This article will explain Further Leave to Remain and Form FLR (IR) within the UK immigration system. It will identify who is eligible to apply with Form FLR (IR) and the requirements and eligibility criteria. The article will then describe how to apply for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR (IR), the required supporting documentation, application fees, and processing times. Finally, it will answer commonly asked questions by applicants.
What is Further Leave to Remain?
Further Leave to Remain (FLR) is an immigration status that has an expiration date. It is also an application form to switch or extend an existing visa within the United Kingdom. Further Leave to Remain is generally an extension of a current immigration status granted within the United Kingdom. Conversely, Leave to Remain is an initial immigration status granted from outside the United Kingdom for the purposes of Entry Clearance. Applications for Further Leave to Remain must be submitted before the expiration of Leave to Remain. Almost all visas have an expiration date, and you must take timely action to ensure your immigration status remains valid whilst in the United Kingdom.
There are several different types of Further Leave to Remain, including the following:
- Further Leave to Remain (M) – for applications to extend your stay in the United Kingdom based on Family Visas
- Further Leave to Remain (IR) – for applications to extend your stay in the United Kingdom based on various immigration categories
- Further Leave to Remain (FP) – for applications to extend your stay in the United Kingdom based on family and private life human rights claims under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights
- Further Leave to Remain (AF) – for applications to extend your stay in the United Kingdom as a member of HM Forces or as the dependent family member of a member of HM Forces
- Further Leave to Remain (HRO) – for applications to extend your stay in the United Kingdom based on human rights claims, leave to remain in the UK outside the Immigration Rules, and other routes not included within other Further Leave to Remain forms
- Further Leave to Remain (LR) – for applications to extend your stay in the United Kingdom based on long residence for a minimum of 10 continuous years
Each of these forms has a specific purpose based on the type of immigration status you currently hold in the United Kingdom. You must select the correct application form for your particular immigration status to apply for your visa extension. If you choose the incorrect form, your immigration status in the United Kingdom can be at risk. It can also jeopardise the potential of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) – also known as permanent residence or settlement – for eligible applicants. You may be required to leave the United Kingdom if you incorrectly fill out this crucial application form, so you should be sure to take all necessary steps to ensure your immigration status remains valid.
What is Form FLR IR?
Form FLR IR is a specific online form for various types of Further Leave to Remain applications. You can find the online application form for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR on the Home Office website. Individuals with a broad range of immigration statuses can extend their stay in the United Kingdom with Form FLR IR.
When is Form FLR IR used?
Form FLR IR is used by individuals currently in the United Kingdom who seek to extend their stay in the UK. You must be currently located within the United Kingdom to use this form and have been previously granted Entry Clearance into the UK from outside the country. You should use Form FLR IR for Further Leave to Remain applications if you fall under the following categories:
- Visitor Visa extensions – you cannot use this form for transit visitors, Permitted Paid Engagement visitors, and Approved Destination Status visitors
- UK Ancestry Visa extensions
- Individuals who are domestic workers in a private household
- Individuals who are domestic workers and victims of human trafficking or slavery
- Parents of a child (age 4 to 17) who is studying at a British independent school on a Child Student Visa
- Individuals who are dependent joiners required to apply separately from the main visa holder – this includes dependents of individuals with limited leave to remain or enter in the United Kingdom. This does not include dependents of individuals with leave under the Points Based System (PBS) nor dependents of individuals currently in the United Kingdom with leave to remain based on family or private life rights
- Individuals who are relevant civilian employees, such as an individual working for NATO armed forces or the family member of such persons
- Members of the Armed Forces subject to immigration control under Course F
- Individuals who are dependents of members of the Armed Forces – this does not include dependents of members of HM Forces
- Individuals who serve as representatives of an overseas business
These are the categories that can apply for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR (IR). If your visa is not based on one of the above categories of individuals, you will need to use a different form for Further Leave to Remain in line with your current immigration status. You must use the correct form for your Further Leave to Remain application. If you fail to do so, your application will be rejected by the Home Office, and you will not receive a refund on the application fee.
Importantly, you should not use this form if you seek to extend your current stay in the United Kingdom based on your rights to family and private life rights under the European Convention on Human Rights Article 8. This is considered a human rights claim application, and the appropriate form should be used for your Further Leave to Remain application – FLR (FP). You also should not use this form if you seek to submit your Further Leave to Remain application with a fee waiver if it has been successfully granted.
What are the requirements to apply for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR?
The requirements to apply for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR are that you are currently in the United Kingdom legally with Leave to Remain under one of the various relevant immigration categories. You must not have overstayed your current visa and be able to pay the application fee for Further Leave to Remain.
What are the eligibility criteria for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR?
The eligibility criteria for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR will depend on the specific immigration category under which you are submitting your application. You should consult the eligibility guidelines under your relevant immigration route to determine if you are eligible to apply for Further Leave to Remain. Here are the general eligibility criteria for the various immigration categories that will use Form FLR (IR) for Further Leave to Remain:
Visitor Visa Extensions
You must be able to demonstrate that you have exceptional reasons to remain in the United Kingdom past the period of your original Leave to Remain as a visitor, such as to receive medical treatment. You will need to provide evidence as to why you need to remain in the United Kingdom and demonstrate that you can pay for these services.
UK Ancestry Visa Extensions
You must be able to demonstrate that you meet the criteria for the UK Ancestry Visa, as provided in your initial Leave to Remain application. You must also provide evidence that you are able and willing to work in the United Kingdom
Extensions for Domestic Workers in a Private Household
You must be able to demonstrate that you remain employed as a domestic worker in a private household and details confirming that you are employed legally and under National Minimum Wage regulations.
Extensions for Domestic Workers and Victims of Human Trafficking or Slavery
You must be able to demonstrate that you have been deemed a victim of human trafficking or slavery by the Single Competent Authority in the United Kingdom.
Extensions for Parents of Child Students
You must be able to demonstrate that you can support yourself whilst continuing to live in the United Kingdom without relying on public funds or benefits. You must also provide details about your accommodation whilst living in the United Kingdom.
Extensions for Relevant Civilian Employees
You must be able to demonstrate that you are a relevant civilian employee through a letter of support from your employer. You must also provide details about your accommodation whilst living in the United Kingdom.
Extensions for Members of Armed Forces Subject to Immigration Control
You must be able to demonstrate that you are a Member of the Armed Forces who has been invited to the United Kingdom through a letter of support confirming your invitation and the length of your training, as well as an official Armed Forces Enlistment Progress Letter with the training dates included.
Extensions for Dependents of Members of Armed Forces (Not HM Forces)
You must be able to demonstrate that you are related to a Member of the Armed Forces. You must also provide movement of order, letter, or posting provided to the Member of Armed Forces by their commander or similar. Finally, you must also provide payslips of the Member of the Armed Forces to demonstrate their employment.
Extensions for Dependent Joiners Applying Separately from Main Visa Holder
You must be able to demonstrate that you are related to the main visa holder. If you are the unmarried partner of the main visa holder, you must be able to demonstrate that you have lived together for at least two years. You must also be able to provide proof of the immigration status of the main visa holder.
Extensions for Representatives of an Overseas Business
You must be able to demonstrate that you remain employed by the sponsoring organisation on a full-time basis. You may also be required to provide payslips and details of the subsidiary company in the United Kingdom.
How do I fill out Form FLR IR for Further Leave to Remain?
You must submit your application for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR online. You can submit your online application within 28-days of the expiration date of your current visa. First, you should select Form FLR IR for Further Leave to Remain on the Home Office website. You should then select the correct category of immigration status that you currently have in the United Kingdom.
You should fully and accurately fill out the entirety of Form FLR IR for your Further Leave to Remain application. At the end of the application, you will be required to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge fee, if relevant. After paying the fee(s), you will have submitted your online application fee to the Home Office, triggering Section 3C Leave for your immigration status – this means that your immigration status remains secure whilst your application is pending a decision from the Home Office.
You will then be required to upload your supporting evidence and confirm your identity and biometric details. You will be given the option of confirming your identity via the UK Immigration: ID Check mobile phone application or attending an in-person application at a local UKVCAS visa application centre. After submitting all supporting evidence and confirming your identity, your full application will be forwarded to the Home Office for consideration. Whilst your application is pending, you should remain in the United Kingdom.
What supporting documentation do I need for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR?
The specific types of supporting documentation mandatory for your Further Leave to Remain application with Form FLR IR will vary based on your personal circumstances. Here is a list of supporting documents you may be required to provide to the Home Office:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Current and past Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs)
- National identity cards from your country of nationality
- Documentation regarding your knowledge of the English language
- Documentation regarding your current accommodation, including mortgage statements, tenancy agreements, and Council Tax letters
- Financial documents
- Bank statements
- Letters from your employer(s)
- Marriage certificate(s)
- Divorce certificate(s)
- Birth certificate(s) for your dependent children
- Police registration certificate(s)
- Documents regarding any past criminal conviction(s)
- Proof of onward travel at the end of your stay in the United Kingdom
- Correspondence documents to your current address, including bills, medical letters, and official government correspondence
The specific supporting documents mandatory based on your immigration circumstances will be included on a Document Checklist issued by the Home Office at the end of your online application form. You must be certain to bring this document to your biometrics appointment if required by the Home Office.
You must provide all supporting documents in English or Welsh. If your supporting documents are not initially in English or Welsh, you will be required to provide official translations of all supporting documents and provide the original documents in the foreign language.
What is the application fee for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR?
The application fee for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR will vary depending on your specific immigration route. The fees are currently as follows:
- Extensions of Visitor Visas – £1,000 per applicant
- Extensions of Representative of an Overseas Business Visas – £719 per applicant
- Further Leave to Remain for all other categories – £1,048 per applicant
Please note that you may be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee as part of your Further Leave to Remain application. If you are required to pay this fee, you will be subject to fees of £624 per year of your visa. For example, for a 2.5-year visa, you will be required to pay £1,560 for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee. You must pay the application fee and any relevant IHS fees in full at the point of submitting your online application form for Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR (IR).
Can I become a British citizen through Further Leave to Remain with Form FLR IR?
Depending on the specific route under which you file your Form FLR IR application for Further Leave to Remain, you may become eligible for settlement in the United Kingdom, and later British citizenship. To be eligible for citizenship, you must meet the eligibility requirements, which includes holding settled status, such as through Indefinite Leave to Remain. In most cases, you will become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 or 10 years of living in the United Kingdom, depending on your specific route.
Form FLR IR FAQs
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Legal disclaimer
The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.
Author
Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing & Content Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
