FLR(M) vs FLR(FP) rotues

[azo]

Hello, I just want to know what are the differences between FLR(M) vs FLR(FP) routes for a spouse of a British citizen (no children involved).

I get the feeling from reading that the FLR(FP) is longer to reach ILR but is more relaxed on the financial requirements, is this the case? Can someone please help explain.

Regards

[secret.simon]

I get the feeling from reading that the FLR(FP) is longer to reach ILR but is more relaxed on the financial requirements, is this the case?

Correct.

FLR(FP) is leave to remain based on family life. It is FLR (Further Leave to Remain) and hence I believe that it requires the spouse to already be in the UK (i.e. it is not possible to bring the spouse to the UK on this visa). It takes 10 years (4 applications every 2.5 years) to get to ILR, but does not have any financial/salary requirements.

FLR(M) is leave to remain based on being married to a person settled in the UK (either a British citizen or a person on ILR). It requires an annual salary of atleast £18,600 or savings of between £16,000 and £62,500 (exact amount depends on earnings) held in an immediatly accessible bank account. The person becomes eligible for ILR on completing five years of ILR.

In both cases, if the person is married to a British citizen, they can apply for naturalisation immediately after getting ILR.

[Casa]

Be aware that you can't choose to apply for FLR(FP) as an alternative to FLR(M) simply because you feel it has less conditions. An FLR(FP) application has no guarantee of success and the Case Worker may take the view that your would be able to live together outside of the UK. Even more so if there are no children to consider.