The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa lets young people from selected countries live and work in the UK for two years. It offers a cultural exchange program to provide them with UK exposure and job experience. Those 18–30 (or 18–35 for certain nationalities) with £2,530 in savings may get the YMS visa.
UK Mobility Visa
For a maximum of two years, young people from certain countries may live and work in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa category. Through its cultural exchange program, people may live and work in the UK and acquire invaluable experience.
Those with £2,530 in savings who are between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 18 to 35 for certain nationalities) are eligible for the UK Mobility Visa. For young individuals who want to live and work in the UK, the YMS visa is a popular choice. The application deadline is July 18, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.
All varieties of UK visas, including the YMS visa, are assisted by UK Visas. Every stage of the application process may be aided by our team of knowledgeable advisers, from completing the application form to offering guidance on the supporting documentation you must provide.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application Timeline
- Day 1: Apply, upload documents, book an appointment, and pay fees
- Day 2 – 14: Attend biometric appointment (if required)
- Day 14 – 21: Receive a decision from the Home Office
- Day 22 and onwards: Collect passport and travel to the UK
How to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?
You should hear back from the Youth Mobility Scheme within three weeks after submitting your application. To apply for a visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme, you must:
- Fill out the application online.
- Pay the healthcare surcharge and application cost.
- Make an appointment to get your fingerprints and picture taken for your biometric residence permit at the closest visa application facility. You may also be able to utilize the “UK Immigration: ID Check” mobile app.
- When you apply, you will be informed of the biometric choices available to you.
Within 90 days of receiving the email, the applicants must submit their visa applications, pay the required money, which includes the immigration health premium, and produce the biometrics.
UK Mobility Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme, candidates must fulfill certain qualifying conditions. The age requirements, nationality and residency requirements, and financial criteria are the three subsections that make up these requirements.
Age Criteria
- Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of application, or between the ages of 18 and 35 if they are citizens of a nation with which the UK has a bilateral agreement. The applicant’s date of birth is used to determine the upper age restriction.
Nationality and Residency
- Applicants must be citizens of one of the member nations or territories to be eligible for a visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme. Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Republic of Korea are a few of them.
- Along with being a citizen of their home country, applicants must also have a valid passport from that nation and have been there for at least six months before submitting their application.
Financial Requirements
- Candidates must have enough money to maintain themselves while they are in the UK. This involves having enough cash on hand to pay for housing, food, and other living costs.
UK Mobility Visa Conditions and Restrictions
Work Permissions
- People with the Youth Mobility Scheme visa may work in the UK for a maximum of two years.
- Any occupation is acceptable for the visa holder, except self-employment, serving as a professional athlete or coach, or working as a trainee physician or dentist.
- While in the UK, the visa holder cannot change to a different visa type.
Study Restrictions
- For a maximum of six months, people may study in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
- However, after this time, the visa holder is not allowed to renew it to continue studying in the UK.
- The visa holder must apply for a student visa if they want to study in the UK for more than six months.
Duration and Mobility
- The Youth Mobility Scheme visa has a two-year maximum validity period. But when the visa holder’s time runs out, they have to depart the UK.
- While in the UK, the holder of the visa is not permitted to request an extension or to change the category of their visa.
- Furthermore, the visa holder is not eligible to reapply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
- Applicants for visas should be aware that the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is chosen by ballot and is subject to an annual cap.
- It is thus advised that people apply as soon as possible to maximize the likelihood that they will be granted a visa.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application Fees
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa requires an annual healthcare surcharge of £776 in addition to an application cost of £244. Additionally, a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) costs £19.20.
How long can you stay?
There is a 24-month limit on how long you may remain and work in the UK with your visa. As long as your visa is valid, you are free to enter the UK whenever you want and to leave and return whenever you like.
You are allowed to remain in the UK for the duration of your visa if you turn 31 after it is granted. After the first two years expire, you may renew your visa for an additional year if you’re from Australia, Canada, or New Zealand.
