Applying for Further Leave to Remain on family or private life grounds (FLR(FP)) in the UK comes with high costs. If you’re planning to extend your stay in 2025, understanding the full fee structure is essential for proper financial planning.
Table of Contents
This guide breaks down the current FLR(FP) fees, additional charges, and explains how fee waivers can help applicants facing financial hardship.
Key Takeaways
- FLR(FP) fees in 2026 are high
- Every dependent pays separately, including children.
- Priority services only speed up decisions, not outcomes, and can add up to £1,000 per application.
- Fee waivers are available, but only if strict eligibility and evidence requirements are met.
- Strong financial evidence is critical for fee waiver requests, weak documentation often leads to refusal.
- Professional legal advice significantly reduces risk, especially for human rights-based applications.
What is FLR(FP)?
FLR(FP) is a UK immigration route that allows individuals already living in the UK to extend their stay based on:
- Family life connections (such as having a British child)
- Private life considerations (long-term residence in the UK)
- Human rights grounds under Article 8 ECHR
Unlike traditional family visa routes, FLR(FP) recognises that removing someone from the UK would interfere with their human rights, even if they don’t meet standard visa requirements.
Current FLR(FP) Fees for 2025
Base Application Fee
£1,321 per person – This applies to the main applicant and each dependent included in the application.
This fee increased from £1,258 on 9 April 2025 as part of the Home Office’s annual fee review.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
£1,035 per year for adults
For a standard FLR(FP) grant of 30 months (2.5 years), you’ll pay:
- £2,587.50 in total IHS
The IHS must be paid upfront for the entire visa period. This charge gives you access to NHS services during your stay in the UK.
Every person on your application, whether a spouse, partner, or child, must pay their own application fee and IHS.
Optional Priority Services
If you need a faster decision, the Home Office offers:
- 5-day priority service: £500 extra per application
- Super Priority (next-day) service: £1,000 extra per application
These services are subject to availability and don’t guarantee approval – they only speed up processing times.
Standard Processing Times
Without priority services:
- Standard FLR(FP) processing: 8-12 weeks from your biometric appointment
- Complex cases involving extensive evidence may take longer
Fee Waivers: Can You Avoid Paying?
The Home Office recognises that these fees create significant hardship for some applicants. If you genuinely cannot afford the costs, you may qualify for a fee waiver.
Fee Waivers: Can You Avoid Paying?
If you cannot afford the FLR(FP) application fees, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. This means the Home Office will waive all or part of your visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must meet two requirements:
1. You must be applying under specific visa routes:
- As a partner, parent, or dependent child of someone with a family visa or permission to stay based on private life
- With ‘Discretionary Leave’ or ‘Leave outside the Immigration Rules’ on human rights grounds (where you were refused refugee status or humanitarian protection)
- As a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking
2. You cannot afford the fee because:
- You do not have a place to live in the UK and cannot afford one, OR
- You have a place to live but cannot afford essential living costs like food or heating, OR
- You have a very low income and paying the fee would harm your child’s wellbeing
Required Documents
When applying for a fee waiver, you’ll need to provide:
Proof of Identity:
- Passport
- National identity card
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – valid for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card
Financial Evidence:
- Bank statements (typically last 3-6 months)
- Payslips showing household earnings
- Evidence of household expenses (rent statements, utility bills, council tax)
- Letters from local authorities confirming you receive financial support
- Evidence showing you receive public funds (benefits letters)
- Letters from family members or friends confirming they provide financial support
- Proof of any debts or financial obligations
For Partners or Dependents: You may need to provide additional evidence about your partner’s or dependents’ financial situation if they’re included in the application.
Additional Costs to Consider
Beyond Home Office fees, budget for:
Legal Representation
Immigration solicitors typically charge £1,000-£3,000+ for FLR(FP) applications, depending on case complexity. While not mandatory, professional help significantly improves your chances of approval.
Document Translations
Any documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations. Costs vary but expect £20-£50 per document.
English Language Tests
If required for your specific circumstances, approved English tests cost around £150.
Postage and Courier Services
If submitting documents by post, use tracked services for security.
Tips for Managing FLR(FP) Costs
Start Saving Early
With total costs approaching £4,000 per person, begin saving as soon as possible. Calculate the exact amount based on your family size.
Check Fee Waiver Eligibility First
If you’re struggling financially, research fee waiver criteria and gather evidence before your visa expiry approaches.
Apply Before Your Visa Expires
Submit your application at least 3 months before your current visa expires. This gives you time to correct any errors without overstaying.
Don’t Pay for Unnecessary Priority Services
Standard processing times of 8-12 weeks are manageable if you apply early. Priority services should only be used for genuine emergencies.
Keep All Payment Receipts
Save confirmation emails and payment receipts. You’ll need these for your records and any future applications.
Get Specialist Advice Before You Apply for FLR(FP)
FLR(FP) applications are expensive, evidence-heavy, and unforgiving of mistakes. A single error can lead to refusal, loss of fees, or even overstaying.
At Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors, we:
- Assess whether FLR(FP) is the right route for you
- Calculate your exact costs before you apply
- Advise honestly on fee waiver eligibility
- Prepare strong Article 8 human rights arguments
- Handle complex family and private life cases daily
Contact us today to protect your status and avoid unnecessary costs.
FAQs
Yes. Each child included in the application must pay the full application fee and IHS, unless a successful fee waiver is granted.
Yes. If granted, a fee waiver can cover both the application fee and the IHS, depending on your circumstances.
No. Priority services only speed up processing. They do not improve the strength of your application or guarantee a positive outcome.
A refusal can have serious consequences, including loss of fees and risk to your lawful status. Depending on the reason, you may be able to apply for administrative review, appeal, or submit a fresh application. Early legal advice is critical.
You are not legally required to use a solicitor, but FLR(FP) cases rely heavily on human rights arguments and evidence. Poorly prepared applications are one of the most common reasons for refusal.
Dr Bernard Andonian is the Co-Founder of Gulbenkian Andonian Solicitors and a leading authority in UK immigration, human rights, family and civil litigation law. With over 40 years of experience, he brings a wealth of legal knowledge and courtroom expertise. A former Judge and a recipient of a PhD in Law from the University of West London, Dr Andonian has served on the Law Society’s Immigration Law Panel, where he played a key role in shaping national legal standards. His name is featured in the Legal 500 Hall of Fame, recognising his consistent excellence and influence in the field. Known for his practical approach and deep understanding of immigration law, he is frequently consulted for commentary on policy changes and legal reform.