Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Live, work and travel in the UK for up to two years
Experience life in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (YMS) allows young people from eligible countries to live, work and experience life in the UK for up to two years.
It promotes cultural exchange and gives successful applicants the freedom to work, study or travel without sponsorship.
Our immigration solicitors manage every stage of your application to ensure it’s accurate, compliant, and submitted on time.
Call 020 8166 1898 or contact us online for a free initial eligibility assessment.
Book your FREE consultation today!
Live, work and travel in the UK for up to two years
Experience life in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (YMS) allows young people from eligible countries to live, work and experience life in the UK for up to two years.
It promotes cultural exchange and gives successful applicants the freedom to work, study or travel without sponsorship.
Our immigration solicitors manage every stage of your application to ensure it’s accurate, compliant, and submitted on time.
Call 020 8166 1898 or contact us online for a free initial eligibility assessment.
What Is the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?
The Youth Mobility Scheme allows young adults from selected countries and territories to live and work in the UK for a limited period.
It’s open to people aged 18–30, or 18–35 depending on nationality.
Eligible nationalities include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Iceland, Hong Kong (SAR), Taiwan, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Uruguay.
It also applies to British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas).
Note: Indian nationals apply under the India Young Professionals Scheme, which has its own ballot and qualification criteria.
You can:
- Work in most jobs or be self-employed (within limits)
- Study full-time or part-time (some courses may require an ATAS certificate)
- Travel freely in and out of the UK
You cannot:
- Work as a professional sportsperson, coach, doctor or dentist in training (unless you hold a recognised UK qualification)
- Access public funds
- Own business premises other than your home
- Employ staff or hold business equipment worth more than £5,000
Pro-Tip – ATAS Certificates
Even a short course in a sensitive subject such as AI, Aerospace or Physics may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. Always check before enrolling.
Self-Employment Rule
You can be self-employed provided you do not own business premises (other than your home), your equipment is worth less than £5,000, and you have no employees.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be aged 18–30 (or 18–35 if you’re from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea)
- Hold a passport from an eligible country or territory
- Have at least £2,530 in savings held for 28 consecutive days. The balance must never fall below £2,530 for even one day, and your bank statement must be dated within 31 days of applying
- Have no dependent children under 18 who live with you or rely on you
- Not have previously held a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- Meet the Home Office’s suitability and character requirements
If you were sponsored by a government or international organisation within the past 12 months, you must provide written consent from that sponsor.
Some applicants must also provide a police or judicial record issued within the past six months.
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Applicants from Hong Kong (SAR) and Taiwan must first enter a ballot.
The next ballot opens in January 2026, followed by another in July 2026.
If selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) valid for 90 days. You must complete your online application within that period.
Japan and South Korea no longer require a ballot and can apply directly.
India: Indian nationals must apply under the separate India Young Professionals Scheme, which has its own ballot and eligibility rules.
The “Third-Year” Advantage
Only citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand can currently extend their stay from two years to three.
This extension must be applied for from within the UK before your initial visa expires.
Our solicitors can prepare and submit your extension to ensure your right to work remains uninterrupted.
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Online Application: Apply through the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal.
Visa Fees: Home Office application fees apply. These can vary, so we’ll confirm the latest rates during your consultation and guide you through the correct payment process.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This is a mandatory government fee payable at the time of application. The rate is reviewed regularly by the Home Office, and we will advise you of the current amount and total cost when preparing your case.
Biometrics: You may need to attend a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph, depending on your nationality and how your identity is verified.
Decision Times: The Home Office generally aims to decide applications within a few weeks. Priority and fast-track options may be available depending on your location.
Need guidance on current fees and timelines?
Our immigration solicitors will confirm the latest Home Office charges, help you budget accurately, and ensure your application is filed correctly and on time.
Call 020 8166 1898 or send an enquiry online to speak with our team today.
Our professional fees are separate from Home Office costs and will be confirmed in your initial engagement letter.
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THE ISUK DIFFERENCE
We provide a Date-Certain Review. We calculate the exact day your 28-day financial period becomes valid to prevent the most common reason for YMS refusals: applying one day too early.
Our immigration solicitors also:
- Confirm your eligibility and ballot status
- Review all supporting documents for Home Office compliance
- Prepare and submit your online application
- Liaise with UKVI if issues arise
- Advise you on extension or switching options before your YMS visa ends
Fees, Timescales and Our Team
We offer both fixed-fee and hourly-rate services for Youth Mobility Scheme Visa applications.
All costs, including VAT (currently 20%), are confirmed in writing before any work begins.
Home Office application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge apply at the rates in force when you apply.
We will guide you using the most up-to-date Home Office fee schedule.
Most clients are ready to apply within one to two weeks once their documents are complete.
The Home Office usually issues decisions within around three weeks.
Your case team
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa cases are handled by our Immigration Department Team.
All cases are overseen by Rana Aslam Zia Khan, Director of Immigration Solicitors UK.
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What We Offer
Our Services
we understand that immigrating to a new country is a significant
decision that comes with its own set of challenges.
Family Visas
Partner Visas
Settlement in the UK
Settlement of EEA Nationals
British Citizenship and The Right of Abode
Challenge a Refusal
Removals/Deportations
Asylum/Human Rights
Sponsor License for a UK Business
UK Business Visas
Student Visas
Popular Work Visas
Other work visas and permits
Visas without a job offer
Work for an overseas employer
Temporary work visas
UK Visit Visas
Our specialist immigration team will guide you through your Youth Mobility Scheme Visa application from start to finish.
Call 020 8166 1898 or send an enquiry online to discuss your eligibility and begin your application today.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?
You can apply if you’re aged 18–30 from most eligible countries. If you’re from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea, the upper age limit is 35.
Do I need to enter a ballot?
Only if you’re from Hong Kong (SAR) or Taiwan. Japan and South Korea can now apply at any time.
How long can I stay in the UK?
Most applicants can stay for two years. Citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand can extend for a third year from within the UK.
Can I work or study in the UK?
Yes. You can work in most jobs or study most courses, except as a professional sportsperson, coach, doctor or dentist in training.
What are the financial requirements?
You must hold at least £2,530 for 28 consecutive days, and the balance must not drop below that amount at any time. Your bank statement must be dated within 31 days of your application.
Can I bring my children?
No. You cannot apply if you have dependent children under 18 who live with you or rely on you financially.
Can I switch to another visa later?
Yes. You can switch to a Skilled Worker or Family Visa if you become eligible while in the UK.
What happens if I turn 31 (or 36) after arriving?
As long as you were within the correct age range when you applied, you can remain in the UK for the full visa duration.
How long does a decision take?
Most applications are decided within around three weeks after your biometric appointment.
What if my application is refused?
You can request an Administrative Review or reapply, depending on the reason for refusal.
How can ISUK help?
We prepare and manage your full application, check your documents, and ensure you meet every Home Office requirement.
