Further Leave to Remain (FLR) is permission to stay in the UK for longer. Most extensions we handle are for partners and spouses renewing their family visa – known as FLR(M) – for a further 2 years and 6 months, but we also deal with Skilled Worker, visitor and other extensions. You must apply before your current permission expires.
Web offerCall 0203 468 4741 and quote MAYFAIR2 for £50 off Complete or Priority. Enquiring online? It's applied automatically.
Home Office fee from
£558
Typical decision
Usually within 8 weeks
Leads to settlement
Yes, on most routes
Rules last checked
September 2026
From our Trustpilot reviews
Mohsin was very knowledgeable, helpful and calm while guiding me throughout my visa application - from documents required, review of all paperwork to identifying any gaps so they could be addressed beforehand. Both my initial visa application and my FLR application were processed smoothly.
Suzie · Trustpilot
Just received my spouse visa extension with the help of Mayfair immigration and more specifically the assistance and support from Mr John. John has helped me completely through the whole process and made sure everything is in perfect order and answered my queries all the time. Thank you so much John.
The Home Office doesn't refund fees for refused applications. These are among the most common reasons Visa Extensions (FLR) applications fail, and exactly what our former-judge review is designed to catch.
A refusal would cost you£1,407in Home Office application fees, which aren't refunded (the health surcharge is). And you'd lose months starting again, with a refusal to declare on future applications.
01
Income evidence not in the required form
The financial rules demand specific documents covering specific periods. Payslips that do not match bank statements, a missing employer letter or incomplete self-employment evidence are the most common reasons partner extensions fail.
02
Applying after the visa has expired
A late application is only accepted within 14 days of expiry where there was a good reason beyond your control. Otherwise you are treated as an overstayer, which can lead to refusal and harm future applications.
03
Wrong English test or level
Your test must be from an approved provider and, if you passed A1 before, at least A2 in speaking and listening. Booking the wrong test type is a surprisingly common and costly mistake.
04
Weak evidence of living together
Caseworkers expect official documents showing you have lived together throughout, not just at the start. Unexplained gaps raise doubts about whether the relationship is genuine and continuing.
05
Accommodation problems
Overcrowded housing, or a property you do not occupy exclusively, can lead to refusal – especially where other relatives share the home.
06
Travelling while the application is pending
Leaving the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man before a decision withdraws your application, and you may lose the fee.
07
Undisclosed history
Not declaring convictions, previous refusals or unpaid NHS charges can lead to refusal for false representations, and deception can bar future applications for up to 10 years.
AI
Where AI chatbots go wrong on this routeMistakes AI tools commonly make on this route. Any one of them can mean a refusal, and a £1,407 application fee you won't get back.
Applying the wrong financial thresholdMost couples now need £29,000 a year, but £18,600 still applies if you first applied as a partner or fiancé(e) before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner, with extra amounts for some children. Chatbots regularly mix up which figure applies to you, in both directions.
Income evidence in the wrong formThe financial rules demand specific documents covering specific periods: usually 6 months of payslips, matching bank statements and a letter from the employer, with different evidence for self-employment. Payslips that don't match the bank statements are among the most common reasons partner extensions fail. A generic AI checklist can't spot the mismatch.
Booking the wrong English testIf you passed A1 for your first visa, you now need at least A2 in speaking and listening from an approved provider. An earlier A2 or higher result can be reused if it hasn't been withdrawn. Settlement will then need B1, rising to B2 for applications from 26 March 2027. Chatbots often suggest the wrong test type or level.
Getting the timing wrongOnly up to 28 days of your remaining permission is carried into your new visa, so applying months early wastes time you've paid for. Apply after expiry and you're only accepted within 14 days with a good reason beyond your control; otherwise you're treated as an overstayer. AI answers usually just say 'apply before it expires'.
Gaps in your living-together evidenceCaseworkers expect official documents showing you've lived together throughout your last visa, not just at the start. Unexplained gaps raise doubts about whether the relationship is genuine and continuing. A chatbot can't see which months of your evidence are missing.
Missing the cost of a shortfallIf you can't meet the financial requirement, you may still be allowed to stay on human rights grounds, but the earliest you can then settle is after 10 years instead of 5. AI tools present this as a simple fallback. We look at combining income or using savings first, before you commit to the longer route.
Refused before? Or simply can't afford to be?
A former UK immigration judge reviews every Complete and Priority application we prepare before it's submitted. If it's refused anyway, our free appeal guarantee applies.
Mohsin was very knowledgeable, helpful and calm while guiding me throughout my visa application - from documents required, review of all paperwork to identifying any gaps so they could be addressed beforehand. Both my initial visa application and my FLR application were processed smoothly.
SSuzie✓ VerifiedVisa Extensions
Spouse Visa Extension
Just received my spouse visa extension with the help of Mayfair immigration and more specifically the assistance and support from Mr John. John has helped me completely through the whole process and made sure everything is in perfect order and answered my queries all the time. Thank you so much John.
RRohan U.Spouse / Partner
John has supported me and my husband with spousal visa on point of entry and the 2 1/2 year renewal. Both times he has shown us patience and grace. Will definitely be using them in the 2 1/2 years which I look forward to. Thank you John!
DDiamondSpouse / Partner
Excellent and top quality service by Mayfair and John
John and Mayfair team had previously supported us in our spouse visa application 2 years back with a fantastic service. Therefore, we engaged again with John and his team, who have been very helpful and super supportive in assisting our spouse visa extension case. So, this is our second engagement with Mayfair and they are brilliant. Highly professional and specialized in what they do. We appreciate John and his team were always reachable and had addressed any queries/issues we raised to them ensuring we are at peace, which we felt very important and fantastic about them. We will engage with them in 2.5 years of time from now for my wife's ILR. God bless you John and team for your support and service.
LLeonard J.Spouse / Partner
We have used Mayfair on two occasions for my wife’s visa extensions, and on both instances their service has been outstanding. I would like to extend particular thanks to Mohsin for his professionalism and support throughout the process. The preparation of documents was thorough and clearly explained step by step, which gave us confidence and ensured a successful outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend Mayfair to anyone seeking reliable immigration services.
TTrustpilot reviewer✓ VerifiedSpouse / Partner
Honestly just the best experience working with this firm! Would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Mohsin for being patient and talking my husband & I through the steps, collecting all the documents, and getting our UK spousal visa approved. Every step was straightforward and communication was excellent! Highly recommend this firm!
YYohita M.Spouse / Partner
Excellent service
Excellent service! I have used Mayfair Immigration Visa Services twice for my visa applications, and both times my visas were successfully approved. The team is very professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the whole process. They clearly explained all the requirements and guided me step by step, which made the application much easier and less stressful.
Their communication was always quick and helpful whenever I had questions. I truly appreciate their dedication and professionalism. I highly recommend Mayfair Visa Services to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy visa assistance.
SShahidah M.
Mayfair Immigration Services provided outstanding support throughout my visa application process. In particular, my Case Owner, John, was truly exceptional. He offered clear, detailed guidance at every step and patiently listened to all my questions and concerns — no matter how many I had. His professionalism and reassurance made me feel fully supported during what could have otherwise been an extremely stressful experience.
FFrancine G.
John was our case worker and he was amazing! Extremely helpful in answering all questions I had and helping us through every step. Very thorough with documents list and checking all documents were there.
KKelly
Fantastic personal service
Fantastic personal service Attention to detail Professionalism Communication
I have used them twice now with complicated visa applications and they were brilliant
TTerry S.✓ Verified
Thank you!!
Thank you to John for his great communication, explained everything in full and ensured he was clear and concise at all times.
Our visa was approved today! And I couldn’t have done it without the support from John/Mayfair Immigration!!
Highly recommended!
OOlivia A.
Our experience with Mohsin at Mayfair Immigration was beyond anything we could have imagined my husbands 1st spousal visa was done with honesty efficiency and we were guided through very difficult paperwork, explanations were made clear so we could understand all that was required of us anything we needed to confirm with Mohsin we were contacted quickly ,we never felt that we couldn't contact Mohsin ,we will always recommend Mayfair Immigration to anyone who needs the help and support through difficult situations,Thanku for all your help and support
You can extend if one statement in group 1 describes you and you meet group 2. Partner extensions also need everything in group 3.
1
Your current visaOne of these
A partner or spouse visa that's coming to an end
or
A fiancé(e) visa, and you've now married or formed a civil partnership in the UK
or
A family visa as a parent or child
or
A Skilled Worker visa, staying in the same job with the same sponsor
and
2
Your timingRequired
Your current permission hasn't expired yet, so apply before it does
and
3
For partner extensionsAll of these
You're still in the same genuine relationship and plan to live together in the UK
and
English at A2 or above in speaking and listening, unless you're exempt
02
Eligibility requirements
You'll need to meet every one of these. Each has its own evidence rules, and that's where applications most often go wrong.
01
Apply before your permission expires
You can extend at any time before your current permission ends. If you are extending with the same family member, only up to 28 days of your remaining permission is added to your new grant. source
02
An eligible partner
You and your partner must both be 18 or over. Your partner must be British or Irish, settled in the UK, have pre-settled status having lived here before 1 January 2021, or have protection status. source
03
A genuine, continuing relationship
You must be married or in a civil partnership, or have been in a relationship for at least 2 years (usually living together), and you must both intend to live together permanently in the UK. source
04
Financial requirement
You and your partner usually need a combined income of at least £29,000 a year, or £18,600 if you first applied as a partner before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner. source
05
English at level A2
If you passed an A1 test for your first visa, you must now pass at least A2 in speaking and listening, unless you are exempt. source
06
Adequate accommodation
You must have adequate accommodation for your family, without using public funds, that you own or occupy exclusively and that is not overcrowded. source
07
No suitability problems
Applications can be refused for criminality, deception, overstaying outside the limited exceptions, or unpaid NHS charges of £500 or more. source
08
Skilled Worker extensions
To extend a Skilled Worker visa you must be in the same job and occupation code, working for the sponsor that gave you your current certificate of sponsorship. A new job or employer needs an update application instead. source
03
Financial requirement
For a partner extension you and your partner must usually show a combined income of at least £29,000 a year, using the specific documents the rules require. source
£18,600 applies if you first applied as a partner or fiancé(e) before 11 April 2024 and are extending with the same partner, plus £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each additional child who has to be counted
Income from UK employment, self-employment, pensions, property and other non-work sources can count, and cash savings above £16,000 can help make up a shortfall
Employed income is usually shown with 6 months of payslips, matching bank statements and a letter from your employer
If your partner receives certain disability or carer's benefits, you instead show you can support and house yourselves without further public funds
If you cannot meet the requirement you may still be allowed to stay on human rights grounds, but the earliest you can then settle is after 10 years
04
English language
If you passed an A1 test for your first partner visa, you must pass at least A2 in speaking and listening to extend. An earlier A2, B1 or higher result can be reused if the certificate has not been withdrawn, and a degree taught in English can also count. You are exempt if you are over 65, have a condition that prevents you meeting the requirement, or are a national of a majority English-speaking country. Settlement later requires B1, rising to B2 for settlement applications made from 26 March 2027. source
05
Documents checklist
0 of 13 ready
Tick documents off as you gather them: your progress is saved in this browser. Before anything is submitted, we check every one against the exact requirement it has to prove.
06
How to apply, step by step
1
Check your dates
Note your visa expiry date. Applying within the last 28 days keeps all your remaining permission; applying late risks overstaying.
2
Choose the right route
Check whether you meet the financial and English requirements for the 5-year route, or need to rely on exceptional circumstances or another extension route.
3
Gather the specified evidence
Collect income, relationship, accommodation and English evidence in the exact format the rules require, covering the right periods.
4
Apply online and pay
Complete the online form, pay the fee and healthcare surcharge for each applicant, and choose super priority if you need a fast decision.
5
Prove your identity
Attend a UKVCAS appointment or use the ID Check app if offered. Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man until you get a decision.
6
Receive your decision
If you applied in time you can stay on your existing conditions while you wait. Once granted, you receive an eVisa showing your new permission.
07
Processing times
Partner extension – meeting the financial and English requirementsUsually within 8 weekssource
Partner or private life application without the financial and English requirementsCurrently about 12 months (no service standard)source
Family extension with super priorityUsually by the end of the next working day (£1,000 extra)source
Skilled Worker extensionUsually within 8 weekssource
Standard Visitor extensionUsually within 8 weekssource
08
Costs
Home Office fee
Amount
Partner, parent or child extension – each applicant (per person) source
£1,407
Super priority service – family extension (optional) (per person) source
£1,000
Skilled Worker extension – up to 3 years (per person) source
£943
Skilled Worker extension – over 3 years (per person) source
Priority service – eligible work and study extensions (optional) (per person) source
£500
Immigration Health Surcharge (per year of visa) source
£1,035
Home Office fees only, paid directly to the Home Office. Our own fixed fees are separate and set out in the packages on this page.
Partner extensions last 2 years 6 months, so each adult pays £2,587.50 and each child under 18 pays £1,940. The surcharge is refunded if the application is refused.
09
Fixed-fee representation
One fixed fee, agreed before we start, for your Visa Extensions application. No hourly billing, never paid all up front, and Complete and Priority carry our free appeal guarantee.
Application Check
You prepare it. A solicitor checks it and tells you exactly what to fix.
£349Fixed fee · Written report in 48 hours
Best for: You've prepared the application yourself, perhaps with an AI tool, and want an expert check before you pay the Home Office.
✓Prepared by: You, reviewed by a solicitor
✓Evidence reviewed document by document: With written fix suggestions
✓Consultation calls: 1 call to go through your report
✓Turnaround: Report in 48 hours
+Which financial rules apply to you, confirmed
!Not a full case: no former-judge review and no appeal guarantee. You submit the application yourself.
How you pay
£349One payment when you instruct us
You submit the application yourself
Recommended
Complete
Your own dedicated solicitor, from first call to decision
£599Fixed fee · £399 to start · Ready within 72 hours of receiving your documents
Best for: Most people. Especially if anything about your case is less than simple.
✓Prepared by: Your dedicated solicitor
✓We prepare and submit it for you
✓Evidence reviewed document by document
✓Former immigration judge review before submission
✓Consultation calls: Unlimited
✓Turnaround: Ready in 72 hours
✓Aftercare to your next milestone
✓Free appeal guarantee
+Check of which financial rules apply to you
How you pay
£399When you instruct us
£100When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
£100Before we submit your application
Includes our free appeal guarantee
Priority
A senior solicitor, every extra piece of evidence, fastest turnaround
£899Fixed fee · £399 to start · Ready within 48 hours of receiving your documents
Best for: Complex histories, previous refusals, tight deadlines, or when you simply want the most thorough case.
✓Prepared by: Senior solicitor
✓We prepare and submit it for you
✓Evidence reviewed document by document
✓Former immigration judge review before submission
✓Supporting statements drafted for you
✓Consultation calls: Unlimited, direct line
✓Turnaround: Ready in 48 hours
✓Aftercare to your next milestone
✓Free appeal guarantee
+Full review of your immigration history and gaps
+Settlement plan for your next application
How you pay
£399When you instruct us
£250When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
£250Before we submit your application
Includes our free appeal guarantee
Web offerCall 0203 468 4741 and quote MAYFAIR2 for £50 off Complete or Priority. Enquiring online? It's applied automatically.
How payment works
You never pay the whole fee up front. For Complete and Priority you pay £399 to start, then the balance in two equal stages as your case moves forward.
1£399When you instruct us
2Stage 2When you've completed your questionnaire, before we send your tailored document checklist
3Stage 3Before we submit your application
Complete and Priority both include
✓Every form completed and checked against the current rules
✓A tailored document checklist for your circumstances
✓Legal representation letter setting out how you meet each rule
✓A former UK immigration judge's review before submission
✓Help booking your biometrics appointment
✓Progress tracking and updates until a decision
✓Free appeal if we're refused, under our guarantee
Compare the packages side by side
Feature
Application Check£349
Complete£599
Priority£899
Prepared by
You, reviewed by a solicitor
Your dedicated solicitor
Senior solicitor
We prepare and submit it for you
–
✓
✓
Evidence reviewed document by document
With written fix suggestions
✓
✓
Former immigration judge review before submission
–
✓
✓
Supporting statements drafted for you
–
–
✓
Consultation calls
1 call to go through your report
Unlimited
Unlimited, direct line
Turnaround
Report in 48 hours
Ready in 72 hours
Ready in 48 hours
Aftercare to your next milestone
–
✓
✓
Free appeal guarantee
–
✓
✓
How you pay
£349 up front
£399 to start£100 after your questionnaire£100 before submission
£399 to start£250 after your questionnaire£250 before submission
Extras for this visa
Which financial rules apply to you, confirmed
Check of which financial rules apply to you
Full review of your immigration history and gapsSettlement plan for your next application
Fixed professional fees. Home Office fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are paid separately, straight to the Home Office. For this visa, Home Office fees start from £558; see the full breakdown in costs & timings.
10
Duration & settlement
How long it lasts
Partner extensions are granted for up to 2 years and 6 months, or until your partner's permission ends if they hold 30-month protection status.
Route to settlement
On the partner route you can usually apply for indefinite leave to remain after 5 continuous years as a partner; time as a fiancé(e) does not count. If you stay on exceptional grounds without meeting the financial or English requirements, settlement takes 10 years.
11
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to extend my partner visa?
You can apply at any time before your current permission ends, but only up to 28 days of remaining permission is carried over. Applying within the last 28 days means you lose nothing.
Can I keep working while I wait for a decision?
Yes. If you apply before your visa expires, you can stay in the UK on your existing conditions until the application is decided.
Our income has fallen below £29,000 – what are our options?
You may be able to combine income sources or use cash savings above £16,000 to cover the shortfall. If not, you may still qualify on human rights grounds, but settlement would then take 10 years, so get advice before applying.
Does the £18,600 threshold still apply to us?
Yes, if you first applied as a partner (including as a fiancé(e)) before 11 April 2024 and you are extending with the same partner. Extra amounts apply for some children.
Can I switch to a partner visa from a visitor visa?
Usually not – visitors and people with permission for 6 months or less normally have to leave and apply from abroad. Fiancé(e) visa holders can switch after marrying in the UK.
What happens if my extension is refused?
Partner refusals are usually human rights decisions that carry a right of appeal, while many work and study refusals can only be challenged by administrative review. Deadlines are short, so seek advice straight away.
Are the English rules for settlement changing?
Yes. From 26 March 2027, settlement applications on routes including the partner route will need English at B2 in speaking and listening instead of B1.
12
How we help with your Visa Extensions application
01
Check your dates and plan the application so no permission is lost and you never overstay
02
Test your income against the specified evidence rules, including savings, self-employment and combined sources
03
Build a clear bundle proving your relationship and cohabitation across the whole period
04
Advise on the right route if you cannot meet the financial or English rules, including exceptional circumstances
05
Handle Skilled Worker, visitor and other extensions, and switches into new routes
06
Challenge refusals through appeals or administrative review
Free consultation
Talk it through with a specialist.
No obligation, and a clear quote before any work starts. Every Complete and Priority application we prepare is reviewed by a former UK immigration judge before it's submitted.