Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Youth Mobility Scheme Application
The Youth Mobility Scheme allows sponsored young people from participating countries or territories to experience a life in the UK and work here for up to two years.
If the visa is granted, you will be able to work in the UK in a temporary role and are not required to have a job offer prior to your application. Whilst in the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa you can study, work in most jobs, set up your own company and leave and re-enter the UK at any time during your visas validity.
However, the Youth Mobility Visa cannot be extended and you cannot bring any dependents with you to the UK on this visa.
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Eligibility requirements
The scheme is open to those ages between 18 to 30 who are from one of the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- San Marino
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan.
18 to 30 year old’s can also apply if they are not from one of the above countries but are a British overseas citizen, a British overseas territories citizen or a British national (overseas).
You cannot apply if you have children under the age of 18, children that you are financially responsible for or if you have entered the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme before.
You will also need to meet the maintenance requirements in order to be eligible for the scheme. You must show that you have at least £2,530 in your bank account to show you can support yourself in the UK. The money must have been in your account for a continuous period of at least 28 days.
Youth Mobility Visa ballot
If you are from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan then you must be selected in the Youth Mobility Visa ballot before you can apply for the scheme.
Youth Mobility Visa ballots usually open twice a year in January and July, with most applicants usually being chosen in the January ballot and the remaining applicants selected in the July ballot.
The ballots open for 48 hours each time. To enter the ballot you will need to send an email in English. Your email must contain your name, date of birth, passport number and mobile phone number. You will also need to layout the subject line in the correct format of: Lastname Firstname – DD/MM/YYYY – passport number.
All emails received during this period will be entered into a ballot and applicants will receive an automated reply confirming their entry. If you are selected in the ballot then you will receive an email to say that you have been successful by the 16th July. Once you have received this email you will have 30 days to submit your Youth Mobility Visa application and pay the fee.
How can IAS help you apply for a Youth Mobility Visa?
Our immigration lawyers can advise you on whether you are eligible for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. One of our lawyers will check your nationality and qualifications against the Youth Mobility Scheme requirements.
He/she will also prepare a Letter of Representation for your application. This letter details your case and its merits as well as referencing relevant UK immigration laws in support of your application. He/she will also ensure that your documents are sufficient and complete your application form to the highest standard before submission.
Get in touch now on 0333 363 8577 or make an enquiry online and one of our immigration lawyers will be able to provide you with more information before beginning your application. You can contact us at our offices in London, Manchester, or Birmingham, or use our office finder to find your closest branch.
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The Advice Package
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The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated caseworker will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your legal advisor will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
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The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need to be aged 18 to 30 in order to apply for the Youth Mobility Visa. You must also be from the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Hong Kong
- The Republic of Korea
- Taiwan
Or
- A British overseas citizen
- A British overseas territories citizen
- A British national (overseas)
For the application to be granted for a Youth Mobility Visa, you must be awarded 50 points and meet all the additional requirements of the points-based system.
The points are allocated as follows:
- Nationality requirement – 30 points
- Age requirement – 10 points
- Maintenance requirement – 10 points
Applicants from Hong Kong or the Republic of Korea will also need a Certificate of Sponsorship before they make their application.
When in the UK via the Youth Mobility Scheme, you cannot:
- bring dependent children;
- have previously come to the UK under the scheme or in the former ‘Working Holidaymaker’ category; or
- be currently living in the UK when you make an application.
There are various available routes if you wish to remain in the UK once your Youth Mobility Visa has expired. Yet, it is limited as the Youth Mobility Visa is valid for only two years and is not renewable.
Possible routes include:
- Ancestry Visa – if you have a grandparent who was born in the UK. This visa allows you to live and work in the UK once returned as the application cannot be done in the UK.
- Skilled Worker Visa– during the two years in the UK if you were able to receive a job offer from a UK Sponsor, then you can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
- Ancestry Dependant Visa – this applies if you are married to an Ancestry Visa holder. Consequently, if they qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) you will also be eligible to apply.
- Spouse Visa – if you are married to someone who has settled status in the UK or is a British Citizen, then you can apply for this visa.
At IAS, we understand how complex it can be to understand which visa category is best for you. Whatever your circumstance or profession, the expert lawyers at IAS can help you. We will answer all your questions and guide you through each stage of your enquiry or application process. IAS will maximise your chances of a successful Youth Mobility Scheme application.
Our services include:
- liaising with you in person, via phone or Skype at a time that suits you;
- assessing your eligibility for a Youth Mobility Visa;
- checking your documents to ensure that they are sufficient for your application;
- preparing a Letter of Representation to accompany your application. This letter details your case and its merits as well as referencing any relevant UK immigration laws in support of your case;
- liaising with the Home Office during your application process;
- completing each part of your application form to the highest standard.
To discuss your eligibility for the Youth Mobility Scheme, contact IAS online or by calling 0333 363 8577.