What is FLR (FP) and Who Can Apply?
If you are applying to stay or extend your stay in the UK on the basis of your family life or private life, you will need to complete application form FLR FP. FLR FP stands for ‘Further Leave to Remain’ on the basis of family life (F) and private life (P) categories of the UK immigration system. The FLR(FP) application form is used by individuals who want to live in the UK based on their family life (normally those on the 10 year pathway to settlement) or private life rather than through employment, education, or the points-based immigration system. As such, the private life route is a commonly used pathway for foreign nationals with strong connections to the UK and want to continue living with their family members or maintain their established lives here.
You can use application FLR FP if you are a partner or child of a person who is settled in the UK or if you have lived in the UK for many years and it would be unreasonable to expect you to leave. For details on the exact rules, please see the key eligibility section below.
Understanding FLR(FP) and its purpose
The aim of the application FLR FP is to protect family life and the right to a private life for those who have created strong ties within the UK, especially in cases where removal from the UK might cause harm to family relationships or force individuals away from their community and support networks.
The FLR(FP) immigration route is slightly different from many other visas as it allows people to live legally in the UK even when they do not meet the requirements for other visa categories. However, it can demonstrate the need to remain for family or personal reasons. It ensures that the rights of foreign nationals living in the UK are not disrupted by immigration rules that might otherwise force separation.
Step-by-step guide to the FLR(FP) application process
The application for FLR FP process involves several key steps, as briefly outlined below:
- Gather all of the necessary documents required to support your application – this is a crucial step that should not be overlooked. We recommend gathering valid proof of your identity, previous UK immigration history, evidence of family connections in the UK, and any documentation that supports your ties to the UK. This may include tenancy agreements, utility bills, and letters from schools or medical professionals.
- Complete and submit the FLR(FP) form online – attention to detail is essential here, as any errors or incomplete information can lead to delays or rejections.
- Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge
- Have your identity checked by attending a biometric appointment – to provide your fingerprints and a photograph, and
- Submit any documents requested by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
FLR FP requirements: key eligibility criteria
Whether you are eligible under the FLR FP route will depend on your specific circumstances and those of your family members. Under the FLR FP family life category, you must be able to demonstrate a genuine relationship with a partner, parent, or child who is a resident of the UK. If you don’t qualify under the family life route, you may be able to apply on the basis of your private life. This is likely to be the case if you have spent a significant part of your life in the UK and have formed strong community ties.
You may qualify under the FLR(FP) route if you are:
- Are a partner of a British National or a settled person in the UK and are on the 10-year route to settlement
- Are a parent of a British or a settled child in the UK and are on the 5 or 10 year route to settlement
- Are a dependent child of a person who has, or is at the same time applying for, limited leave to enter or remain in the UK other than under the points-based system or UK Ancestry (10 year route)
- Are under 18 and you’ve lived in the UK continuously for at least 7 years, and it would be unreasonable to expect you to leave the UK
- Are aged between 18 and 24 and you’ve lived continuously in the UK for more than half your life
- Are 18 or over, have spent less than 20 years in the UK and would have very significant problems living in the country you’d have to go to
- Have been in the UK continuously for 20 years, or
- Were born in the UK to a person who has permission to stay in the UK on the basis of their private life, or is applying for it
Meeting financial criteria is also part of the requirements, although these can be more flexible under FLR(FP) compared to other visa types. Generally, applicants need to show that they can support themselves without relying excessively on public funds. Each application is unique, and the detailed requirements can vary depending on the applicant’s relationship to UK residents, length of time in the UK, and other personal circumstances.
If you are unsure if any of these routes apply, please speak to one of our friendly and empathetic immigration law Solicitors who can advise you based on your unique family circumstances.
FLR(FP) Fees: What to Expect in 2024
As of 2024, the FLR FP fee is £1,258. In addition to this application fee, applicants must pay the Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) of £2,587.50 (or £1,940 for children) if applying to remain for 2 years and 6 months. Paying this fee allows access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Applicants may also consider additional costs if they choose optional services, such as faster processing. While these expedited options can help speed up the process, they also come with additional fees. For example, if you choose the super priority processing service for a decision on the next working day, you can expect to pay a fee of £1,000.
Understanding the FLR FP 10 Year Route
The FLR(FP) 10-year route is for individuals who may not meet the stricter criteria of shorter routes but have well-established family or private life ties in the UK. Under this route, individuals can remain in the UK based on their private life or family life but are required to renew their leave every 30 months over the course of 10 years before they are eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain.
This 10-year route is particularly beneficial for individuals who may face challenges meeting the usual financial or residency requirements but can demonstrate a strong need to remain in the UK. While this is a slower pathway to permanent settlement in the UK, it provides a way for applicants to stay legally without risking separation from their family or disruption to their lives.
FLR(FP) vs. FLR(FM): Key Differences
Many people are unsure whether to apply for FLR FP or FLR FM. The FLR(FP) application form is for those who want to extend their stay based on family life as a partner (on the 10 year route to settlement), parent (on the 5 or 10 year route to settlement), or dependent child (on the 10 year route to settlement). As such, you can only use this application process if you are one of these pathways to settlement. FLR (FP) is also for those who have private life ties under the 10-year route. The requirements under FLR(FP) are more flexible in certain aspects, especially concerning financial criteria and eligibility.
On the other hand, FLR(FM) is generally for family members of someone settled in the UK and is often associated with stricter eligibility criteria, including financial and residency requirements. Please speak to a member of our immigration law team for help in understanding the differences between FLR(FP) and FLR(FM) applications and to decide which category aligns best with your circumstances and long-term goals in the UK.
How to apply for an FLR FP extension
The FLR(FP) extension process is similar to the initial application. It is important to start the renewal process before your current leave expires to avoid any gaps in your legal residency status. Before applying for an extension we recommend making sure that all of your documentation is current and reflects any changes in family or personal circumstances.
To renew or extend FLR(FP) status, you will need to complete and submit the application form, attend a biometric appointment, and submit all necessary documents and fees. If you are on the 10-year route, you will need to renew your visa every 30 months until you become eligible for indefinite leave.
A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or contact us today. We’re here to help!
