FLR(FP) refers to Additional Leave to Remain on the Basis of family and private life. It allows people to stay longer in the UK because of strong family connections or relationships with their private lives. This option is typically employed by those following the 10-year path towards settlement, with a focus on safeguarding family relationships and ties to the community, not work or education.
Who Can Apply?
You may apply for the program if you’re a spouse or child of a British citizen or a settled person or have lived for a long time in the UK for a long time and leaving isn’t feasible. The criteria for eligibility are:
- Members of British citizens or settled people with a 10-year contract.
- Families are British as well as settled youngsters can choose to take the route of 5 or 10 years.
- Dependent children under certain conditions.
- People under the age of 18 who are seven or more years of age in the UK or aged between 18 and 24 who have lived more than half their lives here.
- Over 18s with more than twenty years’ experience in the UK faced with significant issues should they be removed or have more than 20 years of continuous residency.
Application Process
Here’s a quick outline:
- Collect Documents: Take evidence of identity and background on immigration and family connections as well as UK connection (e.g. utility bills, tenancy agreements, etc.).).
- Submission Online: Fill out your FLR(FP) application online. making sure that the form is accurate to ensure that there are no delays.
- Payment Fees: Pay the application cost (PS1,258) along with IHS (PS1,410 to adults aged 2.5 Years).
- biometric appointment: Inspect the applicant to present fingerprints and a photograph.
- Wait for a Decision: Processing time can range from 8-12 weeks, so keep informed.
A Comprehensive Guide to the FLR(FP) Application: Process, Fees, and Requirements
This comprehensive guide explains what is involved in the FLR(FP) application procedure, the application fee and other requirements. It is an extensive guide for those who want for a longer stay within the UK due to connections to family or personal life. The information is up-to-date on 30 March 2025 and is designed to aid applicants with this difficult procedure for immigration.
Introduction to FLR(FP)
FLR(FP) is a reference to Additional Leave to Stay based on the principles of Private and Family life, a classification within the UK immigration system that is designed to accommodate people who wish to keep staying in the UK because of relationships with their families or an established private life. This is especially important for those who are on the 10-year path to settlement that focuses on preserving the family ties and connections rather than education, employment as well as the system based on points. The goal is ensuring that foreigners with strong ties to the UK do not have to leave the country, thereby disrupting families or integrating into communities.
The FLR(FP) migration route is different from the other types of visas because it permits legal residence to be granted in the UK even if the applicants don’t meet the more strict requirements in other classifications. It highlights the necessity to stay in the UK for personal or family reasons and ensures that the rules for immigration are not used to separate families or interfere with the normal life of.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
The eligibility criteria for FLR(FP) is contingent upon specific circumstances relating to family or private life. The application form is utilized by people who fall within the categories listed below:
- Family Life Category :
- The partners of British nationals or settled individuals who reside in the UK generally with a 10-year path to settlement.
- The parents of British and settled kids, who are on the route of 5 years or 10 years to settle.
- Dependent children of someone who is or has been granted seeking the privilege of a limited permit to remain or enter the UK (other than under the points-based system or UK Ancestry), on the 10-year path.
- Private Life Category :
- Anyone under the age of 18 who has been living within the UK for at least seven years. It is unreasonable to think that they would quit.
- People aged between 18 to 24 who have lived within the UK for more than half of their lives.
- People aged 18 and over who have not spent more than 20 years within the UK however would face serious issues living inside the countries they are required to relocate to.
- People who have lived in the UK for a period of 20 years.
- People are born outside the UK to someone who has been granted permission to stay in the UK due to their private life or has applied for it.
Financial criteria are also one of the conditions but they are more flexible in FLR(FP) in comparison to other types of visa. Generally speaking, applicants must prove that they are able to support themselves without excessively relying on public funding. Each application is distinct and the specific requirements may differ depending on the relationship between the applicant and UK residents, the length of time spent in the UK as well as other personal factors.
If you’re unsure if you’re eligible you should consult an immigration attorney, like the one from AYJ Solicitors will provide a tailored recommendation depending on the specific family situation.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The FLR(FP) application process is a complex one. FLR(FP) application procedure requires a series of steps, each of which is crucial to ensure an efficient and successful application.
- Gather All Necessary Documents :
- This is an important aspect that shouldn’t be skipped over. The applicants must gather authentic proof of identity (e.g. passport, ID card) and prior UK immigration records, proof of family connections to UK (e.g., birth certificates), proof of family connections to the UK (e.g. birth certificates or marriage certificates) as well as documentation that proves connections in the UK. This could include the documents for tenancy agreements and utility bills, or letters from medical professionals, school transcripts or employment records. Making sure all documents are up-to-date and valid is crucial to prevent delays or rejections.
- Complete and Submit the FLR(FP) Form Online :
- The application should be completed by submitting it online since the paper forms have been removed. Pay attention to the details are vital when filling out the application, as mistakes or inaccurate information could cause delays or even rejections. The application form is accessible at GOV.UK. GOV.UK website, and applicants are able to get assistance in filling it out if they’re not confident working on a laptop or mobile device. However, guidance on immigration isn’t provided via this service.
- Pay the Application Fee and Healthcare Surcharge :
- In March 2025 as of March 29, 2025, the FLR(FP) fee for application is PS1,258 per person. In addition, applicants are required to make payment of an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) that grants access to Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). For those who are seeking 2.5 year leave The IHS is PS1,410; for children, it’s PS1,128. The total costs for an adult applying will be around PS2,668. Candidates may also be able to consider other options, such as Super Priority Processing, that charges an additional P1,000 for an answer on the following working day, although the eligibility requirements for this service vary.
- Attend a Biometric Appointment :
- After submitting their application, applicants are required to be present at a biometric appointment in order to submit fingerprints as well as an image. This is an essential step to verify identity and usually scheduled within a few hours of the online application.
- Submit Any Documents Requested by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) :
- UKVI could request additional documents throughout the process. The applicants must respond quickly to these requests in order to ensure that there are no delays. The typical processing time is between 8 and 12 weeks, but this may depend on the nature of the situation or when additional information is required.
It is crucial to begin renewing your leave prior to the time that your current leave expires to prevent any gaps in the legally recognized residency. The earliest extension period that an extension could be requested is 28 days prior to the date that the current leave expires and any applications submitted after expiration can be considered if there’s justifiable reasons to delay the application like a medical emergency.
Fees: What to Expect in 2024
On March 29, 2025 as of March 29, 2025, the FLR(FP) cost structure will be as below:
| Fee Type | Amount (Adult) | Amount (Child) | Notes |
| Application Fee | PS1,258 | PS1,258 | Per applicant, which includes primary and dependents |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | PS1,410 | PS1,128 | In exchange for 2.5 years of unpaid leave for 2.5 years, the government grants NHS access |
| Super Priority Processing | PS1,000 | PS1,000 | Optional, for the next working day’s work. |
Please note that fees may change, and applicants must check the most current amounts via GOV.UK. The IHS fee grants the access of NHS services. Failure to pay could cause rejection of an application. Additional costs could arise when you choose to use expedited services, for instance, super priority processing. It could speed up the process however it comes with an additional cost.
Understanding the FLR(FP) 10-Year Route
This FLR(FP) 10 year route was designed to accommodate those who might not meet the stricter requirements of the shorter routes but have established family or private relationships with the UK. With this route, individuals are able to remain in the UK according to their private or family circumstances, but must renew their leave each month over a period of 10 years prior to when they can request indefinite leave to stay. This is particularly advantageous for those who have difficulty in meeting the usual residency or financial requirements, but who have an urgent need to remain permanently in the UK. Although it’s slower, it’s the legal means to remain without the risk of breaking up with family or disrupting the established life.
FLR(FP) in contrast to. FLR(FM) FLR(FP) vs. FLR(FM): The Key distinctions
Many applicants are uncertain which option to choose: FLR(FP) as well as FLR(FM). FLR(FP) is for those who want to apply. FLR(FP) Application is designed for those who want to extend their stay due to family life, such as being a partner (on the 10 year route) or parents (on the 5 or 10 year route) and dependent children (on the 10 year route) as well as for personal life ties that fall that fall under the 10-year option. The requirements for FLR(FP) can be more flexible particularly in terms of eligibility and financial criteria which makes it appropriate for those who do not satisfy the more stringent requirements.
Contrary to that, FLR(FM) is generally intended for relatives of someone who has settled to the UK and typically has more strict qualifications, including the requirements for residency and finances which are usually connected with the five-year path to settlement.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase the likelihood of the success of an FLR(FP) applications, you should consider the following points:
- Get Legal Advice: Due to the difficulty, contacting immigration lawyers, like the ones of AYJ Solicitors and can offer a bespoke service. They have extensive knowledge of visa applications and will ensure compliance with all the regulations.
- Double-check Documents: Check that the documents are up-to-date, valid, dated, and properly sent to prevent delays or rejections.
- Complete the form accurately: Complete the form on line carefully because mistakes can result in delays in processing or rejections.
- Pay Fees on time: Check that all fees such as the application fees as well as IHS pay them on time to avoid problems.
- Participate in Biometric Appointment: Note down and show up for an appointment scheduled for biometric appointment, since failure to show up could cause rejection of your application.
- Monitoring Application Status: Be informed of the status of your application. You should also respond promptly to any requests made by UKVI for further information.
The most common mistakes to avoid are making incomplete applications, failing to meet deadlines or not providing sufficient proof of personal or family relationships. If an application is denied applicants are entitled to appeal or present their case according to the situation and seeking legal counsel can aid in the procedure.
Unexpected Detail: Flexibility in Financial Requirements
One of the most interesting aspects that is unique to FLR(FP) is its flexibility of the financial requirements in comparison to other types of visa. In order to be eligible, applicants must prove they can sustain their own expenses without having to rely on public resources; however, the requirements are less strict, which makes it more accessible for those who don’t have the income thresholds for options like FLR(FM). This flexibility is especially beneficial for those with families or longer-term connections to the UK however limited funds.
Conclusion
This complete guide gives an extensive outline about FLR(FP) application procedures, fees and requirements. FLR(FP) application procedure costs, requirements, and fees making sure applicants are fully informed and ready. If they follow the steps laid out and seek advice from a professional in the event of need, applicants are able to navigate the process effectively and secure the right to remain in the UK due to relationships with family or friends. Always keep an eye on the most current details through GOV.UK for updates on immigration regulations and fees may alter.