UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Explore London and Britain with the Youth Mobility Visa UK
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa is a temporary visa that allows young people from select countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years (or three years for certain nationalities). This visa is ideal for those looking to experience life in the UK, gain international work experience, and travel while working legally.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the eligibility criteria, application process, financial requirements, restrictions, and visa options after the Youth Mobility visa UK expires.
Who Can Apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa?
To qualify for the Youth Mobility visa UK, applicants must:
- Be aged 18 or over when their visa starts.
- Hold a passport from an eligible country.
- Have at least £2,530 in savings.
- Not have children under 18 who live with them or whom they financially support.
- Not have held a UK Youth Mobility visa before.
Some applicants must enter a ballot before applying. Those from Hong Kong (SAR) and Taiwan must be selected through the Youth Mobility visa UK ballot before they can proceed with a visa application.
Eligible Countries for the Youth Mobility Visa UK
Eligibility for the Youth Mobility visa UK is based on nationality and age. The table below outlines the countries whose citizens can apply, along with their respective age limits.
| Aged 18 to 35 | Aged 18 to 30 |
|---|---|
| Australia | Andorra |
| Canada | Hong Kong (SAR) * |
| New Zealand | Iceland |
| South Korea | Japan |
| Monaco | |
| San Marino | |
| Taiwan * | |
| Uruguay |
* Applicants from Hong Kong (SAR) and Taiwan must be selected through the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before applying.
In addition to eligible country nationals, the following individuals can also apply for the UK Youth Mobility visa:
- British Overseas Citizens (BOC)
- British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC)
- British Nationals (Overseas) (BNO)
They hold British nationality but are not automatically British citizens and do not have an automatic right to live in the UK unless they hold another form of settled status.
Financial Requirement of the UK Youth Mobility Visa
Applicants must demonstrate they have at least £2,530 in savings to prove they can support themselves in the UK.
- The funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
- Day 28 must fall within 31 days of submitting the visa application.
- Acceptable proof includes bank statements or a letter from the bank confirming the required funds.
How to Apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa
The application process follows these steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility and Gather Required Documents
Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and collect all necessary documents:
- A valid passport with at least one blank page.
- Proof of savings (£2,530 in an accessible account).
- A criminal record certificate (required for certain countries).
- Ballot selection confirmation (for applicants from Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan).
Step 2: Submit an Online Visa Application
- Complete the online application through the UK government website.
- Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Book a biometric appointment or verify identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app (if eligible).
Step 3: Attend a Biometric Appointment (If Required)
- If the UK Immigration: ID Check app cannot be used, visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Step 4: Await a Decision
- Standard processing time: three weeks.
- Priority processing (optional): five working days (additional fee applies).
UK Youth Mobility Visa Fees and Costs
The government fees for the UK Youth Mobility visa are made up of two parts, both payable at the time of application:
- Visa Application Fee: £298
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (£2,070 for two years)
Estimated total for a two-year visa: £2,368
What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Youth Mobility Visa
What You Can Do
- Live in the UK for up to two years (or three years for Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand applicants).
- Work in most jobs, including full-time, part-time, and self-employment (with restrictions).
- Study in the UK (some courses require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate).
- Leave and re-enter the UK freely during the visa period.
What You Cannot Do
- Extend the visa beyond two years, except for eligible nationalities.
- Apply if you previously held a UK Youth Mobility visa.
- Bring dependants (spouses, partners, or children cannot apply with you).
- Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
- Access public funds (such as benefits or government financial support).
What Happens When the Youth Mobility Visa UK Expires?
As the UK Youth Mobility visa cannot be renewed (except for certain nationalities), you must switch to another visa or leave the UK when it expires.
Alternative Visa Routes After the UK Youth Mobility Visa
Skilled Worker Visa
If you secure a job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence, you may be eligible to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa. The job must meet salary and skill level requirements.
Global Talent Visa
For highly skilled individuals in science, technology, arts, or culture.
Graduate Visa
If you studied in the UK during your UK Youth Mobility visa, you may be eligible to stay for two more years to work under the Graduate Visa route.
Spouse or Partner Visa
If you enter a relationship with a British citizen or someone with UK settled status, you may apply for a family visa.
If none of these options apply, you will need to leave the UK when your visa expires.
How Immtell Can Help
Applying for a UK Youth Mobility visa can be straightforward, but understanding the requirements, gathering the right documents, and planning your next steps beyond the visa can be challenging. Immtell provides expert support to ensure your application is completed correctly and on time.
We assist with:
- Application Guidance – Ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and have the correct supporting documents.
- Future Visa Planning – Helping you explore options for switching to a longer-term visa before your Youth Mobility visa UK expires.
- Compliance and Work Rights – Advising on employment restrictions, right-to-work rules, and potential employer sponsorship opportunities.
Take the Next Step with Confidence
Whether you need help with your application or advice on what comes next, Immtell is here to assist.
Whether you need help with your application or advice on what comes next, Immtell is here to assist.
Further Reading
How to Make the Most of a Youth Mobility Visa in the UK
Mastering the Youth Mobility Visa UK
UK India Young Professionals Scheme Visa
UK India Young Professionals Scheme Visa: Explore the UK
Guide to Successfully Obtaining a UK Work Visa in 2025
How to Obtain a Work Visa for the UK in 2025
The UK Immigration Process: A Guide for Newcomers
Your Essential Guide to Navigating the UK Immigration Process with Confidence