Want to work overseas for some years? Living and working in the United Kingdom as a temporary worker is now easier. No sponsorship or job offer requirement.
The UK Youth Mobility Program is an initiative of the British Government to bring in skilled talent. The program has been available for certain countries. However, India recently joined the list of countries eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme of the UK.
What is the UK's Youth Mobility Scheme?
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is a UK visa route that permits young people from specific countries (including India) to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years.
Through the YMS, young professionals can experience living and working in a different country, while also developing their skills and gaining valuable overseas work experience.
Which countries are eligible for the UK's Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
To be eligible for UK’s YMS visa, you must be aged between 18 to 30 years and be a citizen of a participating country such as -
- India
- Australia
- Japan
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Iceland
- San Marino
The applicant must be 18-30 years old on the date of applying for the YMS visa for the UK.
There is a different scheme for Indian nationals. Eligibility to apply will be as per the India Young Professionals Scheme.
What is the India Young Professionals Scheme visa?
Under the India Young Professionals Scheme UK visa pathway, an Indian citizen between the ages of 18 to 30 years can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.
Before applying, you must have been selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. For entering the ballot, you must declare that you meet each of the eligibility requirements.
What are my chances of securing a Youth Mobility Program visa?
A random selection process is followed, wherein only a limited number of applicants get selected. The possibility of selection is somewhat limited for the UK Youth Mobility Program.
However, as Stage 1 requires no fees to be paid, there is no risk of losing any money. Funds requirement comes only in Stage 2, following ballot selection in Stage 1.
At Kansas Overseas, we received over 8 approvals for the first stage.
What are the eligible criteria for the UK Youth Mobility Program?
To apply for a UK Youth Mobility visa, you must -
- Be aged between 18-30 years
- Live in an eligible country
- Have 15 years or more of education
- Been selected in the ballot by the UK Government.
- Have funds over INR 2,60,000 in your account (required for Stage 2)
What is the process of the UK's YMS visa?
There are 2 stages to the UK’s Youth Mobility Visa process.
Stage 1: Online applications are accepted at the UK government's official website. A simple stage wherein basic information must be provided, such as - personal information, passport details, and other details.
Keep your passport details with you while applying for Stage 1 of the YMS visa for the UK.
Stage 2: Successful applicants will receive a notification of your selection. A random process is followed for selection. The application form is to be completed online. After which, you will have to appear for the medical test, pay your fees and give your biometric (fingerprint and photo) at the nearest UK Visa Application Centre (VAC).
How Long Does It Take For A Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?
Stage 1 will tentatively take 1-3 weeks from the time of admission. Stage 2 will take around two months of time.
Processing time for the 2nd stage can be a month's time or less if you are maintaining funds of GBP 2,530 (INR 2,58,230 approx.) in your account for 28 days or more.
What documents are needed for a UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
When applying for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you will be required to provide -
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of having sufficient finances (bank statements etc.)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if required
- A criminal record certificate from a country that you have lived in for 12 months or above within the last 10 years
- Your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph)
- A confirmation copy of the selection.
What is the cost for a UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
No fees to be paid in Stage 1 of the process.
For the second stage of the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, the costs depend on your country of residence. The application fee for Indians is GBP 259 (INR 26,431 approximately).
Along with the visa fee, you will also have to pay a healthcare surcharge that allows you to access the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The healthcare surcharge is currently GBP 940 per year.
With a Youth Mobility Scheme visa you can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. An exposure to the UK labour market can be the perfect addition to your resume.
The right planning can help you realize your dream to work overseas in the United Kingdom. Plan your way to a brilliant career. Come up with the best strategy for success with expert guidance you can trust.
For more information on how to apply, contact Kansas Overseas today. Free consultation provided.
Other FAQs
Which industries can I work in with my YMS visa?
Youth Mobility Visa holders can work in diverse industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and creative industries such as film, theatre, and television. Self-employment is not permitted.
Can I travel outside the UK while on YMS visa?
Yes, YMS visa holders can travel outside the UK during their stay. However, they must return to the UK before the expiry of their YMS visa.
Can I add my dependents to my UK YMS visa?
No, dependents cannot be included. The YMS visa is for individuals only. However, while spouse, partner, children cannot be included on a YMS visa, they can apply for other visas to join a YMS visa holder in the UK.
What is the maximum I can stay in the UK under the YMS program?
YMS visa holders can stay in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years. The YMS visa cannot be extended beyond 2 years. You can only apply once.
Am I eligible for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa?
To be eligible to apply for a UK YMS visa, you must -
- be a citizen of India
- be between 18 to 30 years old
- have an eligible qualification
- have GBP 2,530 (INR 2,58,083 approximately, as per current conversion rate) in savings
What is the visa application process for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa?
Begin by going through and understanding each of the eligibility requirements. If you are eligible, you can follow a basis stepwise process for applying.
STEP 1: Enter the ballot online.
STEP 2: If successful in the ballot, you will get an invitation to apply for the visa.
STEP 3: Prepare the documents that you need to apply.
STEP 4: Apply for an India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
Generally, there will be a 30-day deadline for applying for your Youth Mobility Visa. The date by which you must submit your application will be specifically mentioned in your invitation to apply.
Do keep in mind that you must be prepared to travel to the UK within 6 months of submitting your complete application.
What is processing time for a UK YMS visa application?
You can expect a decision within 3 weeks from submitting your complete application online and providing your required documentation.
What is the cost for a UK YMS visa for Indians?
There are 3 separate kinds of costs that you must keep in mind. You will have to pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge. You must also have a certain amount as savings.
Overall, you will require funds as follows -
- Visa application fee: GBP 259 (INR 26,431 approximately)
- Healthcare surcharge: GBP 940 (INR 95,929 approx.)
- Personal savings worth GBP 2,530 (INR 2,58,083 approx.)
Therefore, there is an overall cost of GBP 3,729 (INR 3,80,595 approx.) for getting a visa through the UK Youth Mobility Scheme.
How long can I stay in the UK on a YMS visa?
You can work and live in the UK for up to 24 months.
What can I do in the UK on a YMS visa?
When in the UK on a visa issued under the Youth Mobility Scheme, you can -
- Study for most courses available (some courses require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate)
- Work in most UK jobs
- Be self-employed and set up your own company (provided you meet certain conditions)
Can I extend my Youth Mobility Visa?
No. You cannot extend your stay in the UK on a YMS visa.
Can I include my family members on my YMS visa?
No. Family members can’t be included on a YMS visa application. Your spouse must apply separately.
What is a UK Tier 5 visa?
Previously, UK Tier 5 visas were temporary work visas for the UK that allowed visa holders to live and work in the UK for a short time. There were 6 different Tier 5 UK visas available -
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker - Charity Worker visa), replaced by Temporary Work - Charity Worker visa
- Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa, replaced by Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Religious Worker) visa, replaced by Temporary Work - Religious Worker visa
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – International Agreement), replaced by Temporary Work – International Agreement visa
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange) visa, replaced by Temporary Work – Government Authorised Exchange visa
- Tier 5 (Temporary Worker – Creative and sporting) visa, replaced by Temporary Work - Creative Worker visa
Is the YMS visa a route to UK immigration (permanent residence)?
No. You can work and live in the UK for up to 2 years. You can only apply for the UK YMS visa once. The visa cannot be extended. Hence, the YMS visa does not lead to UK immigration or permanent residency. You cannot hope to acquire British citizenship through the YMS visa route.
What is the Youth Mobility visa for the UK?
Under UK immigration rules, the Youth Mobility Visa is for young professionals that want to experience life in the UK for a short duration. There is no commitment to apply for UK immigration through Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British Citizenship.
What is the benefit of the Youth Mobility visa?
The UK Youth Mobility visa is specifically targeted at improving opportunities for the youth that want to acquire professional experience by working in the United Kingdom.
What is immigration health surcharge?
A mandatory requirement, an immigration health surcharge must be paid by foreign nationals that will be coming to the UK for 6 months or longer. The healthcare surcharge is required so that the individual can access, for free, the National Health Services (NHS) while in the UK.
Currently, the immigration healthcare surcharge is GBP 940 (INR 95,878 approx.) per year for every year that you plan to spend in the UK. A kind of health insurance, healthcare surcharge lets you get unlimited access to the UK's NHS. You can seek treatment, visit a hospital, or consult a GP.
Do I need sponsorship for a UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
No sponsorship or UK job offer needed to apply.
What is the Solicitors Regulation Authority?
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is the regulatory body of law firms and solicitors in Wales and England.
