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If you are living in the UK on a spouse visa or partner visa and want to stay longer than the initial time you were given, you will need to fill out and send the Home Office’s FLR (M) +Visa form. People with dependent children who are already in the UK can extend their stay with Form FLR M. People with a non-partner visa who want to live with their partner in the UK can also use this form. We will talk about the FLR M guidance, who can apply, the prerequisites, the eligibility requirements, and the entire FLR M application process in this article.
What is an FLR (M) Visa?
Partners (and their children who depend on them) who are getting close to the end of their spouse or partner’s visa and want to stay longer in the UK usually fill out the FLR M visa form. An FLR M visa usually lasts for 30 months. After that, the person who has it (spouses or partners and their children who depend on them) can apply for permanent settlement (indefinite leave to stay, or ILR).
What applications require the use of form FLR(M)?
When requesting a spouse visa extension of stay, you must complete the FLR(M) application form if your partner is:
- a citizen of the UK
- currently living and residing in the UK
- in the UK on humanitarian protection or with refugee leave
You must be in the UK to apply, as must any children under the age of 18. Anybody requesting an extension of stay under any of the above circumstances must also apply for a biometric immigration document, often referred to as a biometric residence permit (BRP), using form FLR(M).
You cannot submit applications for an extension of stay in the following categories using this form:
- As the spouse of a serving member of the HM Armed Forces as defined under the Immigration Rules’ Appendix Armed Forces. Kindly fill out form FLR (AF).
- Under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, on the 10-year Partner path. You have to fill out the form FLR(FP).
- If you are a dependant of someone who has been granted an indefinite right to remain in the UK, as that person’s partner
What are FLR (M) Visa Requirements?
To submit a successful FLR M visa application, you must fulfill the following prerequisites:
Conditions of suitability
The Home Office will investigate if you have ever violated immigration laws in the past, been found guilty of a crime that carried a heavy jail sentence or received a deportation order. Your application will likely get rejected if you do any of them.
Relationship prerequisites
You must have a committed, long-term relationship with a British citizen, living in the country, or covered by humanitarian or refugee status. You need to live with your spouse for at least two years, be married, or be in a civil partnership.
Financial Requirements
You and your partner must make at least £18,600 a year together. This can come from a job, doing self-business, investments, or rental property. Also, from savings of more than £16,000 (if you have £62,500 saved, you will have enough money for a first extension).
Needs for accommodations
If you live in the UK, you must be living in a place that is a) not too crowded and b) meets all public health and safety standards. You should also make sure that the accommodation is big enough and right for your children who depend on you.
English Language Proficiency Requirement
There are several ways to meet this condition, such as if you:
- are applying for the first time, you must pass an English language test at the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Moreover, if you are renewing Your visa, you must pass at the A2 level.
- Your home country does not have this rule, you are exempt.
- Whether you are over 65, which also lets you avoid this requirement,
- Obtain at least a bachelor’s degree taught in English.
How to apply for FLR M Visa UK?
You must take the following steps to apply for a FLR M visa:
Step 1:
Fill out the online FLR M application.
Step 2:
Pay the £1,048 FLR M application cost (the amount for each applicant). In order to access the NHS, you will also need to pay the immigration healthcare premium. The annual cost of this is £624 per individual (or £470 for children).
Step 3:
Then, schedule a time to have your fingerprints scanned and your photo taken (your biometrics). This will take place at the UKVCAS service centre that is closest to you.
Step 4:
The fourth step is to show up for your biometric appointment with UKVCAS.
Step 5:
Upload your supporting documentation (UKVI will advise you about the FLR M extension document checklist). You can also bring these with you to your UKVCAS session.
The processing of your FLR M application will take six to eight weeks. For an extra £800, you might be able to use the super-priority handling service to get a decision faster. This service gets decisions in one business day.
Final Words
For individuals who are already in the UK, the partner visa (FLRM) is a very advantageous and versatile visa that permits holders to live with their spouse, unmarried partner, or wife. If you have a partner visa, you can work for any company, attend school, and move to and from the UK without any restrictions.
