Overview
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a great opportunity to work and travel in the UK, it allows young people from around the world to live and explore around the country for up to two years.
Who Qualifies?
Anyone between 18-30 from an eligible country or territory.
In 2024, the age limit was increased to 18-35 for Australia, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand.
How Long Can You Stay?
Up to 2 years.
In 2024, the visa duration was increased to 3 years for Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Processing Time?
After you have submitted your online application, proved your identity and provided the relevant documents, 90% of applicants are processed within 3 weeks.
Cost?
£298
Eligibility for Youth Mobility Scheme
In order to qualify for this visa you must meet several minimum requirements.
- From an eligible country or territory
- £2530 minimum of savings
- First time applicant
- Aged between 18-30 or 18-35 for certain countries
Eligible Countries
- Andorra – 100 places
- Australia – 35,000 places
- Canada – 8,000 places
- Hong Kong – 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 Citizen – types of British nationality citizens
- * India – You must apply through the India Young Professionals Scheme
Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot
If you are from Hong Kong and own a SAR passport, or Taiwan. You will need to enter a ballot in order to qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme. Applicants are picked at random from two ballots per year, normally held in January and July with around 1000 places being made available.
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
£298
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 £776 per year.
If you are applying for a 2-year visa you will have to pay £776 each year, therefore you will have to pay a total of £1,552.
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
- Tuberculosis test (from certain countries)
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.
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