We frequently receive inquiries from visa applicants who are unsure of the procedure to follow, the form to complete, or the documents to submit. This is understandable given the terminology and acronyms employed by UKVI, which may have no meaning to the uninitiated. We will discuss who should use the FLR(IR) form guidance when applying for a visa extension and how to apply in this article.
What Is the FLR(IR) Form Guidance?
FLR(IR) is a form that is used for certain types of visa extensions, including the following:
- Visitors (except transit, Approved Destination Status and Permitted Paid Engagements visitors).
- Ancestry from the United Kingdom.
- Domestic workers belonging to a private household.
- Domestic workers who have been enslaved or subjected to human trafficking.
- Parent of a student who is a child.
- Civil servants who are pertinent.
- Armed Forces personnel who are subject to immigration control (course F).
- Dependents of members of Armed Forces who are not members of HM Forces (dependents of HM Forces members should complete FLR) (AF).
- Representatives of a foreign enterprise.
- Separately from the main applicant, dependent joiners – dependants of a person with limited leave to enter or remain in the UK, excluding dependants of a person with leave under the points-based system or dependants of a person in the UK with leave based on family or private life.
- If your visa type is not listed above, you will almost certainly need to submit an application using a different form. It is critical that you submit the correct application form, as failure to do so will almost certainly result in a visa refusal and the loss of your application fee.
- Applicants are advised not to use form FLR(IR) if they require permission to remain in the UK as a partner or parent, or for their private life in the UK (human rights claim). A family visa application form should be used in this case. Additionally, the form should not be used if you are applying with a fee waiver.
- The form may be used by the primary applicant and their partner (spouse, civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner), as well as any children under the age of 18 who are applying as dependants. A child is considered dependent if they financially rely on you and do not lead an independent life.
What Are the Visa Extension Eligibility Requirements When Completing FLR(IR)?
The eligibility requirements vary significantly according to the type of visa you’re attempting to extend. As a result, it is critical to verify the eligibility requirements for your visa prior to applying. On the Home Office website, under the relevant section of the immigration rules, you can find the eligibility rules for your particular visa type as follows:
- Uk ancestry – appendix.
- Appendix v – visitors.
- Domestic workers – immigration regulations, chapter 5.
- Part 7 of the immigration rules – parent of a student child.
- Part 5 of the immigration rules – dependent joiners.
- Civilian employee who is relevant – appendix armed forces part 9a.
- Appendix armed forces part 9 – members of the armed forces who are subject to immigration control.
- Armed forces dependent on non-hm forces – appendix armed forces part 10.
- Representative of an international business – immigration rules, part 5.
- Retired individual with sufficient means – section 7 of the immigration rules.
- For the majority of the aforementioned visa types, you must still meet the initial eligibility criteria you met when applying.
The duration of your visa extension will also be determined by the type of visa you currently hold. The visitor visa and the domestic worker in private household routes both have a six-month maximum stay. Holders of an ancestry visa may apply to extend their stay for an additional five years. For a complete list of visa extension durations, visit the Home Office website’s information for each visa type.
How Do I Submit a Visa Extension Application Using Form FLR(IR)?
The Home Office’s Form FLR(IR) is completed online. When you first visit the application page, you’ll be prompted to select the type of visa you wish to extend. You will be required to pay an application fee as part of the online application process. The amount varies according to the type of visa you are applying for; for a complete list of application fees, visit the online fee calculator. For example, a visitor visa extension costs £993, while a retired person of independent means visa costs £1,949.
After completing the form and submitting it to the Home Office, you will be notified of the documents that you will need to submit to support your case. These should be submitted within ten days of submitting your application for an extension.
If you wish to extend your leave beyond six months, you must schedule an appointment to have your biometric data scanned and uploaded (including your photo and fingerprints). This information will be used to generate a new biometric residence permit for you (BRP). Additionally, you must pay £19.20 to have your BRP processed.
The processing time for your application will also vary depending on the type of visa you are extending; however, you may be able to pay an additional fee for the priority service (which guarantees a decision within five working days) or super-priority service (for decision within one working day).
Final Remarks Of FLR(IR) Form Guidance
We recommend that you take your time and complete FLR(IR) completely and accurately. Similarly, it is critical that you provide UKVI with all of the information requested. This will ensure that you receive a decision on your case without delay. As always, if you are unsure at any point during the process, contact an immigration lawyer who can assist you. We provide a FREE initial consultation to understand your situation and can advise you accordingly.