How Long Does FLR FP Take in 2026
The Home Office currently processes most FLR FP applications within 8 weeks on the standard service. If you need a faster decision, the priority service typically returns a result within 5 working days for an additional fee of £500.
Super-priority service is also available for some applicants and delivers a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometric appointment.
These are target processing times, not guaranteed deadlines. Actual waiting times fluctuate depending on Home Office case volumes, the complexity of your application, and whether additional documents are requested.
What Is FLR FP?
FLR FP stands for Further Leave to Remain on the basis of Family or Private Life. It is the form used by people already in the UK who want to extend their stay based on either their family life here or the private life they have built over years of residence.
It covers two distinct routes under the Immigration Rules the Private Life route and the Family Life route under Appendix FM.
The Private Life Route
The private life route is for people who have built a significant life in the UK over time. Eligibility depends on your age and how long you have lived here continuously.
Children under 18 must have been continuously resident in the UK for at least 7 years. The Home Office must also be satisfied that it would not be reasonable to expect the child to leave.
Young adults aged 18 to 24 must have arrived in the UK before the age of 18 and spent at least half their life continuously resident here.
Adults aged 18 and over must have been continuously resident for more than 20 years. If you have been here for less than 20 years, you must demonstrate there would be very significant obstacles to your integration into the country you would be required to return to.
The Family Life Route
The family life route applies under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. You may qualify if you have a genuine family life in the UK with a partner or child who is a British citizen, settled in the UK, holds protection status, or has limited leave under Appendix EU.
How Long Will Your FLR FP Visa Last?
Family life applicants granted limited leave as a partner or parent are typically given 30 months.
Private life applicants are generally granted 30 months. Children and young adults who meet the specific residence criteria may be granted either 30 or 60 months depending on the period applied for.
Extensions carry over your remaining permission up to a maximum of 28 days added on top of your new grant.
Conditions of Your FLR FP Visa
Work and study are both permitted on FLR FP. You can work full time, be self-employed, or do voluntary work. Study is allowed but subject to the ATAS condition for certain courses.
Public funds are normally restricted. This condition can be waived if you can demonstrate destitution or imminent destitution, compelling welfare reasons relating to a child, or exceptional circumstances affecting your financial situation.
Common Reasons FLR FP Applications Are Refused
Insufficient evidence of continuous residence is the most frequent cause of refusal. The Home Office expects documentary evidence covering the entire qualifying period: utility bills, bank statements, tenancy agreements, school records for children.
Gaps in residence are examined closely. Applications submitted without legal advice are refused at a significantly higher rate. The immigration rules for this route are technical and the evidential requirements are exacting.
Should You Use a Solicitor for FLR FP?
Given the complexity of the private life and family life rules, and the consequences of a refusal, most applicants benefit significantly from professional legal advice before submitting.
An SRA-regulated immigration solicitor will assess whether you meet the residence thresholds, identify any gaps in your evidence, advise on whether priority service is appropriate, and prepare a properly structured application.
A refusal not only delays your status; it creates a negative immigration history that affects future applications.
We match you with vetted, SRA-regulated immigration solicitors who handle FLR FP applications regularly. The assessment is free and there is no obligation.
You may also find these guides useful: Understanding continuous residence for UK settlement and our UK visa fees 2026 calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does FLR FP take in 2026?
Standard processing is approximately 8 weeks. Priority service returns a decision within 5 working days. Super-priority delivers a decision by the end of the next working day after your biometric appointment.
Can I work while waiting for my FLR FP decision?
If you submitted your application before your current leave expired, you are usually permitted to continue working under Section 3C leave while your application is pending. You should carry evidence of your pending application when working.
What documents do I need for FLR FP?
Evidence of continuous residence covering the qualifying period, proof of your family or private life, and biometric information. A solicitor will advise on the full evidential requirements for your specific circumstances. Gaps in documentary evidence are a common cause of refusal.
What happens if my FLR FP is refused?
You may have a right of appeal to the First-tier Tribunal. The grounds and timeframes depend on your specific circumstances. Legal advice is strongly recommended immediately after a refusal; time limits apply.
How much does FLR FP cost in 2026?
The Home Office application fee is £1,258 per applicant. If using the priority service, add £500. The Immigration Health Surcharge is also payable at £1,035 per year of leave granted. A solicitor's fees are separate and vary by firm.