Understanding the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme opens doors for young individuals from participating countries or territories to explore life in the United Kingdom for a maximum of two years.
If you are granted this visa, you will have the opportunity to work in most job roles and engage in studies throughout the duration of your visa’s validity. Under specific conditions, you may also be permitted to be self-employed.
Furthermore, you enjoy the flexibility to leave and re-enter the UK at any time during your stay. However, it’s important to note that the UK Youth Mobility Visa cannot be extended, and you are not allowed to bring dependents with you on this visa.
What Can You Do With a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?
With a UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you gain the privilege to:
1. Study: You can pursue your academic goals in the UK. Please note that for courses related to the development or delivery of weapons of mass destruction, you might require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate.
2. Work in Most Jobs: You are eligible to work in a wide range of job positions.
3. Be Self-Employed: You can establish and operate your own business, provided certain conditions are met, including renting premises, having equipment valued at no more than £5,000, and not employing others. However, there are some limitations.
You are not permitted to:
If your aim is to work as a sportsperson in the UK, you may be eligible for a dedicated Sportsperson visa.
Eligibility Requirements for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
To be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you must:
- Be aged 18 to 30 at the time of application (or aged 18 to 35 if you’re from New Zealand. Australian applicants aged 18 to 35 will additionally be eligible from 31 January 2024.
- Be from one of the eligible countries:
- Maintain funds of at least £2,530 in your bank account, held for 28 consecutive days within the 31 days before your application.
- Not fall under the UK government’s grounds for refusal policies.
You may also apply if you are a:
You will be ineligible for the YMS visa if:
Youth Mobility Scheme visa
Please note that to be eligible for the scheme, you must apply within 6 months of your visit to the UK.
Country-Specific Requirements for the Youth Mobility Visa
If you are applying from Australia, Canada, Monaco, or New Zealand, there are no additional eligibility criteria to follow.
However, other countries participating in the scheme have specific requirements for Youth Mobility Scheme applicants:
- Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan: You must receive an invitation to apply for the scheme and submit your application within the specified time limit mentioned in the invitation.
- San Marino: In addition, you must provide a letter from the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs of the Republic of San Marino Department of Foreign Affairs, confirming your suitability for the scheme. Moreover, this letter should be issued no more than 6 months before your application date.
- Iceland: You must provide a Criminal Certificate for Private Use issued no more than 6 months before your application date.
- India: You must:
The Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot
If you are applying for the scheme from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan, you must first be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot. Additionally, the ballot typically opens in January and July each year, with most applicants usually selected in the January ballot and the remaining in the July ballot. Furthermore, the ballots remain open for 48 hours during which applicants must send an email to enter.
In your email, written in English, the subject line must include your name, date of birth, and passport number in the following format: “Lastname Firstname – DD/MM/YYYY – passport number.” The body of the email should contain your name, date of birth, passport number, and mobile phone number.
If You’re Successful in the Ballot:
Upon being selected through the ballot, you will receive an email notification. Subsequently, you will then have 30 days to submit your application and pay the required fees. Afterward, following payment, you will have 90 days to schedule an appointment at your nearest visa application center for providing biometrics information (fingerprints and a photograph). After your appointment, you will receive a visa decision within 30 days. Finally, if your application is approved, you will have 90 days to enter the UK.
If You’re Unsuccessful in the Ballot:
If you are not selected in the ballot, you will receive an email notifying you of your unsuccessful attempt. You can apply when the next ballot opens, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
To apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you must complete an online application. This entails filling out the online application form, uploading required documents, and paying the visa application fee.
Essential documents to be provided include:
Identity verification is also part of the application process, which can be done either through fingerprinting and photographing at a visa application center for a biometric residence permit or by using the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document. You will be informed of the specific process during your application.
Fees and Processing Times for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Obtaining a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa costs depend on your situation. Additionally, you must pay a yearly National Health Service surcharge. You must also maintain personal savings of at least £2,530 to be eligible for the scheme. Contact us for the cost.
Applications for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa are generally processed within three weeks.
How Immigration Secure Can Assist You
Navigating the various visa categories and application procedures can be challenging. Immigration Secure offers expert guidance to help you choose the right Visa category and ensure you meet all specific requirements for a successful application. Our services include comprehensive document checks, assistance with application forms, and the provision of a Letter of Representation to strengthen your case.
To initiate the process of obtaining your Temporary Worker Visa, please reach out to us or make an online enquiry. Our team of professionals is here to guide you through the entire application process.
YOUTH MOBILITY SCHEME VISA
Frequently Asked Questions
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa allows young individuals from participating countries or territories to explore life in the United Kingdom for up to two years. It permits them to work in most job roles, pursue studies, and, under certain conditions, be self-employed.
With this visa, you can: Study in the UK. Work in a wide range of job positions. Be self-employed, subject to specific conditions. Leave and re-enter the UK as needed during your stay.
You cannot: Work as a professional sportsperson. Extend your stay beyond the allocated two years. Access public funds. Bring dependents with you; they must apply separately.
To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for applicants from New Zealand and Australia starting from 31 January 2024). You must be from one of the eligible countries, maintain a specific minimum fund in your bank account, and not fall under the UK government’s grounds for refusal policies.
Yes, some countries have additional requirements: Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan: Applicants must receive an invitation to apply. San Marino: A letter from the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs is required. Iceland: A Criminal Certificate for Private Use is needed. India: Applicants must meet various criteria, including work experience or qualifications.
Applicants from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot. The ballot typically opens in January and July each year, with most applicants usually selected in January. Applicants enter by sending an email during the ballot period.
To apply, complete an online application form, upload required documents, and pay the visa application fee. Identity verification can be done at a visa application center or through the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
The visa application fee depend on your situation, and there’s an annual National Health Service surcharge of around +£470. Processing times are generally around three weeks.