FM Appendix Guidance

“FM Appendix” refers to the set of immigration rules in the UK that cover family members of British citizens, settled persons, or migrants on qualifying routes. The official guidance titled Immigration Rules FM Appendix : Family Members – Guidance sets out eligibility for entry clearance and leave to remain under this appendix. (GOV.UK)

The rules cover partners and children, specifying relationship criteria, financial requirements, and settlement pathways. As immigration policy evolves, you should check the latest published version of the guide for the date that applies to your case.

What are Appendix FM Applications for?

Applications under Appendix FM may include:

• A spouse or civil partner of a British citizen or settled person applying to join or remain in the UK.
• An unmarried partner (where the couple has lived together for at least two years) applying under the partner category.
• A dependant child applying to come to the UK or remain as a dependant of a person in the UK under Appendix FM.
• Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) as a partner or dependant after satisfying the qualifying period under Appendix FM.

In short, if you are looking at an Appendix FM spouse visa or an Appendix FM partner visa UK, then Appendix FM is the relevant route.

Who Does Appendix FM Apply To?

Appendix FM applies to applicants who are partners or children of someone in the UK who is either:

• A British citizen or has settled status (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
• A recognised refugee or has humanitarian protection.
• Present and settled in the UK under previous EU/EEA arrangements. (Free Movement)

Child applicants under Appendix FM must normally be under 18 at the time of application unless they meet specific criteria. The partner must satisfy the relationship and eligibility criteria as set out in Appendix FM. (GOV.UK)

What Are the Guidelines for Partners?

The partner route under Appendix FM requires that:

The applicant meets English language requirements and the other route-specific eligibility conditions (see later sections).

The applicant and partner are aged 18 or above.

The relationship is genuine, and they must intend to live together permanently in the UK. (GOV.UK)

The partner sponsor meets the financial requirement (see next section) and other eligibility criteria, including accommodation and maintenance.

What Are the Financial Requirements under Appendix FM?

The appendix FM financial requirement (often called the minimum income requirement or MIR) is paramount. The current thresholds for first-time applications under Appendix FM (partner route) from 11 April 2024 are set at £29,000 gross annual income for the sponsor (or combination of income and savings) before considering children. 

(Free Movement)

For those who applied before 11 April 2024, certain thresholds were lower (£18,600 for a partner with no children). The threshold increases with the number of children (£3,800 for the first, £2,400 each additional, capped at £29,000 total).

(Migrate – UK Partner Visa Lawyers)

In addition to the minimum income threshold, the sponsor must show adequate maintenance and accommodation without recourse to public funds. (GOV.UK)

Savings may be used in some cases to supplement income. Specific evidence rules apply for employment, self-employment, and other income sources. (Richmond Chambers)

What Is the English Language Requirement under Appendix FM?

As part of the route under Appendix FM, applicants (for partner or spouse) must usually prove their knowledge of English at at least CEFR A1 level for initial leave or higher for certain settlement applications. If the CEFR level A2 is achieved at the time of entry, there is no need to redo it at the time of extension after 2.5 year. The sponsor and applicant should check the latest guidance under Appendix FM for exact requirements, which can vary. See the official guidance for details. (GOV.UK)

What Are the Routes to Settlement under Appendix FM?

Under Appendix FM, there are settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) routes for partners and children. Two main routes exist:

• A 5-year route, where after five years of continuous leave under Appendix FM, you may apply for settlement.
• A 10-year route, where you may apply for settlement after ten years in the UK under Appendix FM without meeting all the standard requirements (in some exceptional circumstances).

Which route applies depends on whether you meet all eligibility criteria or claim under exceptional circumstances (GEN 3.2) or new relationship (GEN 3.1) provisions. (GOV.UK)

What is the Difference Between the 5-year and the 10-year route?

The 5-year route requires full compliance with eligibility criteria from the onset (including meeting financial, English language, and accommodation requirements).

The 10-year route is available when the applicant does not meet all those criteria but qualifies under a different set of rules (often, under exceptional circumstances). It takes longer (10 years) but is an alternative if the standard route cannot be followed. For example, the rules explain how someone applies under GEN 3.2 if they cannot meet all criteria, but leaving the UK would breach human rights. (GOV.UK)

What Is GEN 3.2 Appendix FM?

GEN 3.2 refers to the guidance paragraph under Appendix FM, where exceptional circumstances or human rights arguments may apply. Applicants using that route still apply under Appendix FM but must demonstrate that the strict application of the rules would breach their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. The GEN 3.2 route often links to the 10-year settlement pathway.

What Is an FLR(FP) Form?

If you are applying under Appendix FM as a partner, civil partner, or parent of a child in the UK, the form you will normally use is FLR(FP) when you are applying to extend your stay. For a settlement (ILR) application, you might use SET(M). It is essential to select the correct form for your route.

How Do I Apply Under FM Appendix?

The application process under Appendix FM generally includes:

1. Checking you qualify under the correct route and whether you use a partner, spouse, or child category.
2. Gathering all required documents (identity, relationship, financial evidence, accommodation, maintenance, and English language evidence).
3. Completing the correct online application form for entry clearance (outside UK) or leave to remain (inside UK).
4. Paying the application fee and immigration health surcharge (if applicable).
5. Attending a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photograph).
6. Submit supporting documents as required and wait for a decision.

Professional support helps avoid common errors such as missing evidence, failing to link the application correctly, or omitting required sections of the Appendix FM guidance.

What Information Will I Have to Provide?

You will need to provide:

• Evidence of your relationship (marriage or civil partnership certificate, or proof of cohabitation if unmarried partner).
• Evidence that the sponsor meets the financial requirement (income/savings).
• Bank statements, payslips, or tax documents to prove income.
• Documents regarding accommodation showing no overcrowding and no recourse to public funds.
• English language evidence if required.
• Any required consent or parental responsibility evidence for child applicants.
• If relying on exceptional circumstances, GEN 3.2, you will need supporting documents for the human rights argument.

Complete, clear, and well-organised evidence is vital for a successful Appendix FM application.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply Under Appendix FM?

Application fees for partner and family routes under Appendix FM vary depending on whether the application is made inside or outside the UK and whether it is a first-time application or an extension/settlement. Fees change from time to time, so check the current fee on the official Home Office fees list. As a guide, the minimum income requirement jump to £29,000 is part of the policy cost context. (Free Movement)

What Are the Processing Times?

Processing times vary depending on application type (entry clearance or leave to remain), the country from which you apply, and whether priority services are used. Decision times are published by each visa application centre. Because appendix FM applications are complex, it is wise to allow additional time for document gathering, translations, and potential follow-up requests.

How Can I Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain Through Appendix FM?

If you have been living in the UK under leave as a partner or dependant under Appendix FM and you meet the qualifying residence period (five or ten years, depending on your route), you may apply for settlement (ILR) under Appendix FM. You will still need to meet eligibility criteria such as absence limits, relationship evidence, and suitability. After the settlement, you may later apply for British citizenship. Use form SET (M) for many partner settlement applications. Getting help early ensures you calculate your qualifying period and collect residence evidence correctly.

How Can WESolutions Help?

At WESolutions, we guide you through every step of your appendix FM application:

• Detailed eligibility assessment and route mapping (5-year or 10-year).
• Creation of a personalised documents checklist and review of financial evidence.
• Assistance with the correct form selection (FLR(FP), SET(M), etc).
• Support with English language and relationship evidence, and ensure your evidence meets Home Office standards.
• Pre-submission quality check to reduce refusal risk and avoid waste of fee.

By partnering with us, your appendix FM spouse visa or partner & child application has the best chance for success. Contact us to begin your application.