The UK's youth mobility visa scheme allows workers under 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two or three years. It's a flexible and accessible immigration option. It does not require sponsorship, a job offer, or specific skills or salary thresholds.
Read on to learn more details on Youth Mobility Visa UK
What is a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, UK?
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, previously known as the Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa. It is for people aged 18 to 30 from certain countries who want to live and work in the UK. If approved, you can stay for up to 2 years. Later, you can apply for other visas to extend your stay if you wish.
Basic Qualification
You qualify for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa if you:
- Want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years
- Are between 18 and 30 (or 35 for some countries)
- Have £2,530 (INR 269,330.50) in savings
- Hold specific British Nationality or originate from eligible countries or territories mentioned in the criteria.
Rights and Restrictions of Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
|
Rights |
Restrictions |
|
Study (some courses require an ATAS certificate) |
Cannot work as a professional sportsperson |
|
Work in most jobs |
Cannot extend stay (except in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand) |
|
Be self-employed |
Cannot receive public funds |
|
Cannot include family members in your application |
Benefits of Youth Mobility Visa
- Stay, work, or study in the UK for 2 years.
- Quick decision in just 22 days.
- Leave and return to the UK anytime.
- Start your own business in the UK.
- Switch to other UK visa options after 2 years.
- Gain work experience and learn new skills.
- Improve your English language skills.
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How much Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Costs?
To apply, you'll need to pay an application fee of £298 (INR 31,723.51). Additionally, there's a healthcare surcharge of around £776 (INR 82,608.88) per year. Further, you must show you have enough savings as per eligibility requirements.
How long you can Stay?
You can stay and work in the UK for up to 24 months with your visa. You're free to enter and leave the UK during this time. If you turn 31 after getting your visa, you can stay until it expires.
Note: Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders can extend their visa by one year after the initial 2 years.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
For Applicants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea:
- Eligibility Age: 18 to 35 years old.
- Application Timing:
- Must be at least 18 years old when the visa starts.
- Must be 35 years old or younger when applying.
- Can apply before turning 18 or after turning 35, as long as criteria are met at respective times.
For Applicants from Other Countries:
- Eligibility Age: 18 to 30 years old.
- Eligible Countries: Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay.
- Special Ballot Requirement: If you are from Hong Kong (SAR passport) or Taiwan, you must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before applying.
Additional Eligibility:
- British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, and British nationals (overseas) can apply if aged 18 to 30.
When You Cannot Apply:
- If you have children under 18 living with you.
- If you are financially responsible for children.
- If you have previously been in the UK under this scheme.
For Applicants from India:
- Indian nationals have a separate scheme called the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
Financial Requirement:
- You must have at least £2,530 (INR 269,330.50) in your bank account to support yourself in the UK.
- This amount must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the 28th day within 31 days of your visa application.
- Proof of funds is required when applying.
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What are the Documents Required Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?
|
Document Type |
Required For |
Additional Notes |
|
Valid passport or ID document |
All applicants |
Shows identity and nationality. Must have a blank page for the visa. |
|
Bank statement |
All applicants |
Must show at least £2,530 (INR 269,330.50) in savings. Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days. |
|
TB test results |
Applicants from countries where TB testing is required |
Required if applicable. |
|
Certified translation |
Applicants with documents not in English or Welsh |
Must be provided for all non-English/Welsh documents. |
|
Andorran certificate of criminal records |
Applicants from Andorra |
Must be issued less than 6 months before applying. |
|
Email from Home Office |
Applicants from Hong Kong or Taiwan |
Confirms successful selection in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot. |
|
Icelandic criminal certificate (Sakavottorð) |
Applicants from Iceland |
Must be issued less than 6 months before applying. |
|
Letter from Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs |
Applicants from San Marino |
Confirms suitability for the Youth Mobility Scheme. Must be issued less than 6 months before applying. |
|
Uruguayan certificate of judicial records (Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales) |
Applicants from Uruguay |
Must be issued less than 6 months before applying. |
How to Apply for a Youth Mobility Visa?
The steps for Applying for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa are:
- Check Required Documents: Review the list of documents you need to provide. It includes a valid passport, bank statement and TB test results (if applicable). Also, you must provide any additional documents specific to your country.
- Calculate Healthcare Surcharge: Determine the amount you need to pay for the healthcare surcharge before applying.
- Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot (for Hong Kong and Taiwan): Applicants from Hong Kong or Taiwan must ensure they have been successfully selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot. They must do so before proceeding with your application.
- Apply from Outside the UK: Submit your application online through the UK government’s website.
- Prove Your Identity and Provide Supporting Documents:
- Depending on your nationality and passport type, you will either:
- Visa Application Centre: Applicants must get their fingerprints and photograph taken to get a biometric residence permit. The centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application. You might need to travel to the nearest centre, which could be in another country.
- UK Immigration: ID Check App: Use the app to scan your identity document and create/sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
- Follow the instructions provided when you apply.
- Optional Faster Decision: You may have the option to pay for a faster decision on your visa application.
- Complete the Online Application: Start your application online, and if needed, save your progress to complete it later.
- If You Have a Child While in the UK: Apply online for a visa for your child as your dependant. A full UK birth certificate for each child, showing the names of both parents, is required. Note that having a child in the UK does not automatically grant them British citizenship.
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Requirement for Extension of Youth Mobility Program?
- Applicants must currently be residing in the UK and hold a valid Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
- The extension application must be submitted online. Further, applicants should apply no more than 28 days before the current visa expires.
- The extended visa starts from the day immediately following the expiration of the original visa.
- Applicants are permitted to extend their visas only once.
Fees for Youth Mobility Visa Extension
The application fee is £298 (INR 31,723.51), in addition to the immigration health surcharge of £776 (INR 82,608.88).
Processing Time for Youth Mobility Visa Extension
Applicants can expect a decision within 8 weeks. It has the option to quicken processing for a faster decision.
Related FAQs
1. How can identity verification be completed during the application process?
Applicants can either use the 'UK Immigration:- ID Check' app to scan their identity document and create/sign in to their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
- Provide fingerprints and a photograph at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.
2. Who can apply to extend their Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
Only individuals from Australia, Canada, or New Zealand are eligible to apply for an extension.
3. How long can the visa be extended?
The visa can be extended for an additional one year.
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Youth Mobility Scheme visa for Indian nationals (India Young Professionals Scheme)
The India Young Professionals Scheme visa permits Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 to reside and work in the UK for up to 2 years. To apply, one must be selected for the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. It requires an eligibility declaration before entry.
What are the eligibility requirements for an India Young Professionals Scheme visa?
Eligibility criteria include:
- Indian citizenship
- Age between 18 and 30
- Possession of an eligible qualification
- Savings of £2,530 (INR 269,330.50)
Related FAQs
1. What is the process after being selected on the ballot?
Once selected, applicants receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
They must then prepare the necessary documents
Apply within a specified deadline, i.e. 30 days after receiving the invitation.
2. Is there a timeframe for entering the UK after applying for the visa?
Yes, applicants must travel to the UK within 6 months of applying for the visa.
3. What is the expected timeframe for receiving a visa decision?
Applicants receive a decision within 3 weeks after submitting their application online, proving their identity, and providing necessary documents.
4. What are the costs of the India Young Professionals Scheme visa application?
Applicants need to pay a £298 (INR 31,723.51) application fee, a healthcare surcharge of £1,552 (INR 165,217.76), and prove personal savings of £2,530 (INR 269,330.50).
5. How long is the visa valid for?
The visa allows individuals to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
6. What activities are permitted during this time
Permitted activities include:
Studying (with the potential requirement of an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
Working in most jobs, and being self-employed under certain conditions.
Reasons for Rejection of Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Given below are the possible reasons for Youth Mobility Visa Rejection
- Concerns regarding the applicant's behaviour, character, associations, or other factors that might not be good for the public.
- Having a criminal record. It depends on the type and duration of the conviction and how long ago it happened.
- Providing false information on the visa application.
- Breaking immigration rules in the past.
- Previously using the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- Having dependent children under 18.
- Already being in the UK during the application.
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Other FAQs
1. What is the estimated processing time for a youth mobility visa application?
The estimated processing time for a Youth Mobility Visa application is usually within 3 weeks.
2. Can you apply for a youth mobility visa if you have a criminal record?
Whether you can apply for a Youth Mobility Visa with a criminal record depends on the type and duration of the offence. Minor offences or those committed a certain number of years ago may not necessarily disqualify you. But serious offences could affect your eligibility.
3. What is the maintenance or savings required for the UK youth mobility visa?
For the UK Youth Mobility Visa, applicants are required to have a minimum of £2,530 (INR 269,330.50) in savings or maintenance funds.
4. What country requires additional information for a youth mobility scheme visa?
Hong Kong requires additional information, such as confirmation of successful selection in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot, for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa application.
5. What if your application for a youth mobility scheme visa is refused?
If your application for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa is refused, you may have two options:
- Submit an administrative review within 28 days
- Apply for a judicial review in rare cases where the decision was deemed unlawful.
6. What are the accommodation options for youth mobility visa holders in the UK?
Accommodation options for Youth Mobility Visa holders in the UK vary and can include:
- Renting an apartment
- Staying in shared housing
- Arranging accommodation through a university or employer.
7. What is the application process for the global business mobility visa routes?
The application process for the Global Business Mobility Visa routes differs from the Youth Mobility Visa. It involves specific requirements related to business activities and investment.
8. Why choose Kansas Overseas Careers for help with applying for a UK youth mobility visa?
Kansas Overseas Careers can be chosen for help with applying for a UK Youth Mobility Visa due to its expertise in immigration law and its track record of successful visa applications.
9. Do you know if this youth mobility visa is open to apply all year round?
Yes, the Youth Mobility Visa is typically open for application throughout the year.
10. Can you switch to a different visa category while on a youth mobility visa in the UK?
You may be able to switch to a different visa category while on a Youth Mobility Visa in the UK. It depends on your eligibility and the specific requirements of the new visa category.
11. What documents do you need to apply for a youth mobility visa in the UK?
Documents required to apply for a Youth Mobility Visa in the UK include:
- A valid passport
- Proof of funds
- TB test results (if applicable)
- Any additional documents specified by the UK government.
12. How can you remain in the UK once your youth mobility scheme visa expires?
Once your Youth Mobility Scheme visa expires, you may explore other visa options or apply for an extension if eligible. Otherwise, you may need to leave the UK unless you qualify for another visa or immigration status.
