UK Spouse Visa Extension Guide: FLR(M) Requirements, Documents And Costs (2026)

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Summary: key points about the FLR(M) spouse visa extension

  • The FLR(M) visa extension allows spouses and partners of British citizens or settled persons to remain in the UK for another 30 months. 
  • Most applicants apply for an extension after 2.5 years on their spouse visa. 
  • Applicants must meet the relationship, financial, accommodation and English language requirements. 
  • The minimum income threshold is currently £29,000 per year for many applicants (using cash savings to meet the UK spouse visa financial requirement). 
  • The typical application cost in 2026 is around £3,900 including the Immigration Health Surcharge (spouse visa extension costs and mistakes to avoid). 
  • After completing 5 years on the spouse visa route, applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (UK spouse visa guide). 

What is the FLR(M) spouse visa extension?

The FLR(M) application (Further Leave to Remain as a partner) is used by people already in the UK on a spouse or partner visa who want to extend their stay.

Most applicants apply for FLR(M) after 2.5 years on the 5-year partner route. If successful, the Home Office normally grants another 30 months of permission to stay in the UK. (spouse visa extension costs and mistakes to avoid)

This extension is a critical step toward settlement because many applicants must complete two spouse visa periods before becoming eligible for ILR.

When should you apply for an FLR(M) extension?

Many applicants are unsure about the right time to apply for an FLR(M) spouse visa extension. In most cases, you should apply:

  • Before your current visa expires 
  • Usually within 28 days before expiry 

Applying too early can sometimes affect the timeline toward settlement, as the Home Office may require you to complete the full five-year residence period before applying for ILR.

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FLR(M) spouse visa extension requirements UK

To successfully extend your visa, you must meet the partner visa requirements under the UK Immigration Rules.

1. Genuine and ongoing relationship

Applicants must prove that:

2. Financial requirement

In most cases applicants must meet the minimum income threshold of £29,000 per year. (using cash savings to meet the UK spouse visa financial requirement)

3. Suitable accommodation

You must show you have suitable accommodation for:

  • Yourself 
  • Your partner 
  • Any children 

4. Immigration compliance

Applicants must show they:

  • Have followed immigration laws 
  • Have not used public funds 
  • Meet the relevant suitability requirements. 

Financial requirements for FLR(M) spouse visa extension

The financial requirements for FLR(M) spouse visa extension are often the most complex part of the application.

In 2026 applicants must show a minimum income of £29,000 per year. 

Ways to meet the financial requirement

Income can come from several sources, including:

  • Employment income 
  • Self-employment income 
  • Pension income 
  • Rental or investment income 
  • Cash savings 
  • A combination of income and savings 

Applicants may meet the requirement through cash savings of around £88,500 held for at least six months. (using cash savings to meet the UK spouse visa financial requirement)

Relationship evidence for FLR(M) visa extension

You must provide clear and convincing evidence that your relationship is genuine and ongoing when applying for an FLR(M) visa extension.

Examples of evidence often include:

  • Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage statements 
  • Joint bank accounts or financial documents 
  • Council tax letters 
  • Utility bills addressed to both partners 
  • Photographs together 
  • Travel history together 

(how to prove a genuine and subsisting relationship)

Documents required for FLR(M) visa extension

The documents required for FLR(M) visa extension usually include:

1. Identity documents

  • Passports for both partners 
  • Biometric residence permit (BRP) 

2. Relationship documents

3. Financial documents

  • Payslips 
  • Bank statements 
  • Employment letter 
  • Tax returns if self-employed

4. Accommodation evidence

  • Tenancy agreement 
  • Property ownership documents

5. English language evidence

  • Approved English test certificate 
  • UK degree or recognised qualification 

English requirement for FLR(M) extension

Most applicants applying for an FLR(M) extension must meet the English language requirement, usually by passing an approved test at CEFR level A2 in speaking and listening. 

Some applicants may be exempt if they:

  • Are over 65 
  • Have a medical condition 
  • Come from a majority English-speaking country 

How to apply for FLR(M) visa extension UK

All applications for an FLR(M) visa extension in the UK must be submitted through the online system.

  1. Complete the online application via GOV.UK 
  2. Pay the application fee 
  3. Upload supporting documents using UKVCAS 
  4. Attend a biometrics appointment 
  5. Wait for a decision (UK spouse visa processing times and priority services) 

How much does FLR(M) visa extension cost UK?

As of 2026, the standard fees include a Home Office application fee of £1,321 and an Immigration Health Surcharge of £2,587.50 for a 30-month grant, bringing the total mandatory cost to approximately £3,900.

Additional costs may include:

FLR(M) visa extension processing time UK

Typical FLR(M) visa extension processing time UK:

  • Standard service: around 8 weeks 
  • Priority service: about 5 working days 
  • Super priority service: next working day 

Processing times vary depending on application complexity and whether the Home Office requests further documents (UK spouse visa processing times and priority services).

What happens after FLR(M) extension?

Once your application is approved, you will usually receive:

  • 30 months of further leave to remain : After completing five years on the spouse visa route, many applicants can apply for:
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) (UK spouse visa) 

What happens if FLR(M) visa is refused?

Refusals may happen if:

  • Financial requirement not met 
  • Insufficient relationship evidence 
  • Missing documents 
  • Incorrect application form

If your visa is refused, options include:

  • Submitting a new application 
  • Appealing the decision 
  • Requesting an administrative review 

Legal advice can be particularly important here (spouse visa extension costs and mistakes to avoid).

How immigration lawyers can help with an FLR(M) spouse visa extension

Applying for an FLR(M) spouse visa extension is often complex, especially with finances, self-employment, or unusual circumstances.

Experienced UK immigration lawyers can help by:

At Mulgrave Law, our UK immigration lawyers:

Ensure your FLR(M) visa extension is approved by working with an experienced UK immigration lawyer. Contact Mulgrave Law today to get expert guidance and a fully prepared application:

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