The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa offers young individuals from select countries the opportunity to live, work, and experience life in the United Kingdom for up to two years. This visa is an excellent option for those seeking to explore UK culture, develop professionally, or gain work experience within a structured timeframe.
Designed for citizens aged 18 to 30 from eligible countries, the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa presents a unique chance to immerse oneself in the UK’s dynamic environment while expanding professional and personal horizons.
The UK government developed the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa as a part of its effort to foster cultural exchange and provide young people from specific partner countries a gateway to experience life in the UK.
This visa is ideal for individuals who wish to work while living in the UK, whether to fund travels or explore career interests. However, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and undergo a structured application process to qualify.
Below, we will cover all the essential information needed to apply successfully, from eligibility requirements to financial prerequisites, application steps, and what you can expect once you arrive.
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Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age Requirement: You must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
- Citizenship: This visa is available to citizens of eligible countries, which include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Monaco, Iceland, Hong Kong, and the Republic of Korea, as well as British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas).
- Financial Requirement: You must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency by showing that you have at least £2,530 in savings at the time of application.
- No Dependents: The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa does not allow applicants to bring dependents, so if you have children or family members you wish to bring, you would need to explore other visa options.
- No Previous Participation: Applicants who have previously participated in the Youth Mobility Scheme are ineligible to apply again.
Application Process
The application process for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa involves several steps, which are essential to follow closely to avoid any delays or issues.
1. Create an Online Application
Begin by filling out the online application form on the UK government’s official website. During this process, you will be asked to provide personal information, including your passport details, citizenship information, and travel history.
2. Gather Supporting Documents
You will need to submit the following documents to support your application:
- A valid passport or other official travel document
- Proof of savings (such as bank statements) showing you meet the financial requirement
- Tuberculosis test results if you are from a country where a test is required
- Evidence of consent from parents or legal guardians if you are under 18
All documents must be in English or Welsh. If any documents are in another language, they must be translated by a certified translator.
3. Pay the Application Fee and Healthcare Surcharge
Applicants are required to pay an application fee, which is currently £259. In addition to this fee, you must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the visa application process. The IHS grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay and is currently set at £624 per year.
4. Schedule and Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
You will need to attend a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre. During this appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken, which is a requirement for your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). After your biometrics appointment, your documents will be processed, and you will receive a decision on your visa application.
5. Wait for the Visa Decision
The processing time for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is typically around three weeks if you are applying from outside the UK. Processing times may vary based on the volume of applications and the applicant’s home country, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
After Receiving Your Visa
Once your application is approved, you will receive your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival in the UK. The BRP will allow you to confirm your right to work and stay in the UK for the duration of your visa.
Working in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Holders of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa can take on almost any type of employment, except for certain restrictions like working as a professional sportsperson or doctor in training. You are free to work full-time, switch jobs, or even start your own business, provided you have no employees and your business requires no substantial investments.
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa offers a practical path for young individuals eager to experience the UK while supporting themselves financially. By following the guidelines outlined here, prospective applicants can ensure a smoother application process and look forward to a fulfilling stay in the UK.
For any questions regarding specific eligibility or further guidance on the application process, please contact your nearest UK Embassy or visit the UK Visas and Immigration website for the latest updates and details on this visa category.
Countries on the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
The qualifying countries which are part of the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa are:
- Australia (30,000 places)
- Canada (6,000 places)
- Monaco (1,000 places)
- New Zealand (13,000 places)
- San Marino (1,000 places)
- Iceland (1,000 places)
There are some other qualifying countries. Nationals of these countries need to register their interest and be selected from a ballot1 before applying. The Youth Mobility Scheme ballot countries are
- Hong Kong (1,000 places)
- Japan (1,500 places)
- South Korea (1,000 places)
- Taiwan (1,000 places)
And finally, there are a number of types of overseas British citizens who can apply. You will be able to apply for a UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa if you are a British overseas citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British national (overseas).
The immigration rules also state that a person who is between 18 and 30 and from a qualifying country (or have a qualifying citizenship status) cannot apply if they have:
- have already used the scheme in the past
- children under the age of 18 living with them
- children they are financially responsible for
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Process
Once you have applied for your Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you can expect to receive a decision within 3 weeks.
To apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you will need to:
- Complete the online application form4
- Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge
- Arrange an appointment at your nearest visa application centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken for your biometric residence permit (you may also be able to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ mobile phone app. You will be advised which biometric options you have when you apply
If you are applying from a ballot country, you will need to follow a different process. Ballots are opened twice a year (in January and July). You will need to:
If you receive an email advising you have been selected, you can then apply using the process above
Email the home office providing your name, date of birth, passport number, and mobile phone number
Other jobs Available for Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa allows young individuals to work in a wide range of industries across the UK, offering incredible flexibility to explore various employment options. While certain professional roles, like working as a doctor in training or a professional sportsperson, are restricted, many other career paths are open to Youth Mobility Visa holders.
Here’s a list of popular job opportunities available under this scheme, spanning diverse sectors to help you make the most of your time in the UK:
1. Hospitality and Tourism
- Hotel Staff: Roles in front desk management, housekeeping, and guest services
- Restaurant and Bar Staff: Positions as waitstaff, bartenders, baristas, or kitchen assistants
- Event Coordinators: Support for weddings, corporate events, and festivals
2. Retail and Customer Service
- Sales Assistants: Roles in department stores, supermarkets, and specialty shops
- Customer Service Representatives: Support roles for online retailers, financial services, and telecoms
- Stockroom Assistants: Inventory and warehouse management positions
3. Administration and Office Roles
- Receptionists: Front-of-house roles in various corporate and healthcare offices
- Administrative Assistants: General office support, data entry, filing, and scheduling
- Personal Assistants (PA): Assistant roles for executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives
4. Creative and Media
- Social Media Coordinators: Managing social media channels and creating content
- Graphic Designers and Digital Artists: Entry-level roles in design studios and marketing agencies
- Content Writers and Copywriters: Writing roles for blogs, websites, and marketing materials
5. Construction and Manual Labour
- Construction Labourers: Entry-level roles on construction sites for general labour
- Trades Assistants: Support for skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, or carpenters
- Warehouse Operatives: Picking, packing, and logistics roles in warehouses
6. Health and Social Care (Limited Roles)
- Care Assistants: Support roles in residential care homes and community healthcare
- Pharmacy Assistants: Supporting pharmacists in retail or hospital settings
- Support Workers: Entry-level roles in mental health and disability support services
7. Sales and Marketing
- Sales Representatives: Roles in retail, telecommunications, and field sales
- Marketing Assistants: Entry-level roles assisting with social media, email marketing, and events
- Brand Ambassadors: Temporary or contract roles for brand promotions and product sampling
8. IT and Digital Services
- Help Desk Technicians: Providing IT support for troubleshooting and customer queries
- Data Entry Specialists: Handling data input, database management, and reporting
- Junior Web Developers: Entry-level roles in web development, app support, or coding
9. Logistics and Transport
- Delivery Drivers: Courier and food delivery roles (note: must have a valid UK driver’s license)
- Warehouse Operatives: Inventory control, order picking, and stock replenishment roles
- Dispatch Coordinators: Scheduling and coordinating deliveries and shipments
10. Education and Childcare
- Teaching Assistants: Support roles in primary schools, secondary schools, or private education
- Nursery Staff: Roles in early childhood care or education settings
- After-School Activity Leaders: Assisting with sports, arts, or educational activities
These roles provide valuable experience, career growth, and the flexibility to work across different fields while on the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. Keep in mind that job availability may vary depending on regional demands, and working within these industries can offer insight into the UK’s labour market, cultural experiences, and practical skills for future opportunities.
For detailed information on how to find and apply for these roles, visit the UK government’s official Find a Job site, where many employers post open positions suitable for Youth Mobility Scheme Visa holders.
References
GOV.UK: Visa Administrative Review
GOV.UK: Ballot System
GOV.UK: Ballot System
GOV.UK: TB Test
GOV.UK: Online Application Form
