UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Are you a young adult eager to experience life in the UK? The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa offers a unique opportunity to work and travel throughout the UK for up to two years.

Designed for individuals aged 18 to 30 from select countries, this visa allows you to take on a variety of jobs, study short courses, and immerse yourself in British culture.

Whether you're looking to enhance your career, improve your English language skills, or embark on a new and exciting adventure, the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa can open doors to a world of possibilities in the UK.

 

What are the eligibility criteria for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa isn't open to everyone; it's designed for young individuals from specific countries and territories who meet certain criteria.

Age requirements

Your eligibility depends on both your age and your country of origin:

• If you’re from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Korea: You can apply if you're between 18 and 35 years old.
• If you’re from Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, or Uruguay: You can apply if you're between 18 and 30 years old.
• If you’re from Hong Kong (with an SAR passport) or Taiwan: You'll need to be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before applying. Ballots typically open in January and July each year, and are entered by sending an email. You can sign up for email alerts to enter the next ballot here. If you don’t win the ballot, you cannot appeal, but you can try again next year.
• If you’re a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, or British national (overseas): You can apply if you're between 18 and 30 years old.

You must be at least 18 when your visa starts, but you can apply before you turn 18. It’s okay if you’re slightly older than the age limit when your visa begins, too, as long as you were within the age range when you applied.

Other requirements

• You can’t apply if you have children under 18 who live with you or children you're financially responsible for.
• You can’t apply if you've already been in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme once before.
• If you're from India, there's a separate scheme for you. Check your eligibility for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa instead of this one.
• You’ll need at least £2,530 in your bank account to demonstrate you can support yourself in the UK. The money must have been available for at least 28 consecutive days, the 28th being within 31 days of your visa application. You'll need to provide evidence of this when you apply.

What documents do you need for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

To apply for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you'll need to gather several essential documents that demonstrate your eligibility and intentions.

Gathering the correct documents is key to a smooth visa application, so make sure everything is accurate and translated. Here's a breakdown of what you'll need:

Must-haves for everyone

• You need a valid passport or other form of ID showing your identity and nationality. It should be valid for your entire stay in the UK and have a blank page. Some passport holders may need to provide alternative evidence of their identity and nationality - this link outlines who those people are.
• You should have a bank statement proving you have at least £2,530 in savings. It should be recent and show the money has been in your account for at least 28 days.
• If you're from a country that requires it, you'll need to provide your TB test results. You can check the list of countries and find approved clinics on the UK government website.

Extras documentation for some countries

Depending on where you're from, you might need additional documents.

• If you're from Andorra, you'll need a police certificate from the last six months.
• If you're from Hong Kong or Taiwan, you'll need an email from the Home Office confirming you won the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot.
• If you're from Iceland, you'll need a 'Sakavottorð' (criminal record check) from the last 6 months. You can get it from the Icelandic National Registry.
• If you're from San Marino, you'll need a letter from the Department of Foreign Affairs saying you're okay with the scheme. It must be from the last 6 months.
• If you're from Uruguay, you'll need a 'Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales' (criminal record check) from the last 6 months. You can get it from the Direccion Nacional de Policial Technica and/or the Chief of Police’s Office.

If any of your documents aren't in English or Welsh, you'll need to provide certified translations from one of the translators listed here. The translation must be official and include the translator's details.

How to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

Applying for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to follow the steps carefully and submit your application correctly to avoid any delays or complications.

1. Check your eligibility and gather documents

Before starting your application, thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet all the requirements. Gather all the necessary documents, including your passport, bank statement, TB test results (if applicable), and any additional documents based on your nationality.

2. Pay the healthcare surcharge

As part of your application, you'll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This fee grants you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The amount you need to pay will depend on the length of your visa (typically two years for the Youth Mobility Scheme). Check the UK government website for the current IHS rates.

3. Apply online

All applications for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa must be submitted online through the UK government website.

It's advisable to apply as early as possible in the year, as there are country-specific quotas for the scheme. Once the quota for your country is filled, applications will be refused, even if you meet all criteria.

• Complete the application form: Fill out the online application form, providing accurate and complete information about yourself, your travel plans, and your financial situation.
• Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of all the required supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee: Pay the visa application fee online. As of September 2024, the fee is £298.
• Book a biometric appointment (if required): Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). You'll be informed if this is necessary during the online application process.
• Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app (if required): If you don’t need to make a biometric appointment, you’ll be asked to scan your identity document in the ID check app.

4. Await your decision

You’ll be informed of the result within three weeks, unless you could request a priority service - in that case, you’ll likely hear earlier. Remember that the Home Office may request additional information or documentation, which could slow your application.

You’ll receive a decision whether or not you’re successful. If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll have the option to appeal.

What is the valid duration of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa grants you the freedom to live and work in the UK for up to two years. You can enter the UK at any time during your visa's validity period and leave and return as often as you like within those two years – even if you turn 31 (or 36 for certain nationalities) after your visa is issued, your permission to stay in the UK remains valid for the full two-year duration.

Important note: The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa itself does not lead to permanent residency in the UK. However, it's possible to switch to other visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or the Innovator Founder Visa, that can eventually lead to settlement if you meet the eligibility criteria.

What you can and can’t do

Once you’ve got your visa, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with what it means. Here’s what you can and can’t do with the visa.

What you can do:

• Work in most jobs: You can work in a wide range of jobs in the UK, gain valuable experience and contribute to the workforce.
• Study: You're allowed to pursue further education or training while on the visa. Just note that some courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
• Be self-employed: You can set up your own business or work as a freelancer, provided you meet certain conditions, such as renting your business premises, having equipment valued under £5,000, and not employing any staff.
• Do voluntary work: You can volunteer wherever you like, and contribute to the community.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK: You can travel freely outside the UK and return as long as your visa remains valid.

What you can’t do:

• Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach: This visa does not allow you to participate in professional sports or work as a sports coach.
• Extend your stay (unless you're from Australia, Canada, or New Zealand): The two-year visa can’t be extended, except for citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, who can apply for an additional year.
• Access public funds: You’re not able to receive benefits, such as unemployment benefits or housing assistance.
• Bring family members on your application: Your family must apply for their own visas separately.

Talk to a visa consultant

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa offers a golden opportunity for young people to experience life in the UK, build their careers, and create unforgettable memories. However, navigating the visa application process and ensuring you meet all the eligibility criteria can be daunting.

Don't let these challenges hold you back. Partnering with an experienced visa consultant can make the process smoother and more successful.

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