If you are living in the United Kingdom on a spouse visa or unmarried partner visa, extending your visa on time is essential to maintain your lawful immigration status. A UK Partner Visa Extension, officially known as FLR(M) – Further Leave to Remain, allows eligible partners to continue living, working, and studying in the UK while progressing towards permanent settlement.
What Is an FLR(M) Partner Visa Extension?
FLR(M) is an application to extend your stay in the UK if you are already here on a partner-based visa. Successful applicants are normally granted an additional 30 months (2.5 years) of leave.
This extension keeps you on the 5-year partner route to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and, eventually, British citizenship, provided all requirements continue to be met.
Who Can Apply for a UK Partner Visa Extension?
You may be eligible to apply for FLR(M) if you are currently in the UK as:
- A spouse of a British citizen
- A spouse of a person with Indefinite Leave to Remain or settled status
- An unmarried partner in a genuine and subsisting relationship
- A civil partner
- A dependent partner under the UK family visa route
Both partners must intend to continue living together permanently in the UK.
FLR(M) Requirements for Spouses and Unmarried Partners
1. Genuine and Subsisting Relationship
You must prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Typical evidence includes:
- Joint bank statements
- Council tax letters
- Utility bills
- Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
- Official correspondence addressed to both partners at the same address
For unmarried partner visa extensions, strong evidence of at least two years of cohabitation is usually required. We understand that some clients will not have access to these type of documents due to reasons such as:
- Documents being discarded in error
- Living with family (where most bills are in the homeowners name)
- They do not have physically posted letters as their bills and statements are online version.
Do not panic in such cases , as it can always be explained as to why you lack certain cohabitation documents.
2. Financial Requirement
The sponsoring partner must meet the UK partner visa financial requirement through:
- Employment or self-employment income, or
- Cash savings if income is insufficient
Supporting documents usually include payslips, bank statements, employment letters, or business accounts.
3. English Language Requirement
Applicants must meet the English language requirement for FLR(M) by:
- Passing an approved English language test at A2 level or higher, or
- Being exempt due to nationality or academic qualifications
We often advise many of our clients that if they are proficient and confident enough then they can sit the B1 level test as this can also be used for their ILR application and even citizenship application. This saves them a lot of time and money as they do not have to sit the test again.
4. Accommodation Requirement
You must show that you have adequate accommodation in the UK without overcrowding.
5. Immigration Suitability
You must meet UK immigration suitability rules, including:
- No serious criminal convictions
- No immigration breaches
- No use of deception in previous applications
When Should You Apply for an FLR(M) Extension?
You should submit your UK partner visa extension application:
- Within a 28 day window before your current visa expires or:
- As soon as you complete 2.5 years of residency. In this case, it is advisable that you count 2.5 years from the point of your initial physical arrival in the UK as a partner. This may be earlier than your visa expiry date.
- Before the expiry date to maintain lawful status
If you apply on time, you can legally remain in the UK under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.
FLR(M) Application Process
- Submit the online FLR(M) application
- Upload all supporting documents
- Attend a biometric appointment (TLS)
- Wait for a decision (usually up to 8 weeks, priority services may be available)
If your application is submitted before your visa expires, you can continue working and living in the UK legally while your application is under consideration but you CANNOT travel overseas during this period. If you do then your application is considered to have been withdrawn – in other words CANCELLED.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can unmarried partners apply for FLR(M)?
Yes. Unmarried partners can apply for an FLR(M) extension if they can demonstrate a genuine and subsisting relationship and usually at least two years of continuous cohabitation.
How long does an FLR(M) visa extension last?
An FLR(M) visa is normally granted for 30 months (2.5 years).
Can I work while waiting for my FLR(M) decision?
Yes. If you apply before your current visa expires, you can continue working, studying, and living in the UK lawfully while awaiting a decision.
What documents are required for an FLR(M) extension?
Common documents include:
– Passports and BRP cards
– Relationship and cohabitation evidence
– Financial documents such as payslips and bank statements
– English language certificate (if required)
– Accommodation evidence
What happens if my visa expires while my application is pending?
If your FLR(M) application is submitted before your visa expiry date, your immigration status is protected until a decision is made.
Can I apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after FLR(M)?
Yes. After completing five continuous years on the partner route, including FLR(M) extensions, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.
Why are FLR(M) applications refused?
Common reasons for refusal include:
– Insufficient financial evidence
– Gaps in cohabitation documents
– Incorrect English language level
– Late application submission
– Inconsistent or missing information
Why Choose JP’s Immigration?
A UK spouse or unmarried partner visa extension is a detailed application with strict requirements. Even small mistakes can cause delays or refusal.
JP’s Immigration provides professional support with:
– UK spouse visa extensions
– UK unmarried partner visa extensions
– FLR(M) applications
– UK family and settlement visas
We offer clear, personalised advice to help you submit a strong and compliant application.
Need Help with Your UK Partner Visa Extension?
If your partner visa is due to expire, early preparation is essential.
Contact JP’s Immigration today for expert guidance on your UK Partner Visa Extension (FLR(M)) for spouses and unmarried partners.
