Overview
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa (sometimes called the UK working holiday visa) is a fantastic opportunity for young people from eligible countries to live, work and travel in the UK. It allows successful applicants to experience British life for up to two years, with the flexibility to work and fund their stay.
From 2024, the scheme expanded to allow applicants from Australia, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand to apply up to age 35 and stay for three years instead of two.
📌 Key facts at a glance
Duration: 2 years (3 years for Australia, Canada & New Zealand).
Age limits: 18–30; increased to 18–35 for certain countries.
Job offer required? No — you can work freely once in the UK.
Eligible applicants: Citizens of eligible countries or territories (see below).
Savings required: At least £2,530.
Visa cost: £319 + Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year).
Processing time: Usually within 3 weeks after biometrics/ID.
Dependants: Not permitted under this route.
✅ Youth Mobility Scheme Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Be aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for Australians, Canadians, South Koreans and New Zealanders).
- Be from an eligible country or territory.
- Hold £2,530 in savings.
- Apply for the first time (you cannot reapply once you’ve held this visa).
- Not have dependants applying with you.
🌍 Eligible Countries & Places (2025)
- Andorra – 100 places
- Australia – 35,000 places
- Canada – 8,000 places
- Hong Kong (SAR passport) – 1,000 places
- Iceland – 1,000 places
- Japan – 6,000 places
- Monaco – 1,000 places
- New Zealand – 13,000 places
- San Marino – 1,000 places
- South Korea – 5,000 places
- Taiwan – 1,000 places
- Uruguay – 500 places
- British Overseas Territories Citizens – eligible under this route
- India – must apply through the separate India Young Professionals Scheme
🗳️ Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot
If you are from Hong Kong (SAR passport) or Taiwan, you must enter a ballot system. Two ballots are normally held each year (January and July), with a set number of places made available. Applicants are randomly selected and invited to apply.
💰 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Cost
- Application fee: £319
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year (£1,552 for 2 years)
- Savings: At least £2,530 in your bank account before applying
The IHS gives you access to the NHS during your stay in the UK.
📃 Required Documents
- Valid passport covering the visa period
- Bank statement showing £2,530 savings
- Tuberculosis (TB) test (if required)
- Criminal record certificate (if working in healthcare, education or welfare)
Applicants usually prove identity at a Visa Application Centre, where fingerprints, photographs and signatures are taken. Some may be able to use the UK Immigration ID Check app.
📎 Conditions & Work Rights
- You can work in most jobs, full-time or part-time.
- You can be self-employed with restrictions (no employees, equipment under £5,000).
- You cannot work as a professional sportsperson.
- You can travel freely in and out of the UK during your visa.
👨👩👧 Dependants & Family Members
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa does not allow dependants to join you. Family members would need to apply under their own visa routes.
❓ FAQs
How long can I stay on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
Up to 2 years, or 3 years if you are from Australia, Canada or New Zealand.
Do I need a job offer?
No. This visa lets you work freely once in the UK.
What are the financial requirements?
You must have at least £2,530 in savings to support yourself.
Which countries are eligible?
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and others.
Does this visa lead to British citizenship?
No. It does not count towards settlement or citizenship. However, it can help you build work experience and secure sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa later.
Have questions or want help choosing the right visa? Subscribe or explore more articles on UK visas and immigration tips.
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