The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a great opportunity to work and travel in the UK, it allows young people from Canada to live and explore around the country for up to three years. The UK recently negotiated a trade deal with the Canadian government which includes making it easier for young adults to live and work in the UK. The age range has been expanded five years from 18-30 to 18-35 and the length of stay increased to three years rather than two. These changes will take effect sometime in 2024, the date has still to be announced.
WHy explore the UK as a Canadian?
Once part of the British Empire, Canada has long cultural and economic ties with the United Kingdom. The UK is one of the best countries in the world to develop your career, with high salaries, development opportunities and big business that have established themselves here. The Youth Mobility Scheme is ideal as it lets you work for these companies in order to prove yourself for a longer term visa, in which they can sponsor you. International work experience also stands out on a CV/Resume with future employers, if you decide to return to Canada.
Here are some reasons why you should try the Youth Mobility Scheme in the UK.
Historical Sightseeing
The UK is home to numerous historical landmarks and cultural sites, including iconic attractions like Stonehenge, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle, and the Roman Baths.
Stunning Scenery
From the picturesque countryside of the Cotswold’s and Lake District to the rugged coastline of Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands, the UK is blessed with diverse and beautiful landscapes. Hiking, cycling, and road trips are popular activities.
Great Festivals
The UK hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. From the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest performance arts festival, to the Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest street festival, there are celebrations and events to suit a wide range of interests.
Eligibility for Youth Mobility Scheme
In order to qualify for this visa you must meet several minimum requirements.
- You must be a Canadian citizen
- £2530 minimum of savings (CAD 4,400 as of August 2023)
- First time applicant
Eligible Countries
- Canada
Youth Mobility Scheme Cost
You must have sufficient funds when applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, the total minimum costs will vary depending on your circumstances.
Application Fee
£259
Healthcare
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) entitles you to use the NHS if you become unwell or have an accident while in the UK.
You have to pay the IHS even if you do not use the NHS or even if you have your own private health insurance, the cost is £470 per year.
If you are applying for a 2-year visa you will have to pay £470 each year, therefore you will have to pay a total of £940.
Sufficient Funds
You must have at least £2,530 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK, a bank statement will suffice.
The financial requirement is to show you have enough money for your living costs.
Documentation for Youth Mobility Scheme
You must bring relevant documentation that will require some preparation before arriving in the UK. Although, This will vary depending on your occupation, nationality and length of stay.
- A valid passport for the entirety of the visa
- Bank statement proving sufficient funds
Criminal Record Certificate
If you are applying for certain jobs mostly in the public sector such as healthcare, welfare and education sectors. You will need to provide a criminal record certificate for any country in which, since the age of 18, you have been present for 12 months or more in the 10 years before the date of your application.
Identity
For most applicants you must prove your identity by booking an appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your current country. The appointment will include collecting your fingerprints, facial photograph and signature. The UK government website has a list of addresses for each eligible country.
Can I bring my family?
This visa does not allow any family members to join directly, they would have to apply for their own individual visa.
Can this lead to British citizenship?
This visa does not count towards becoming a British citizen, only work visas will contribute towards this. The Youth Mobility Scheme however does allow you to work and build relationships with employers who will sponsor you after the visa ends. This is an advantage over applicants who have never worked in the UK and are applying abroad.
Latest Articles
5 of the Best Peak District Hikes [2024]
Walking in the Peak District offers views of a stunning national park with its rolling hills, deep valleys and wildlife. There are multiple Peak District hikes and walks to challenge yourself regardless of fitness level. In this article we will walk through our favourite Peak District hikes as well as what to pack, best time […]
4 Ways to get a Skilled Work Visa for UK in 2024 [Apply]
Emigrating on a skilled work visa for UK for many is a popular choice. The UK is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in many sectors and is looking international to help reduce the skills gap. Many of the UK sponsor visas can lead to permanent residency in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Most […]
How to get Work Permit for UK without Job Offer? [2024]
Most work visas will require you to find companies that offer sponsorship in the UK in order to live and work here, but there are still ways to obtain a work permit for UK without job offer. There are six work visas that we have listed below that do not require you to be sponsored […]
PSW in UK 2024 – [Graduate Visa]
PSW in UK or a Post Work Study permit, is a visa that allows international students who have graduated from a UK university to stay in the country after graduation. The UK Graduate Visa allows you to live and work for up to three years after your studies, depending on if you achieved a bachelors […]
Homes for Rent in the UK [2024]
Homes for rent in the UK in 2024 can be a difficult process when you are new to the country. When you move to the UK for work, you are most likely to rent in the beginning. In 2023, net migration in to the UK was 672,000 with many newcomers moving to popular cities such […]
Immigration Salary List UK (ISL) [2024]
The Immigration Salary List (ISL) will replace the Shortage Occupation List (SOL) in the United Kingdom from the 4th of April 2024. The ISL contains 23 occupations that are most in demand in the UK for 2024, the list will be updated on an annual basis. There is some changes from the SOL including eligibility […]
UK Visa Types – UK Immigration [2024]
If you are planning on moving to the United Kingdom for long term work or to complete a degree, then you will need a visa before you arrive. There are many UK visa types that allow you to work and study, some do not require any sponsorship. Each visa has different requirements in order for […]
Shortage Occupation List UK – Skilled Worker Visa [2024]
The Shortage Occupation List UK 2024 is a list that highlights job roles that there are in demand across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The United Kingdom is currently looking internationally to help fill vacancies in various roles such scientists, engineers, IT professionals and the construction trades. The UK government announced in late 2023, […]