Our immigration team was delighted when we received correspondence from the Home Office informing us that our client (“the Applicant”) had been granted a further 30 months leave to remain as the spouse of a British citizen present and settled in the UK. The Applicant was a returning client, having previously instructed us for her entry clearance application. We reviewed all of the supporting documents and made strong representations in support of the extension application and a decision was made one week after the Applicant attended her biometric appointment. If you need advice on an FLR (M) spouse visa application, then please contact our immigration team to arrange a consultation with one of our solicitors.
The case for an FLR (M) spouse visa
The Applicant was a national of the Philippines who was married to a British national. She had been granted leave to enter on that basis and contacted us before her visa expired so that we could prepare her extension. To meet the financial requirement the Applicant wished to rely on her Sponsor’s income from his self-employment. We sent the Applicant a comprehensive list of documents as there is more specified evidence under Appendix FM-SE for self-employment, as well as ensuring all of the other requirements for the extension had been satisfied. Once the documents were in order we prepared our representations and contacted the Applicant to pay for and submit the FLR (M) form. Once the application had been submitted we uploaded all of the supporting documents and booked the Applicant’s biometric appointment.
What does FLR M mean?
FLR is an acronym for Further Leave to Remain and means an extension of leave in the UK. The ‘M’ refers to the category of leave which is the Applicant’s marriage to the Sponsor. Dependent children can also make an FLR (M) application (where applicable). FLR (M) applications are usually the 5 year route to settlement. Applicants on the 10 year route who are applying for Further Leave to Remain on the basis of family life will need to use form FLR (FP), as will Applicants applying under other categories. It is important to use the correct form when making an application.
When can I apply FLR M?
Applicants can submit an FLR (M) application within 28 days of the expiry of their previous spouse visa. It is also possible for Applicants who have a valid visa under a different visa category can submit an FLR (M) so switch their visas on the basis of their relationship. These Applicants do not need to wait for the 28 days prior to the expiry of their current visa, unlike Applicant’s previously mentioned with existing leave as a spouse.
How do I apply for FLR M?
As with the majority of UK Visas and Immigration applications, Applicants can submit apply for FLR (M) online via the Gov.uk website. The paper application forms are no longer accepted, which has also removed the requirement to submit their original documents to the Home office for their consideration. Once the online application is submitted, Applicants or their legal representatives must upload clear scanned copies of all of the supporting documents to UKVCAS, a commercial partner of the Home Office, who will then forward them to the Home Office caseworker once the Applicant has attended a biometric appointment at one of their centres which are located up and down the UK.
What documents do I need for FLR M?
The purpose of the FLR (M) application is for the Applicant to continue living in the UK with their Sponsor before being eligible for indefinite leave to remain. Therefore, the relationship with the Sponsor must be subsisting. The other requirements for FLR (M) applications are much the same for entry clearance applications:
- Financial requirement – Applicants still need to be able to demonstrate the minimum income requirement of £18,600 can be met. However, unlike entry clearance applications, this does not need to solely be through the Sponsor’s income. For FLR (M) applications, you can rely on the Applicant’s income, the Sponsor’s income or a combination of the two in order to reach a minimum of £18,600;
- Accommodation – Applicants must still be able to be maintained and accommodated in the UK without recourse to public funds;
- English language requirement – Applicants must sit and pass an English language test at minimum level A2 OF THE CEFR.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London submit an FLR (M) Spouse Visa application
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration matter. You can instruct one of our immigration and visa legal representatives to successfully assist you with a Spouse visa extension application. Our solicitors and Barristers will help you comply with the Home Office’s requirements and meet the Immigration Rules.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications, which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, our solicitors and barristers will ensure all specified documents must be provided.
The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully submit an FLR (M) Spouse Visa application with our Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your prospects of submitting a visa application before your application even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation and submission of a Spouse visa extension application and ensure that you meet all the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
Our offices are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation to discuss an Entry Clearance Spouse Visa application.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.