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Youth Mobility Visas

The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa is a UK visa category that allows young people from certain countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. It provides a cultural exchange programme that allows individuals to experience life in the UK and gain valuable work experience.

The YMS visa is a popular option for young people who want to experience life in the UK and gain work experience. It is also a great way for UK businesses to attract young talent from around the world. The scheme is designed to promote cultural exchange and international relations, and it has been successful in achieving this goal.

UK Visas assists with all types of UK visas, including the YMS visa. Our team of experienced advisors can help you with every step of the application process, from filling out the application form to providing advice on the supporting documents you need to submit. We are committed to helping you achieve your goal of living and working in the UK, and we will do everything we can to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements are divided into three subsections: Age Criteria, Nationality and Residency, and Financial Requirements.

Age Criteria

Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application, or between 18 and 35 years old if they are a national of a country that has a bilateral agreement with the UK. The age limit is calculated based on the applicant's date of birth.

Nationality and Residency

To be eligible for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, applicants must be a national of one of the participating countries and territories. These include Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan.

Applicants must also have a valid passport from their country of nationality and must have been living in their home country for at least six months before their application.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of their stay in the UK. This includes enough money to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses.

Application Process

Documentation Needed

To apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa in the UK, applicants must provide certain documents. These include a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate (if applicable), and a certificate of sponsorship. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of their savings, which must amount to at least £2,530. The savings must be in the applicant's bank account for at least 28 days before the application.

Visa Application Timeline

The application process for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa in the UK typically takes around three weeks to complete. Applicants should apply no earlier than six months before their intended travel date. The visa is valid for up to two years, and the applicant can enter the UK at any time during that period.

Biometric Appointment

Once the applicant has submitted their application, they will be required to attend a biometric appointment. This involves providing fingerprints and a photograph. The appointment must be made within 15 working days of submitting the application. Applicants can attend the appointment at a designated visa application centre or post office.

It is important to note that the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is subject to a limited number of places each year, and some nationalities are required to enter a ballot system to apply. Therefore, it is advisable to apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Overall, the application process for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa in the UK is straightforward, but applicants should ensure that they have all the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

Visa Conditions and Restrictions

You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months and you can enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid, and leave and come back at any time during your stay.

If you turn 31 after your visa is issued, you can stay in the UK for as long as your visa is valid.

If you’re from Australia, Canada or New Zealand, you’ll be able to extend your visa by one year after the 2-year period ends.

You can study - for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate

You can work in most jobs, be self-employed and set up a company - as long as your premises are rented, your equipment is not worth more than £5,000 and you do not have any employees

You aren't permitted to work as a professional sportsperson (for example as a coach)
extend your stay unless you’re from Australia, Canada or New Zealand, get public funds or
bring in family members on your application. They must apply separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application process for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa in the UK?

To apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa in the UK, one must first check their eligibility status. If they are eligible, they can then apply for the visa online through the UK government website. The application process requires the applicant to provide personal information, evidence of their eligibility, and pay the application fee.

How much is the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?

The application fee is £298.

Can individuals work full-time while on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa in the UK?

Yes, individuals who hold a Youth Mobility Scheme visa are allowed to work full-time in the UK. However, they are not allowed to work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

Are there age restrictions for applicants of the Working Holiday visa in the UK?

Yes, there are age restrictions for applicants of the Working Holiday visa in the UK. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 18 and 35 for citizens of certain countries)

Why Choose UK Visas?

Why We know that it can be overwhelming when attempting to decipher which visas allow you to perform which business duties in the UK. You can contact us for support.

  • We have a great relationship with the UK Visas team, who provide a prompt, professional service and expert immigration advice. They take the worry out of the visa process, working efficiently even when dealing with numerous requests at once.

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    Human Resources Advisor
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  • Having worked with UK Visas for more than eight years, I cannot recommend their services enough. We have worked with them on a wide variety of immigration topics, including complex licence matters (following acquisitions), day to day sponsorship processes, and reporting; and we have always received an amazing service.

    Members of the team are responsive and come back to our queries quickly, they are always polite, and go out of their way to be as helpful as possible. Thank you to all of the team for the wonderful ongoing support you provide!

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    No query is too big or too small. Always accommodating and helpful. Thank you team!

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    Executive Business Partner to CEO and the Board
  • We have worked with UK Visas for over 10 years, since we initially requested obtaining a Sponsor Licence. From day one, their guidance, communication, professionalism, efficiency and support has been and continues to be exemplary, with no request too much.

    Thank you and we look forward to continuing the relationship.

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    HR Business Partner
  • We have been using UK Visas for many years and service is always expeditious, even as number of requests have increased in recent years. The team advise on a wide range of queries and are always supportive, informative and clear in their advice.

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    HR Administrator CVS Vets
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