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Completing application form FLR(O)

This page gives general guidance on completing application form FLR(O).

You should use application form FLR(O) if you want to extend your stay in the United Kingdom 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.

On 31 March 2009, most of the categories in the previous version of form FLR(O) transferred to form FLR(BID) and to the forms for tiers 4 and 5 of the points-based system. Please contact our Immigration Enquiry Bureau if you need help in finding the right form for your situation.

You can download the form and a detailed guide from the right side of this page. You should read the guide before you complete the form.

You will need to pay a fee when you make your application. We will not refund your fee if we refuse your application or if you withdraw it.

You should use application form FLR(O) if you already have temporary permission to stay (also called 'limited leave to remain') in the United Kingdom in one of the categories above and you wish to extend your stay.

You must be in the United Kingdom to apply. For information on obtaining initial permission to come to the United Kingdom in your category, see the relevant section of this site. To extend your stay in your category, you will need to show that you still meet the requirements for it.

Section 7 of the application form gives details of the documents you need to send to support your application. You should send the original documents, not copies. In exceptional circumstances, we may accept a photocopy that is certified as an accurate copy by the body or authority that issued the original or by a notary. You must include a letter explaining why you are providing a certified copy rather than the original document.

There is only one fee per application form. Apart from the exceptions given below, you may include your spouse, civil partner, unmarried/same-sex partner and children under the age of 18 on the same form, if they are applying as your dependants. If they apply separately, they will need to pay the fee. Children aged 18 or over must apply separately.

In the visitor and private medical treatment categories, you may not include any dependants on your application. In the categories of postgraduate doctor or dentist and dependants of exempt HM Forces, only husbands, wives and civil partners may be included as partners.

You must apply at least four weeks before the end of your authorised stay in the United Kingdom.

You can post your application to us, or apply in person. If you want to apply in person, you need to make an appointment in advance - the Contact section explains how and where you can apply. This is a same-day service available at a premium fee, and is only suitable for straightforward applications that will not require further enquiries.

If you apply by post, we cannot tell in advance how long it will take to decide your application, so you should not make non-urgent travel plans until we have returned your passport to you. However, our current target times for deciding applications show how quickly we aim to make a decision.

You must fill in the form in block capitals using a black pen. Please enter all dates as dd-mm-yyyy - for example, 29-04-2000.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

Application forms

Application for an extension of stay in the United Kingdom (other categories)

See also

News & updates

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Terms explained

  • Civil partnership

    A legal relationship that can be registered by two people of the same sex and that gives the couple legal recognition for their relationship. In a range of legal matters, civil partners are treated the same as opposite-sex partners who are married.

  • Dependant

    Someone who depends on you financially, such as a husband, wife, partner, or child.

  • 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.

  • Limited leave to remain

    Permission to stay in the United Kingdom temporarily, for the length of time stated on your visa.

  • Notary

    A notary is also known as a notary public. A notary is a public official who is legally authorised to witness the signing of documents and perform other formal duties.

All glossary terms

Contact

  • 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.

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