Form FLR FP: Extend Your UK Stay

Form FLR(FP) is one of the most commonly used applications for people in the UK who need to stay in the country based on family ties or long-term residence.

It’s not a route defined by traditional visa categories; it’s built around personal circumstances, human rights and the practical reality of someone’s life being firmly based in the UK.

The form can cover everything from parents of British children, to young adults raised in the UK, to those who’ve lived here for decades without formal status. It’s also one of the easiest applications to get wrong. Mistakes, missing evidence, or misunderstandings around eligibility often lead to delays or refusals.

This guide breaks what the form is, who it is for, how it works and how to give your application the best chance of success.

 

Section A: What is Form FLR(FP)?

 

Form FLR(FP) is the official Home Office application form used by individuals already in the UK who are seeking further leave to remain on the basis of their family life or private life. The form is specifically designed for applications under the human rights provisions set out in Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to respect for private and family life.

Applicants use Form FLR(FP) when they do not qualify under standard immigration categories but have strong personal or family ties to the UK. It is commonly used by parents of British or settled children, partners of people living permanently in the UK who cannot meet the usual visa requirements, and long-term residents who have built their lives in the country over many years. The form is also used in cases where applicants would face unjustifiably harsh consequences if forced to leave the UK due to health needs, social ties, or other exceptional factors.

The FLR(FP) form must be completed and submitted online, and it forms the legal basis for the Home Office to consider whether an applicant should be granted further permission to remain. It includes detailed sections covering personal history, family relationships, immigration background, and the reasons the applicant believes they should be allowed to stay. The answers provided are used to assess the strength of the applicant’s case and whether removal would breach their rights under the law.

Unlike other application forms that rely on sponsorship or predefined visa categories, Form FLR(FP) focuses on the individual’s circumstances. Each case is considered on its own facts, and the application must be supported by credible and consistent evidence to be successful. It is not suitable for applicants applying from outside the UK or those seeking leave for reasons unrelated to family or private life.

Completing the form accurately and in full is essential. Any mistakes, omissions or inconsistencies may delay the decision or result in a refusal. Applicants must also pay the correct fee and, unless exempt, the Immigration Health Surcharge. Once submitted, the form initiates the process through which the Home Office determines whether the applicant can continue to lawfully remain in the UK.

 

Section B: Who Should Use Form FLR(FP)?

 

Form FLR(FP) is intended for people already in the UK who are applying to stay longer based on family life or private life grounds, as protected under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. It is used in situations where a person’s removal from the UK would cause unjust or disproportionate consequences due to their relationships, personal history, or established life in the country. The form is not designed for general visa extensions or applications made from abroad. It is specific to people who are seeking further leave to remain due to personal circumstances that tie them to the UK.

 

Applicant Type	Basis for Application
Parent of British or settled child	Family life under Article 8
Young adult (18–24)	Lived half their life in the UK
Child under 18	Lived in the UK for 7 years or more
Adult resident for 20+ years	Private life and integration in the UK

 

 

1. Individuals Applying on the Basis of Family Life

 

The form should be used by individuals who are relying on their relationship with a partner, parent or child who is British, settled in the UK, or holds pre-settled status. For example, it applies to parents of British citizen children where the parent plays an active role in the child’s life and where removing the parent would negatively affect the child’s welfare. Similarly, it can be used by partners of British citizens or settled persons who are unable to meet the standard spouse visa requirements but have a genuine and ongoing relationship and established family life in the UK.

The Home Office considers the quality and depth of the family relationships, along with the impact removal would have on children or dependent relatives. The form is therefore suited to cases where strong emotional, financial, or practical ties to family life in the UK are central to the application.

 

2. Individuals Applying on the Basis of Private Life

 

Applicants who have built their lives in the UK over many years and have developed meaningful connections with the country can also use Form FLR(FP). This includes adults who have lived in the UK continuously for at least 20 years, those aged between 18 and 24 who have spent half their life in the UK, and children under 18 who have lived in the UK for seven years. These applicants must show that their removal would not only disrupt their life in the UK but also be unreasonable or unjust.

The private life category also extends to individuals with significant medical issues, social care needs, or established ties to the community that would make their removal disproportionate. These cases are assessed individually, and applicants must provide thorough evidence to support their claim.

 

3. People with No Current Valid Leave

 

Form FLR(FP) may also be used by individuals who are currently without leave to remain but who meet the family or private life criteria and are seeking to regularise their status. In such cases, the form gives them the opportunity to explain their situation and demonstrate why it would be unjust or inappropriate to remove them. While being without leave is not a bar to applying under FLR(FP), applicants must show that their circumstances justify a grant of permission despite their current immigration status.

The form is a route to lawful residence for those who fall outside the normal immigration rules but whose circumstances warrant a continued stay in the UK. It provides a structured process for applicants to explain why their connection to the UK, whether through family or private life, should allow them to remain.

 

Section C: How to Complete Form FLR(FP)

 

Form FLR(FP) must be completed online through the official GOV.UK platform. It is used by individuals applying for further leave to remain in the UK based on their family or private life.

The application is structured to collect detailed information about the applicant’s identity, immigration history, relationships and the personal circumstances that support their case under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Each section of the form plays a role in enabling the Home Office to assess the applicant’s entitlement to remain in the UK.

 

FLR FP form section	Description
Applicant Details	Personal information including name, address, date of birth, nationality, and passport or identity details.
Immigration History	Details of current and past UK immigration status, previous applications, and any overstays or refusals.
Basis of Application	Selection of the grounds for applying: family life, private life, or exceptional circumstances.
Family and Relationship Details	Information about partners, spouses, children, and other close family members living in the UK.
Residency and Private Life	Explanation of time spent in the UK, integration into society, and ties to the community or country.
Financial Information	Employment status, sources of income, financial support, and bank details if relevant to the application or fee waiver.
Medical and Other Circumstances	Details of health conditions, ongoing treatment, care arrangements, or other personal issues that support the case.
Criminal and Immigration Offences	Disclosure of any past or pending criminal convictions, investigations, or breaches of immigration rules.
Documents and Supporting Evidence	List and description of all supporting documents submitted to evidence eligibility under the claimed route.
Declaration and Consent	Applicant’s confirmation that the information is accurate, with consent for the Home Office to conduct checks.

 

The online form begins by asking for standard personal information, including the applicant’s name, address, date of birth, nationality, and passport details. It then moves on to questions about the applicant’s current immigration status, any previous leave to remain, and the reasons for their current application. Applicants must clearly identify the legal basis for their request, whether it is based on family life, private life, or both.

The form also asks for detailed information about family members in the UK, including children, spouses, partners, or other relatives. Applicants are required to explain how they are related to each person, what role they play in their lives, and whether they live together. This section is particularly important where the application is based on parental or partner relationships.

For applicants relying on private life grounds, the form provides space to set out how long they have lived in the UK and the nature of their connection to the country. This may include education history, work history, involvement in the community, and cultural or social ties.

Applicants are encouraged to be specific and consistent with the information they provide, as the Home Office will check for discrepancies and gaps.

 

Section D: Supporting Evidence for Form FLR(FP)

 

Form FLR(FP) must be supported by documents that clearly demonstrate the applicant’s eligibility under the family or private life route. The Home Office will assess the application on the facts presented and the quality of the evidence provided. Applicants are expected to submit documents that show their personal circumstances, connections to the UK and the impact removal would have on their private or family life.

 

1. Demonstrating Family Life

 

Applicants who are applying on the basis of family life must show that they have a genuine and ongoing relationship with a British citizen or someone who is settled in the UK. If the relationship is with a partner, evidence should be provided to show that the relationship is durable and that the couple either live together or maintain regular contact. This may include marriage or civil partnership certificates, joint tenancy agreements, joint bills, bank statements showing shared finances, or correspondence addressed to the same property.

Where the application is based on the applicant’s role as a parent, the Home Office will expect to see documents confirming the identity of the child and the applicant’s relationship to them. This usually includes a birth certificate, along with school letters, GP records, or statements from the other parent describing the applicant’s involvement in the child’s life. Evidence should also address the child’s immigration status, length of residence in the UK, and whether it would be reasonable to expect the child to leave the country.

 

2. Proving Long-Term Residence and Private Life

 

For those applying on the basis of private life, the main focus is on establishing how long the applicant has lived in the UK and how they are connected to the country. The burden is on the applicant to prove continuous residence. Acceptable documents include utility bills, tenancy agreements, letters from schools or doctors, official correspondence from government departments and anything else that demonstrates a sustained presence in the UK.

For applicants aged 18 to 24 who have spent half their life in the UK, records covering their arrival in the country and ongoing residence are essential. For children who have lived in the UK for at least seven years, school reports, nursery records and letters from teachers or health professionals help show their integration into British life.

Adults applying under the 20-year long residence rule must submit evidence covering the entire period. Gaps in documentation should be explained, and the overall evidence should give a clear picture of uninterrupted residence.

 

3. Addressing Exceptional Circumstances

 

In cases where the applicant argues that there are exceptional circumstances which would make removal unjust, supporting documents should explain those issues in detail. This could include medical reports confirming ongoing treatment, evidence of a lack of access to healthcare in the country of origin or statements from social workers or care providers. Any supporting statements should be dated, signed and where possible provided on official headed paper.

Where the applicant is suffering from a serious medical condition, recent letters from treating consultants should explain the diagnosis, treatment plan and potential consequences of interrupted care. Where claims relate to personal safety or humanitarian concerns in the applicant’s home country, country reports, news articles, or expert statements may be relevant.

 

4. Preparing and Submitting the Evidence

 

All documents must be uploaded digitally using the UKVCAS portal after the form is submitted. Documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. Applicants should label each document clearly and organise them logically by category, for example, residence, relationship or health.

It is important to submit a complete set of evidence at the time of application, as the Home Office is not obliged to request missing information. Inconsistent or insufficient evidence can result in a refusal, even where the underlying case is strong.

 

Section E: Fees and Immigration Health Surcharge for Form FLR(FP)

 

Applicants using Form FLR(FP) must pay both an application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), unless they qualify for a fee waiver. These charges must be paid in full at the time the application is submitted. Failure to complete payment will result in the application being treated as invalid.

 

Fee Type	Amount	Applies To
FLR(FP) Application Fee	£1,321	Each applicant
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£1,035 per year	£2,587.50 for 2.5 years leave
Fee Waiver	Available	Applicants meeting financial hardship criteria

 

 

1. Application Fee

 

The standard application fee for Form FLR(FP) is currently £1,321. This fee applies to each individual applicant and must be paid online during the application process. Dependants applying at the same time must also pay the fee for each applicant included in the submission. The application fee covers the administrative costs of processing the request for further leave to remain. It is non-refundable, even if the application is later withdrawn or refused.

Applicants should ensure that they have the correct funds available before starting their application, as partial or failed payments can delay the process. Payment can be made using a credit or debit card through the GOV.UK application platform.

 

2. Immigration Health Surcharge

 

In addition to the application fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which allows access to NHS services while they are living in the UK. As of 2025, the IHS is set at £1,035 per year for adults. For a standard grant of leave under Form FLR(FP), which typically covers 30 months, the total surcharge amounts to £2,587.50.

The surcharge must be paid in full at the time of application and is separate from the application fee. Once paid, applicants receive an IHS reference number, which is automatically linked to their application. The IHS is mandatory unless the applicant qualifies for a fee waiver.

 

3. Financial Planning and Deadlines

 

Applicants should be aware that both the application fee and the IHS are substantial costs. Those planning to apply using Form FLR(FP) are encouraged to prepare financially well in advance. If a fee waiver is being considered, it should be applied for at least a few weeks before the intended date of application to allow time for a decision to be made.

Once the application is submitted and payment is confirmed, the Home Office will begin processing the case. Applicants who fail to make the correct payment or who miss the deadline for fee submission risk having their application rejected as invalid. Careful attention to payment requirements helps to ensure that the application proceeds without unnecessary delay.

 

Section F: What Happens After You Submit Form FLR(FP)

 

Once the Form FLR(FP) application has been submitted and the appropriate fees paid, the process moves to the decision-making stage. The Home Office will begin reviewing the information provided in the application and assessing the supporting documents to determine whether further leave to remain should be granted on family or private life grounds. Applicants are expected to comply with all post-submission steps in order for their application to proceed without disruption.

 

1. Biometric Enrolment and Identity Verification

 

After submitting the online form and making payment, applicants will receive instructions to confirm their identity and enrol biometrics. In most cases, this will involve booking an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre. During the appointment, fingerprints and a digital photograph are collected. Supporting documents may also be scanned at the centre or uploaded in advance through the UKVCAS document submission portal.

Some applicants may be given the option to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app instead of attending a biometric appointment. Eligibility for this service depends on the type of identity document held and whether the applicant has previously enrolled biometrics with the Home Office. Where the app is used successfully, there is no need to attend a physical appointment.

Biometric enrolment or successful identity verification is a mandatory requirement, and the application will not be considered until this step is completed. Applicants are advised to complete this part of the process promptly after submission.

 

2. Processing Times and Waiting Period

 

Once biometrics have been enrolled or identity verified, the Home Office will begin processing the application. The published service standard for in-country FLR(FP) applications is currently up to eight weeks. In practice, processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the case and the volume of applications being handled at the time.

During the waiting period, applicants should not travel outside the UK. Doing so would be treated as an automatic withdrawal of the application. If an applicant’s previous leave has expired but they applied before that expiry, their rights under section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 will continue while the application is pending. This means they can remain lawfully in the UK under the terms of their previous visa until a decision is made.

There is currently no priority service available for FLR(FP) applications. Applicants must therefore prepare for a standard waiting period and plan accordingly.

 

3. Receiving a Decision

 

After submitting your FLR(FP) application and completing biometric enrolment, the Home Office will process your application. If approved, you will be granted an eVisa, which is a digital record of your immigration status accessible through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

The duration of leave granted under FLR(FP) is usually two and a half years.

If the application is refused, the decision letter will set out the reasons and explain whether there is a right of appeal. In some cases, applicants may be able to request an administrative review or submit a fresh application with additional evidence.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to keep a copy of the decision notification, as it may be needed for future applications, employment verification or access to public services. It is also advisable to review the grant carefully to ensure that the conditions, including right to work and access to benefits, are correctly reflected.

 

Section G: Common Mistakes When Completing Form FLR(FP)

 

When completing Form FLR(FP), even small mistakes can lead to delays, additional requests for information or a visa refusal. Some of the more common erros include:

 

1. Incomplete Sections of the Form

 

One of the most frequent mistakes made by applicants is leaving sections of the form blank or providing vague responses. Every question on the FLR(FP) form has a specific purpose, and failure to answer fully may result in the application being delayed or rejected. In particular, questions relating to family relationships, length of residence, immigration historyand reasons for applying must be answered clearly and with sufficient detail.

Some applicants skip questions they believe are not relevant or misunderstand what is being asked. The online system may allow the application to proceed, but this does not mean the omissions will be overlooked during the decision-making process. Where a question does not apply, it should be marked accordingly, and where more detail is needed, supporting information should be uploaded as part of the evidence bundle.

Applicants should review their answers carefully before submission and consider whether they have provided enough information to support the basis of their claim.

 

2. Incorrect or Inconsistent Documentation

 

A common issue arises when the documents submitted do not match the information provided in the form. For example, an applicant might state that they have lived in the UK for ten years but only include evidence covering five of those years. Similarly, if a person claims to live with a partner or child, but the address records or supporting letters show different living arrangements, this inconsistency may cast doubt on the credibility of the application.

In some cases, documents may be outdated, incomplete, or poorly scanned. The Home Office relies on clear and verifiable evidence to assess each case. Documents should be labelled correctly, translated where necessary and uploaded in a logical order. Failure to do so may result in the caseworker overlooking key information or requesting additional evidence, which can extend the decision timeframe.

Applicants should double-check that each document supports the relevant part of their application and ensure that dates, names, and details are consistent across all materials submitted.

 

3. Payment and Immigration Health Surcharge Errors

 

The application will not be processed without full payment of the required fees. This includes both the main application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. A frequent mistake occurs when applicants begin the process without confirming their ability to pay both fees in full. If payment fails or is incomplete, the application will not be valid, and the applicant risks losing their section 3C protection if their previous leave has expired.

Another issue arises when applicants apply for a fee waiver but attempt to submit the main application before receiving a decision on the waiver request. The correct procedure is to wait until a waiver has been approved and a unique reference issued before submitting Form FLR(FP).

It is also important to ensure that the payment details entered are accurate and that the card used is authorised for the transaction. Errors at the payment stage can delay the application or result in a failed submission that needs to be restarted.

 

Section H: Need assistance?

 

For specialist guidance on form FLR(FP) and an application for further leave to remain, contact us.

 

Section I: FLR FP FAQs

 

What is Form FLR(FP) used for?

Form FLR(FP) is used by individuals already in the UK who are applying for further leave to remain on the basis of family life or private life under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

 

Can I apply from outside the UK using Form FLR(FP)?

Form FLR(FP) is only for in-country applications. It cannot be used from abroad.

 

How long is leave granted under FLR(FP)?


Successful applicants are usually granted leave to remain for 30 months (2.5 years).

 

Does FLR(FP) lead to settlement?


Only after a minimum of 10 years on this route. Applicants must renew their leave every 2.5 years and meet the ongoing requirements.

 

What documents do I need to support my FLR(FP) application?


You need to provide evidence of your residence, family relationships, or private life in the UK. This may include birth certificates, tenancy agreements, school letters, bank statements, or medical records.

 

Can I work in the UK on FLR(FP)?


In most cases, yes. If your application is approved, your Biometric Residence Permit will state your right to work.

 

How long does it take to get a decision?


The standard processing time is up to eight weeks after biometric enrolment, although times can vary depending on individual circumstances.

 

What happens if I make a mistake on the form?


Mistakes can delay your application or lead to refusal. If you realise there is an error after submission, you may need to seek legal advice or correct the issue at the earliest opportunity.

 

Is legal representation required for FLR(FP)?


It is not mandatory, but many applicants choose to seek advice from an immigration solicitor or adviser due to the detailed nature of the form and the importance of the supporting evidence.

 

Section J: Glossary

 

 

Term	Definition
FLR(FP)	Further Leave to Remain based on family or private life, submitted using the FLR(FP) application form.
Article 8	A provision of the European Convention on Human Rights that protects the right to respect for private and family life.
Further Leave to Remain	A period of temporary stay granted to individuals who are already in the UK and meet specific requirements.
UKVCAS	UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services, responsible for collecting biometric information and documents for in-country applications.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	A fee paid by applicants to access NHS services during their stay in the UK.
Fee Waiver	An exemption from paying the application fee and/or IHS, available to applicants who cannot afford the costs.
Leave to Remain	Permission granted by the Home Office for a non-UK national to stay in the UK for a set period of time.
UK Immigration: ID Check App	A mobile application that allows eligible applicants to verify their identity without attending a biometric appointment.
Section 3C Leave	Statutory provision that extends existing leave while a timely in-country application is under consideration by the Home Office.

 

 

Section K: Additional resources

 

GOV.UK – Apply to stay in the UK on the basis of family or private life
https://www.gov.uk/family-private-life
Official government page outlining eligibility, how to apply using Form FLR(FP), fees, and what documents are needed.

 

GOV.UK – Immigration Health Surcharge Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
Detailed information about the Immigration Health Surcharge, who has to pay, how much it costs, and how to get your IHS number.

 

UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS)
https://www.ukvcas.co.uk
The official site for booking biometric appointments, uploading supporting documents, and checking application status for in-country applications.

 

Right to Remain Toolkit
https://righttoremain.org.uk/toolkit/flrfp
A user-friendly legal resource explaining how the FLR(FP) process works, with guidance written in plain English.