FLR IR: Extend Your Stay in 2026

Form FLR(IR) is used to apply to extend your stay in the UK if you fall within certain immigration categories.

You should make your extension application before your existing leave expires. A valid, in-time FLR(IR) application protects your position while a Home Office decision is pending, and allows you to continue living in the UK lawfully under the conditions of your current grant.

This guide explains what FLR(IR) covers, which categories use it, the eligibility requirements, fees, processing times and common refusal risks to gvie your application the best chance of success.

Section A: What Is FLR(IR)?

FLR(IR) is an online extension application for a limited set of Immigration Rules categories and is only used for the categories listed on GOV.UK for this form. If your route is not listed, a different online form is normally required.

The FLR(IR) form is used for specific routes, including visitor extensions, UK Ancestry extensions, Domestic Worker extensions, Parent of a Child Student extensions, relevant civilian employee cases, certain Armed Forces-related categories, dependent ‘joiners’ applying separately and representatives of an overseas business.

The evidence required depends on the category selected in the online form, and the Home Office assesses the application against the specific route requirements rather than a general discretionary test.

1. Who uses Form FLR(IR)?

Form FLR(IR) is used by applicants extending stay in specific categories, including:

• Visitor visa extensions, except for transit, Approved Destination Status or Permitted Paid Engagement visitors
• UK ancestry visa holders seeking to extend their leave
• Domestic workers in a private household
• Domestic workers who are victims of human trafficking or slavery
• Parents of a Child Student visa holder aged between 4 and 17 attending an independent school
• Eligible civilian employees, including certain NATO-related roles
• Members of Armed Forces subject to immigration control
• Dependants of members of Armed Forces which are not HM Forces
• Representatives of an overseas business, including sole representatives
• Dependent ‘joiners’ applying separately from a main applicant in limited non-points-based categories

If you are extending stay on the basis of family or private life under Appendix FM, Form FLR(FP) is generally used. If the application relies primarily on human rights grounds or leave outside the Immigration Rules, Form FLR(HRO) will usually apply. Using the correct form is critical. An application made on the wrong form can lead to delay or rejection.

2. When should you apply for FLR(IR)?

The Home Office expects in-country extension applications to be made before existing leave expires. Applying in time preserves lawful status and may engage section 3C leave, which extends existing conditions while the application is pending.

As a practical rule, applications are commonly submitted within 28 days before expiry, although the legal requirement is that the application is made before leave lapses. Late applications risk overstaying, which can have serious consequences for future immigration applications and settlement prospects.

FLR(IR) is therefore best understood as a continuation mechanism. It preserves lawful residence in defined categories where a person still qualifies to remain but does not yet meet the requirements for settlement or another extension route. Clear understanding of the category engaged, the evidence required and the interaction with future ILR eligibility is central to making the correct application.

3. FLR(IR) vs ILR: what is the difference?

FLR(IR) and ILR serve different purposes within the UK immigration framework. FLR(IR) results in further limited leave. ILR results in settlement and removes time restrictions on stay.

ILR under routes such as long residence requires an applicant to meet strict requirements, including continuous lawful residence, absence limits and suitability criteria. Where those requirements are not yet met, an application for ILR may fail. In some cases, rather than refusing outright, the Home Office may consider whether further limited leave under FLR(IR) is appropriate, depending on the facts and the route engaged.

FLR(IR) does not convert automatically into ILR. It extends lawful residence and may allow an applicant to continue accruing time towards settlement, but a fresh ILR application will be required once the relevant criteria are satisfied.

Section B: FLR(IR) Eligibility & Category Requirements

Eligibility for FLR(IR) depends on the underlying category relied upon. Each category carries its own evidential and substantive requirements. The Home Office assesses the application against the Immigration Rules and relevant guidance for that route, not simply against a generic extension standard.

1. Visitor extensions

Visitors may apply for an extension in limited circumstances. This commonly arises where a person entered the UK for private medical treatment and requires additional time to complete that treatment.

Applicants in this category are expected to provide medical evidence explaining why further stay is necessary and confirmation that the cost of ongoing treatment can be met without recourse to public funds. The visitor rules do not ordinarily permit dependants to remain. While guidance refers to exceptional circumstances, this is a high threshold and should not be assumed to apply.

Visitor extensions are time-limited and do not lead to settlement. They are granted strictly within the parameters of the visitor provisions.

2. UK Ancestry

Applicants extending under the UK Ancestry route must show that they remain eligible as Commonwealth citizens aged 17 or over with a grandparent born in the UK and Islands, and that they continue to be able and intend to work in the UK.

Evidence typically includes a full birth certificate showing parents’ names, documents confirming the UK birth of the relevant grandparent, proof of current or prospective employment, and any relevant marriage certificates. Ancestry extensions can lead to settlement once the residence and other criteria are met.

3. Domestic workers

Domestic workers in a private household applying for an extension are expected to provide confirmation from their current employer that they remain employed and required in that role. Evidence that the employer is lawfully present in the UK is also required, together with a copy of the terms and conditions of employment and confirmation that National Minimum Wage requirements are being met.

For domestic workers who are victims of human trafficking or slavery, the evidential position differs. Applicants are generally expected to provide the Single Competent Authority conclusive grounds decision letter confirming they are a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, in line with the route requirements.

4. Parent of a Child Student

Parents of a Child Student aged between 4 and 17 attending an independent school may apply to extend leave under FLR(IR). Applicants are required to demonstrate that they can maintain and accommodate themselves and their child without recourse to public funds and without taking employment in the UK.

Financial evidence usually includes bank statements and, where support is provided from overseas, confirmation from the supporting family member together with evidence of available funds. Applicants are also expected to show that they can maintain their home overseas, as this route is temporary and does not provide a pathway to settlement.

5. Armed Forces and relevant civilian categories

Relevant civilian employees, members of Armed Forces subject to immigration control, and certain dependants of non-HM Forces personnel may extend leave using FLR(IR).

Applicants are generally required to provide official letters confirming employment, posting or movement orders, together with evidence of maintenance, accommodation and family relationships where dependants are included. In Armed Forces cases, sponsor letters and official enlistment or training documentation are central to the assessment.

6. Representatives of an overseas business

The sole representative element of the Representative of an Overseas Business route is closed to new entrants. However, existing permission holders can apply to extend and, where eligible, apply for settlement.

Applicants extending under this route need to show they continue to meet the route requirements. Media representatives will need to show ongoing full-time employment by the overseas organisation.

Applicants should provide evidence such as a letter from the overseas business confirming that it remains based overseas and that the applicant remains employed in their representative role. Supporting evidence typically includes payslips and documentation showing that the UK branch or subsidiary has an active trading presence. Where the settlement requirements are met, the route can lead to indefinite leave to remain.

7. Dependent ‘joiners’ applying separately

Whether dependants can apply with you depends on the category. Some FLR(IR) routes allow dependant partners and children, while others do not.

Dependent ‘joiners’ applying separately from a main applicant must provide evidence of their relationship, such as a marriage or civil partnership certificate. Unmarried partners are expected to demonstrate at least two years of cohabitation. Children must provide a birth certificate showing both parents’ names.

Applicants must also provide evidence of the main applicant’s current immigration permission. This category does not apply to dependants of points-based system migrants or those already in the UK under family or private life routes, as different forms apply in those circumstances.

Section C: FLR(IR) Application Process, Fees & Timing

An FLR(IR) application is made from within the UK. The application preserves lawful status where it is submitted before existing leave expires. If lodged in time, section 3C of the Immigration Act 1971 can extend your current leave and conditions while the application is pending.

The Home Office expects extension applications to be made before expiry. In practice, many applicants submit within the final 28 days of their current grant, but the legal requirement is simply that the application is validly submitted before leave lapses. Late applications risk overstaying, which can affect future applications, including settlement.

1. How do you apply for FLR(IR)?

Applications are made online using the current version of Form FLR(IR) available on the GOV.UK website. As part of the online process, you will be required to:

• Complete the relevant category questions in full
• Pay the applicable Home Office fee
• Upload supporting documentation
• Book and attend a biometric appointment if required

Core documentation will generally include your passport or travel document, your biometric residence permit if issued, and evidence specific to your route.

Financial evidence is commonly required in categories involving maintenance or support. This may include payslips, bank statements covering at least three months, or evidence from a sponsor or supporting family member. The evidential burden depends on the category relied upon.

2. FLR(IR) fees and fee options

For most FLR(IR) applications made in the UK, the Home Office application fee is charged at the in-country rate for “Leave to remain – other”. Visitor extensions are charged separately. Optional priority services, where available for your application type, are additional to the application fee.

The Immigration Health Surcharge is a separate charge and is payable upfront where your route requires it. The current annual rates are £1,035 per person for most applicants and £776 per person for students and their dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and children under 18 at the date of application.

Failure to pay the correct fee or surcharge can result in an invalid application. An invalid application does not preserve lawful status.

3. What documents are required?

Document requirements vary by category, but the Home Office will expect a coherent evidential bundle aligned to the Immigration Rules for that route.

As a minimum, applicants should anticipate providing:

• Current passport, national identity card or travel document
• Biometric residence permit, where issued
• Evidence of maintenance and accommodation, where required
• Route-specific documentation, such as employment letters, sponsorship letters or medical evidence

Photographs are no longer required in the same way as under earlier paper processes, as biometric enrolment now captures facial images digitally.

Evidence should be internally consistent. Discrepancies between employment records, bank statements and immigration history frequently lead to further enquiries or refusal.

4. FLR(IR) processing times

Processing times depend on the category and whether priority services are available. Under the standard service, decisions may take several weeks. Some categories historically processed more quickly, such as UK Ancestry or representatives of overseas businesses, although timeframes fluctuate depending on demand.

Priority and super priority services may be available in certain cases for an additional fee. These services aim to provide a decision within 5 working days for priority, and by the end of the next working day for super priority in most weekday cases, with longer timings where identity verification occurs at weekends or bank holidays.

Applicants should not make travel arrangements until a decision has been issued and new status confirmed. Leaving the UK while an in-country application is pending can result in the application being treated as withdrawn.

A valid, in-time application protects lawful status. A poorly prepared or incorrectly categorised application risks refusal, delay and potential disruption to future settlement plans.

Section D: FLR(IR) & Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Where an applicant is close to qualifying for ILR but does not yet meet all requirements, the question often arises whether to apply for settlement or to extend leave under FLR(IR). The answer depends on whether the ILR criteria are fully satisfied at the date of application.

1. Does FLR(IR) lead to ILR?

FLR(IR) does not itself grant settlement. It extends lawful residence for a further period, usually in line with the category engaged. In routes that lead to settlement, such as UK Ancestry or long residence, further limited leave may allow an applicant to continue accruing qualifying residence towards ILR.

However, ILR requires a separate application and separate assessment. An applicant will need to meet the relevant residence requirements, absence limits, English language requirement where applicable, and suitability criteria at the point ILR is sought.

Further limited leave under FLR(IR) can therefore support a future ILR application, but it does not remove the need to satisfy the settlement rules in full.

2. What if you apply for ILR too early?

Applying for ILR before meeting the qualifying requirements carries risk. If the application is refused and no alternative grant is made, the applicant may be left without leave.

In some circumstances, the Home Office may consider whether a grant of further limited leave is appropriate instead of refusing outright. That outcome depends on the route and the facts of the case. It should not be assumed. An ILR application is assessed against settlement requirements. If those are not met, refusal is a real possibility.

Where eligibility is marginal, careful analysis of residence history, absences and immigration gaps is required before deciding whether to pursue ILR or extend under FLR(IR).

3. Long residence and FLR(IR)

The interaction between FLR(IR) and ILR most often arises in the context of long residence. Under Appendix Long Residence, an applicant must demonstrate ten years of continuous lawful residence in the UK, subject to strict absence limits and suitability criteria.

If an applicant is approaching the ten-year point but does not yet meet the continuous residence requirement, or if excess absences raise concerns, an application for further limited leave may be required before ILR can be secured. In that context, FLR(IR) operates as a bridge, preserving lawful residence while the applicant continues to accrue time or resolves issues affecting settlement eligibility.

Long residence calculations can be complex. Periods of overstaying, gaps between grants of leave and time spent outside the UK must be assessed against the Immigration Rules and relevant policy guidance. A miscalculation at this stage can delay settlement significantly.

4. Suitability and ILR risk factors

Both FLR(IR) and ILR applications are subject to suitability requirements. Criminality, deception in previous applications, outstanding litigation or unpaid NHS charges can affect the outcome.

In settlement applications, suitability concerns often have more serious consequences because refusal can disrupt a long-term immigration strategy. Where there is any history that could engage the suitability provisions, the decision whether to apply for ILR or extend leave first should be taken with care.

FLR(IR) should therefore be viewed as a status-preserving mechanism where settlement is not yet secure. ILR should only be pursued where the requirements are clearly met at the date of application. Confusion between the two routes can lead to avoidable refusals and disruption to lawful residence.

Section E: Common FLR(IR) Refusal Risks & Practical Pitfalls

FLR(IR) refusals rarely arise from a single missing document. More often, they stem from misunderstanding the underlying category, weak evidence or assumptions about how the Home Office will interpret the Immigration Rules.

Because FLR(IR) operates across multiple routes, the most common error is treating it as a general extension form rather than a route-specific application. Each category has its own evidential standards and policy guidance. Failure to align the application to those requirements can result in refusal.

1. Applying under the wrong category

Applicants sometimes use FLR(IR) where another form should have been submitted, such as FLR(FP) for family or private life under Appendix FM, or FLR(HRO) for human rights-based applications.

Submitting the wrong form can lead to delay, rejection as invalid or substantive refusal. The Home Office assesses the application against the category selected. If the requirements of that category are not met, the application will not succeed simply because the applicant has general reasons to remain.

Careful identification of the correct route is therefore the first step in reducing refusal risk.

2. Insufficient route-specific evidence

Each FLR(IR) category carries distinct evidential requirements. Common weaknesses include:

• Failure to provide full birth certificates in ancestry applications
• Inadequate proof of ongoing employment for sole representatives
• Missing employer letters for domestic workers
• Incomplete financial evidence in Parent of a Child Student applications

The Home Office expects documentary consistency. Discrepancies between employment letters, bank statements and immigration history frequently trigger further enquiries or refusal.

Applications should not rely on assumptions that the Home Office “already holds” relevant information. The evidential burden rests with the applicant.

3. Overstaying and timing errors

Submitting the application after leave has expired can result in overstaying. While there are limited provisions allowing certain short periods of overstaying to be disregarded in specific contexts, this is not a position applicants should rely upon.

An in-time application preserves lawful status under section 3C while the decision is pending. An out-of-time application does not carry that protection and may affect future settlement eligibility, particularly under long residence.

Timing errors often arise where applicants wait for additional documents or misunderstand expiry dates. Checking the exact expiry date on the biometric residence permit or digital status record is essential before submission.

4. Suitability concerns

FLR(IR) applications are subject to the suitability provisions in the Immigration Rules. Criminal convictions, previous deception, unpaid NHS charges or adverse immigration history can affect the outcome.

Applicants sometimes assume that because they have previously been granted leave, further leave will follow automatically. That is not the case. Each application is assessed afresh. Issues that did not previously prevent a grant may be re-examined in light of updated guidance or additional information.

Where there is any adverse history, the strategic decision between applying for FLR(IR) and pursuing ILR requires careful analysis.

5. Travel while the application is pending

Leaving the UK while an in-country FLR(IR) application is under consideration can result in the application being treated as withdrawn. This can disrupt lawful residence and complicate future applications.

Applicants should avoid international travel until a decision has been issued and new status confirmed.

FLR(IR) functions as a mechanism to preserve lawful status in defined circumstances. The risk profile increases where the wrong route is chosen, evidence is incomplete or timing is mismanaged. A clear understanding of the category engaged and its interaction with future settlement plans reduces the likelihood of refusal and avoids disruption to long-term immigration objectives.

Section F: Summary

FLR(IR) is an in-country application for further limited leave under specific Immigration Rules categories. It is used where a person needs to extend their stay in the UK but does not fall within other standard extension forms. It does not grant settlement and it is not the same as Indefinite Leave to Remain.

Confusion between “FLR ILR” commonly arises where applicants are approaching eligibility for settlement but do not yet meet the full requirements. FLR(IR) can preserve lawful residence where settlement is not yet secure, but a separate ILR application will be required once the criteria are met.

Each FLR(IR) category carries its own evidential and substantive requirements. Applications are assessed against the underlying route, not against a general discretionary standard. In-time submission protects lawful status. Errors in category selection, documentation or timing can lead to refusal and disruption to future settlement plans.

Section G: Need Assistance?

FLR(IR) applications are frequently underestimated because they are described as “extensions”. In practice, they can involve detailed evidential requirements and careful route selection, particularly where future settlement is in view.

DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. We advise on all types of Home Office extension and settlement applications, including complex FLR(IR) cases across ancestry, representative, domestic worker and long residence contexts. For guidance tailored to your circumstances, book a fixed-fee telephone consultation with one of our specialist legal advisers.

Section H: FLR(IR) FAQs

What is the FLR(IR) application used for?

FLR(IR) is used to apply for further limited leave to remain in the UK under certain Immigration Rules categories where another extension form does not apply. It allows a person to continue their lawful stay but does not grant settlement.

Is FLR(IR) the same as ILR?

FLR(IR) grants further limited leave. ILR grants settlement and removes time restrictions on stay. An applicant granted FLR(IR) will need to submit a separate ILR application once the relevant settlement requirements are met.

Who can apply for FLR(IR)?

FLR(IR) is used by specific categories, including UK Ancestry visa holders extending leave, certain domestic workers, representatives of overseas businesses, Parent of a Child Student applicants and some Armed Forces-related roles. The correct category must be identified before applying.

Does FLR(IR) lead automatically to settlement?

FLR(IR) may allow an applicant to continue accruing lawful residence where the route leads to settlement, but ILR requires a fresh application and full compliance with the relevant rules at the date of application.

What documents are required for an FLR(IR) application?

Applicants are generally required to provide identity documents, their biometric residence permit where issued, and route-specific evidence such as employment letters, financial documentation or sponsor confirmation. Requirements vary by category.

How much does the FLR(IR) application cost?

The application fee depends on the category engaged and is set by the Home Office. In many categories, the Immigration Health Surcharge is also payable for each year of leave granted. Fees are subject to change and should be checked before submission.

How long does it take to process an FLR(IR) application?

Processing times vary by category and service level. Standard service applications can take several weeks. Priority and super priority services may be available in certain cases for an additional fee.

Can I travel while my FLR(IR) application is pending?

Leaving the UK while an in-country FLR(IR) application is under consideration can result in the application being treated as withdrawn. Travel should be avoided until a decision is issued.

Section I: Glossary

Section J: Useful Links