Application types
This page tells you which form you need to complete if you want to apply to extend your stay in the United Kingdom (we call this 'further leave to remain').
Form FLR(BUS)
You should form FLR(BUS) if you are applying to extend your stay and obtain a biometric immigration document (identity card for foreign nationals) as:
- a retired person of independent means; or
- a sole representative.
For more information, read Completing application form FLR(BUS).
Form FLR(BID)
You should use form FLR(BID) if you are applying to extend your stay and obtain a biometric immigration document (identity card for foreign nationals) under one of the following categories:
- as an academic visitor;
- as a domestic worker in a private household;
- on grounds of your UK ancestry; or
- as a visitor for private medical treatment.
For more information, read Completing application form FLR(BID).
Form FLR(M)
You should use form FLR(M) if you are applying to extend your stay and obtain a biometric immigration document (identity card for foreign nationals) as a husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried/same-sex partner.
For more information, read Completing application form FLR(M).
Form FLR(O)
Use form FLR(O) if you are applying to extend your stay under one of the following categories:
- as a general visitor
- as an overseas qualified nurse or midwife;
- as a private servant in a diplomatic household
- as a dependant of exempt HM forces personnel; or
- for other purposes/reasons not covered by other application forms.
For more information, read Completing application form FLR(O).
Form HPDL
Form HPDL is for extension applications by people who have been given humanitarian protection or discretionary leave to remain. You should complete form HPDL if you were refused asylum but given:
- exceptional leave to remain for a period of less than four years, or for separate periods making four years in all;
- discretionary leave to remain; or
- humanitarian protection.
For more information, read completing application form HPDL.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is my immigration status while my application is being decided?
If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.
See also
News & updates
Terms explained
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Discretionary leave to remain
Permission to stay in the United Kingdom for reasons that are exceptional. This is sometimes given to someone who does not qualify for asylum but whom we believe should be allowed to stay for other reasons.
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Exceptional leave to enter or remain
Permission to stay in the United Kingdom for reasons that are exceptional. This type of permission is no longer given, but was sometimes given in the past to someone who does not qualify for asylum but whom we believe should be allowed to stay for other reasons.
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Further leave to remain
An extension of your existing permission to stay in the United Kingdom for a specified length of time.
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Humanitarian protection
Protection given to someone under the terms of the European Convention on Human Rights. It is not the same as asylum, which may be given only to those who are fleeing persecution, under the terms of the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. We may give humanitarian protection to someone whom we believe does not qualify for asylum if we think there are humanitarian reasons for allowing that person to stay in the United Kingdom.
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Indefinite leave to remain
Indefinite leave to remain (often known as ILR) is permission to stay permanently (settle) in the United Kingdom, free from immigration control.
Contact
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Visa services
Visa Customer Services, Visa Services Directorate, International Group, UK Border Agency, c/o Lunar House, 40 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR9 2BY If you are outside the United Kingdom, you should contact your nearest British diplomatic post.