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.
Latest Articles
How to immigrate to the UK as a nurse in 2023
Health professionals are in high demand in the UK and even has its own visa, the Health and Care Worker visa. The UK government has set a target for 50,000 more nurses by 2024 in England alone, one of the ways to do this is to attract international talent. The National Health Service (NHS) is […]
UK breaks record with over 679,00 international students in 2022
The UK attracts thousands of international students each year, thanks to its world-class universities and work opportunities. Keep reading to discover some of the top reasons to consider moving to the UK to study. New data from Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) shows the UK now has a international student population of 679,970 as of […]
First ballot for the UK India Professionals Scheme
The United Kingdom’s newest visa will launch on Tuesday 28th February 2023, the long-awaited India Professionals Scheme. This visa will be the easiest way for young Indians to live and work in the UK, for up to two years. This visa is a good way to settle in the UK before applying for longer term […]
UK Job Vacancies and Pay Febuary 2023
On February 2023, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its latest monthly report on employment in the UK. The report shows a near all time high of employment in the UK with increasing salaries. If you are interested in filling one of these vacancies and want to move to the UK, check out our […]
Best Cities to Work and Live in the UK in 2023
The United Kingdom has long been the world-famous place to work and live in due to the huge number of opportunities it offers in terms of career and life. Since it is among the top economies in the world, those looking for a high living standard with excellent employment opportunities find it the perfect spot. […]
How to get sponsored by an employer in the UK
When companies in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are unable to find qualified workers living in the United Kingdom, they look worldwide to help fill those skill shortages. To be eligible for skilled work sponsorship in the United Kingdom, you need to qualify for a relevant job on a UK occupations list, after this […]
What salary can I earn in the UK in 2023?
how much can you earn in the UK? The UK is a high-income economy, but how much do you need to earn for a comfortable life? When you think of moving to the UK, the first thing that comes to your mind is how much salary you will earn. From April 2023 the minimum hourly […]
How much money do you need to move to the UK?
How much does it cost to move to the UK? The amount of money to save when planning a move to the UK will vary from person to person, having your finances planned correctly is one of the most important aspects of moving to the UK. How much is a visa? Do I have to […]