The UK’s Youth Mobility visa allows eligible young individuals from specific countries to experience life in the UK for up to two years, or in some cases up to three years, depending on their nationality.
Compared with other UK work visas, the scheme offers a more flexible and accessible immigration route for younger workers, as it does not require the applicant to be sponsored, or to have a job, or to meet skills or salary thresholds to be eligible.
In this guide to the UK’s Youth Mobility visa, we outline the requirements needed to apply for the scheme, and what visa holders can do in the UK once entry clearance has been granted. We also look at how to apply, what documents are needed, how much it costs, how long it lasts, and the conditions you’ll need to comply with while in the UK.
Section A: What is the UK’s Youth Mobility Visa?
The UK’s Youth Mobility visa scheme is a cultural exchange programme open to workers from certain countries who are aged between 18 and 30, or 18 and 35, depending on their nationality.
Aimed at promoting international cultural exchange and providing opportunities for young people, this visa is available to applicants from eligible countries – Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Iceland, Monaco, Andorra, Uruguay, Taiwan, or San Marino – as well as British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens and British National (Overseas).
To qualify, applicants must be able to show a minimum threshold of savings to support themselves and must not have any dependants accompanying them. The visa permits holders to engage in most types of work and employment and also allows for study opportunities.
Certain nationalities will need to enter a ballot before they can apply, due to high demand for the visa within their country.
Youth Mobility visa holders can live, work, and travel within the UK. In terms of work, visa holders can undertake most forms of paid or unpaid employment in the UK without sponsorship, except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. Visa holders can also work on a self-employed basis, provided they don’t own any premises from which they carry out a business, except home, the total value of any equipment used isn’t worth more than £5,000 and they don’t employ anyone.
In addition to work, visa holders can undertake privately-funded studies, either on a full or part-time basis, although for some courses they may need to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
Youth Mobility visa holders will not be permitted to access public funds while in the UK, to support their studies or otherwise.
1. How Long You Can Stay
With the Youth Mobility visa, you can stay in the UK for up to 24 months. Nationals from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also have the option to extend their visa for an extra year after the initial two-year period.
You may enter the UK at any point while your visa remains valid and can leave and return as often as you wish during this period. If you reach the age of 31 after your visa has been granted, you can still remain in the UK until your visa expires.
This route is not a path to settlement; you have to leave the UK before the end of your visa and you cannot apply again to come to the UK under this scheme.
2. Youth Mobility Scheme Quotas
The UK has country-based quotas in place for Youth Mobility visas, which means there is a limited number of visas available for citizens of each participating country each year. The quotas for 2024 are as follows:
| Youth Mobility Visa Quota By Country 2024 |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Quota (Number of Places) |
| Australia | 35,000 |
| Canada | 8,000 |
| Japan | 6,000 |
| New Zealand | 13,000 |
| Hong Kong | 1,000 |
| Taiwan | 1,000 |
| South Korea | 5,000 |
| San Marino | 1,000 |
| Monaco | 1,000 |
| Iceland | 1,000 |
| Uruguay | 500 |
Applicants from Taiwan and Hong Kong, where demand typically exceeds the available places, must participate in a ballot system before they can apply for the visa.
Section B: Youth Mobility Visa Requirements
The eligibility criteria for a Youth Mobility visa are set out under Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme of the UK’s Immigration Rules. A young person can apply for this type of visa if they’d like to come to the UK on a short-term basis and they satisfy the following requirements:
1. Nationality Requirement
The applicant must be either a British Overseas Citizen, a British Overseas Territories Citizen or a British National (Overseas) — or be from one of the following eligible countries or territories, including: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Iceland, Hong Kong (SAR passport), Japan, South Korea, Taiwan or Uruguay.
Applicants from Hong Kong (with a SAR passport) and Taiwan must first be selected in the Youth Mobility visa ballot before they can apply for a visa.
Individuals from India should look at the UK’s India Young Professional Scheme.
2. Age Requirement
An applicant must be aged 18 or over on the date their entry clearance will become valid, and aged 30 or under when they apply for their visa.
Under extended provisions, New Zealand, Canadian and Australian nationals aged between 18 to 35 can now come to the UK for up to three years under the scheme.
3. Maintenance Requirement
The applicant must have at least £2,530 in cash savings held in either a current or savings account to show that they can support themselves while in the UK. They’ll need to have had the money available in their account for at least 28 days in a row, where day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for the Youth Mobility visa.
4. Additional Eligibility Requirements
An applicant won’t qualify for a Youth Mobility visa if they have children under the age of 18 who live with them or are financially dependent on them, or they’ve already lived in the UK under the scheme.
An applicant can also be refused a visa under the general grounds for refusal, for example, if they’ve been convicted of a serious offence or previously breached UK immigration laws.
The UK Government allocates a set number of youth mobility visas for each country or territory on an annual basis. Any applications exceeding this annual allocation won’t qualify, regardless of whether the other criteria are met.
Section C: How to Apply for a Youth Mobility Visa
You have to be outside the UK to apply for the Youth Mobility visa. You will need to apply for entry clearance online using the specified form: “Temporary Work or Youth Mobility Scheme”. Anyone seeking to come to the UK under this route must have applied for and obtained entry clearance from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) before they arrive in the UK.
After you have completed the form and paid the visa application fee, you will be advised is you need to enrol your biometric information at an overseas visa application centre.
The earliest an application can be submitted for a Youth Mobility visa is 6 months prior to travel. A decision should then be made by UKVI within 3 weeks. It may be possible to pay for a faster decision using one of the priority services, provided these services are available in the country where your application is made. If you application is successful, you will have 90 days to enter the UK.
1. Youth Mobility Visa Ballot
Applicants from Taiwan and those from Hong Kong with an SAR passport have to enter the Youth Mobility ballot to have a chance to apply for the visa.
The ballot is used because the number of applicants from these countries exceeds the annual quota, and this selection process is used to ensure a fair distribution of the visa slots available to young people from countries with high demand.
The ballot for the Youth Mobility Visa typically opens twice a year, in January and July. During these periods, applicants can submit their expressions of interest online. The ballot is open for a limited time, usually 48 hours, during which all entries are collected. After the ballot closes, a random selection process takes place to choose successful applicants. The ballot results are final, and there is no appeals process. The selection is random, and all eligible applicants have an equal chance of being chosen.
To enter the ballot, you need to visit the official UK government website during the open ballot period. You will be required to provide basic personal information and confirm your eligibility. Ensure you have all necessary documents ready, as you may need to provide details such as your passport number and proof of funds.
Once you have submitted your expression of interest, you will receive a confirmation email. It is crucial to keep this email for your records, as it will contain your unique reference number.
The results of the ballot are typically announced a few weeks after the closing date. Successful applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to proceed with their visa application. If you are selected, you will be given a specific timeframe within which you must submit your full visa application. It is important to adhere to this deadline, as failure to do so will result in losing your place.
If you are not selected in the ballot, you can enter the next ballot when it opens, provided you remain eligible. You could also take advice on alternative visas for the UK.
2. Youth mobility Visa Supporting Documents
As part of the youth mobility visa application process, an applicant will need to provide a number of documents, including:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK |
| Proof of Funds | Bank statements showing at least £2,530 |
| Biometric Information | Fingerprints and photograph |
| ATAS Certificate (if needed) | Required for certain study courses |
How you prove your identity will depend on where they’re from and what type of passport they hold. They’ll either have their photograph and fingerprints taken at a visa application centre to obtain a biometric residence permit, or be able to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document.
The applicant may need to provide additional documents depending on their circumstances, for example, Indian citizens will need to provide documentary evidence to satisfy an extra eligibility requirement: either that they hold a qualification of at least RQF level 6, or they have at least 3 years’ work experience within a professional role equivalent to an eligible occupation listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations under the rules.
Further, if the applicant is a national or a citizen of a country, or had a passport issued by a territory, that doesn’t have ‘Deemed Sponsorship Status’ (DSS), they must provide evidence of sponsorship that’s been issued to them no more than 6 months before the date of application. For example, Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan have DSS, while San Marino, and Iceland do not.
Section D: Application Fees & Timeline
1. Youth Mobility Visa Costs
The cost of applying for a youth mobility visa is £298. There will be an additional cost if using one of the priority services to get a faster decision — of either £500 for the priority service (for a decision within 5 working days from an applicant enrolling their biometric information) or £100 for the super priority service (for a decision within 24 hours).
The youth mobility visa applicant will also be liable to pay a fee to enrol their biometric information and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application, at the discounted rate. This will need to be paid upfront, but will then allow the successful visa holder to access the NHS in the UK for the duration of their stay.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | £298 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year for Youth Mobility |
| Biometric Information Fee | £19.20 |
2. Timeline
The earliest you can apply for a Youth Mobility visa is 6 months before you travel. To help with planning, the following table sets out the outline timings to expect through the application process:
| Step | Description | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare Documents | Gather all required documents | 1-2 weeks |
| Submit Online Application | Complete and submit the application form | 1 day |
| Attend Biometric Appointment | Provide fingerprints and photograph | 1-2 weeks |
| Wait for Decision | Application processing | 3 weeks |
| Travel to UK | Move to the UK once visa is approved | Varies |
Section E: Restrictions & Conditions
While the Youth Mobility visa offers an appealing route for qualifying nationals, visa holders are subject to a number of restrictions and conditions, which must be complied with while in the UK.
1. Youth Mobility Visa Permissible Activities
Youth Mobility visa holders enjoy a range of permissible activities during their stay in the UK. They are allowed to work in most jobs without restrictions on the type or sector, and they can pursue self-employment, provided they do not own premises, have more than £5,000 invested in their business, or employ others. They can also engage in voluntary work without any restriction.
Studying is also a permissible activity for Youth Mobility visa holders. They can enrol in courses of study, both full-time and part-time, at various educational institutions across the UK. However, for certain subjects, they may need to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
The visa also permits holders to travel freely in and out of the UK while it remains valid.
Despite these opportunities, there are specific prohibitions that Youth Mobility Visa holders must adhere to. They cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach, which includes any paid roles in playing or coaching sports. Working as a doctor or dentist in training is also not allowed unless they have a primary medical degree from a UK institution that is a recognised or listed body or an institution approved by the UK Health and Care Professional Council.
The visa does not permit holders to bring family members or dependants to the UK, and they generally cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK; any application for a different type of visa must be made from outside the country. Accessing public funds is also prohibited, so visa holders cannot receive most welfare benefits or social housing.
|
Youth Mobility Visa Permissible Activities
|
||
|---|---|---|
|
Job Type
|
Allowed/Not Allowed
|
Notes
|
|
General Employment
|
Allowed
|
No restrictions on type of job
|
|
Self-Employment
|
Allowed
|
Must not own premises or have employees
|
|
Professional Sportsperson
|
Not Allowed
|
|
|
Doctor/Dentist in Training
|
Not Allowed
|
|
2. Youth Mobility Period of Stay
Having successfully been granted a Youth Mobility visa, you will be given permission to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. During this period you can enter and leave the UK at any time. If you turn 31 while in the UK, you can stay for the length of time that remains on your visa.
Citizens of New Zealand, Australia and Canada are allowed to apply for a further 12 months to take their total stay under this visa to 3 years.
Importantly, applicants can only come to the UK under the youth mobility scheme route once.
2. Extending the Youth Mobility Visa
The Youth Mobility scheme does not allow extensions. This means that if a visa holder wants to live in the UK for longer, they will either need to switch to a different category of visa from within the UK, or return to their country of origin to apply for a different visa from outside the UK.
Section F: Summary
The Youth Mobility visa offers a streamlined immigration route for young individuals seeking to experience life in the UK. It opens up new opportunities for both personal and professional growth, allowing visa holders to live, work, and study in one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich countries. However, it is important to be aware of the specific restrictions, conditions, and limitations associated with this visa. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria and financial requirements, and they cannot bring dependants. The application process also becomes more complicated for nationals from certain countries where a ballot system is in place, adding an element of uncertainty and competition.
Despite these challenges, the Youth Mobility visa remains a valuable option for young people eager to broaden their horizons and gain international experience.
Section G: Need Assistance?
Our UK immigration specialists have an established reputation for effective and efficient management of UK visa applications, and providing expert visa-related advice. We understand the challenges and stresses involved with making a UK visa application and take great pride in playing a supportive role to ease the pressure for applicants. For advice and support with your Youth Mobility visa application, contact us.
Section H: Youth Mobility Visa FAQs
What is the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
The Youth Mobility Visa UK is a visa that allows young people from specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years, or threes years if from Australia, Canada or New Zealand.
Who is eligible for youth mobility scheme?
Nationals from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea are eligible if aged between 18 and 35, while other eligible nationalities must be between 18-30. Applicants will also need to have £2,530 in cash savings to show that they can support themselves.
What are the documents required for youth mobility visa UK?
The applicant will need a valid passport or other travel document to prove their identity and nationality; a bank statement showing that they’ve at least £2,530 in cash savings and, where applicable, tuberculosis test results.
How much does a youth mobility visa cost?
The cost of applying is £298, although an additional fee will be payable for a priority service for a faster decision. Visa decisions typically take around 3 weeks. The applicant will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge per year of stay.
Which countries are eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Iceland, Monaco, Andorra, Uruguay, Taiwan, or San Marino or are a British Overseas citizen, British Overseas Territories citizen or British National (Overseas) are eligible. Indian nationals can apply under the separate Indian Young Professionals Scheme.
How long can I stay in the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa?
The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years.
Can I extend my Youth Mobility Visa UK?
No, the Youth Mobility Visa cannot be extended. You must leave the UK at the end of your visa period.
Can I work on a Youth Mobility Visa UK?
Yes, you can work in most jobs, including self-employment, as long as you don’t work as a professional sportsperson or doctor/dentist in training.
Can I study on a Youth Mobility Visa UK?
Yes, you can study, but you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for some courses.
What are the financial requirements for the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
You need to have at least £2,530 in your bank account to show that you can support yourself in the UK.
How do I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
You can apply online through the official UK government website. You’ll need to provide your biometric information and submit the required documents.
What documents do I need for the Youth Mobility Visa UK application?
A valid passport, proof of funds, your biometric information, and any other documents requested during the application process.
How much does the Youth Mobility Visa UK cost?
The application fee is £298. You will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year of stay.
Can I bring dependents on the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
No, you cannot bring family members or dependents with you on this visa.
What should I do if my Youth Mobility Visa application is refused?
You can request an administrative review if you believe there was a mistake in the decision. Ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete before reapplying.
Can I switch to another visa type while on a Youth Mobility Visa UK?
You cannot switch to another visa type from within the UK. You would need to leave the UK and apply for a different visa from your home country.
What are my rights and responsibilities while on the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
You have the right to live, work, and study in the UK. You are responsible for obeying UK laws, paying taxes, and leaving the UK when your visa expires.
Section I: Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Youth Mobility Visa | A visa that allows young people from specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. |
| Ballot | A random selection process used to allocate Youth Mobility Visas to applicants from certain countries with high demand. |
| Eligibility Criteria | The requirements that must be met to qualify for the Youth Mobility Visa, including age, nationality, and financial criteria. |
| Expression of Interest | The process of submitting personal details to enter the ballot for the Youth Mobility Visa. |
| Biometric Information | Data collected from applicants, such as fingerprints and a photograph, as part of the visa application process. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | A fee paid by visa applicants to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). |
| ATAS Certificate | The Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate required for certain courses of study in the UK. |
| Financial Requirements | Proof of funds that applicants need to show they can support themselves financially while in the UK. |
| Dependants | Family members who rely on the primary visa holder for support, such as children or spouses. |
| Visa Fees | The cost associated with applying for the Youth Mobility Visa, including the application fee and any additional charges. |
| Administrative Review | A process where applicants can request a review of a visa decision if they believe there has been an error. |
| National Health Service (NHS) | The publicly funded healthcare system in the UK, which visa holders can access after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. |
| Working Rights | The permissions granted to visa holders to work in the UK, including the types of employment allowed. |
| Study Opportunities | The ability for visa holders to enrol in educational courses while in the UK. |
| Official UK Government Page | The primary online resource provided by the UK government with detailed information on the Youth Mobility Visa and application process. |
| HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) | The UK government department responsible for collecting taxes, which visa holders may need to interact with for employment-related matters. |
| Eligibility Checker | An online tool provided by the UK government to help potential applicants determine if they meet the criteria for the Youth Mobility Visa. |
| UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | The division of the UK Home Office responsible for the country’s visa system, including application processing and immigration enforcement. |
| Living in the UK | Information and resources about residing in the UK, including housing, healthcare, and legal rights. |
| Commonwealth Countries | Nations that were formerly part of the British Empire, some of which are eligible for various UK visas and benefits. |
| Sponsor | An individual or organisation that supports a visa application, often required for certain visa types but not typically for the Youth Mobility Visa. |
| Confirmation Email | An email received after submitting an expression of interest in the ballot, containing a unique reference number and confirmation of entry. |
| Random Selection Process | The method used to randomly select successful applicants from the pool of expressions of interest submitted during the ballot period. |
| Full Visa Application | The comprehensive application that must be submitted by successful ballot entrants, including all required documents and fees. |
| Visa Application Centre | A location where visa applicants can submit biometric information and other documents as part of the visa application process. |
| Proof of Funds | Documentation, such as bank statements, showing that the applicant has the required amount of money to support themselves in the UK. |
| Submission Deadline | The final date by which successful ballot entrants must submit their full visa application. |
| Notification of Results | The communication sent to applicants informing them of the outcome of the ballot, indicating whether they have been selected to apply for the visa. |
| Annual Quota | The maximum number of Youth Mobility Visas allocated to each eligible country each year. |
Section J: Additional Resources
Official UK Government Page for Youth Mobility Visa
https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
This page offers detailed information on the Youth Mobility Visa, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and necessary documentation.
UK Visas and Immigration Contact Information
https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk
For direct assistance and queries regarding your visa application, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Information
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
This page explains the Immigration Health Surcharge, which allows visa holders to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Information on the ATAS certificate, which is required for studying certain subjects in the UK.
UK Visa Fees
https://www.gov.uk/visa-fees
This page outlines the fees associated with applying for different types of UK visas, including the Youth Mobility Visa.
National Health Service (NHS) Information
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/
Learn about the NHS services available to you once you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
