If you’re thinking about living and working in the UK, you’ll want some information about visas. The visa situation for any country is always a tricky prospect to figure out. There are often so many different options that working out which one is right for you can be a real headache.
Luckily, there’s one very convenient visa for working in the UK that’s ideal for many prospective travellers to the country – the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. If you’re only just hearing of this, you might be wondering what the heck it is. Or, if you have heard of it and want more details (never a bad thing, right?), then you’ve come to the right place.
What is the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is essentially a working holiday visa for those aged 18 to 35 (depending on your nationality). It’s open to people who want to live and work in the UK and is available to those from a number of different countries on a reciprocal basis. If your country also offers this scheme to Brits, the likelihood is that you’ll also be able to go to the UK.
Recent Changes
As of January 31, 2024, the age limit for applicants from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada has been increased from 30 to 35. Additionally, citizens from these countries can now extend their visas for a third year, giving them more time to experience life in the UK.
Who is eligible?
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is available to citizens of the following countries:
- Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Monaco, and San Marino: These countries have direct access to the scheme without additional requirements.
- Taiwan, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea, and Japan: Citizens from these countries must first be selected through the Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot before applying.
Each country is allocated a certain number of slots per year that applicants can apply for (usually in the thousands).
How much does it cost?
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa costs £298. However, there are additional costs to consider:
Proof of Funds: You must have at least £2,530 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. This is to show that you can support yourself in the UK. Proof of this will be required during the application process.
Healthcare Surcharge: This is £776 per year, which totals £1,552 for two years. If you extend your visa for a third year, you’ll need to pay an additional surcharge for that year.
How to apply
To apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you simply apply online from outside the UK via the UK government website. As part of the process, you’ll need to:
Prove your identity and provide supporting documents.
Make an appointment at a visa application centre for fingerprinting and photographing.
Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge.
Tips for a Smooth Process
The process will be made easier if you secure a job before travelling to the UK. There are many schemes that offer this sort of service, but none more comprehensive (and fun) than UK Hospo Co, which offers you the chance to live and work in a pub. Going strong since 1997, we’ve helped thousands of applicants through the process from visa to arrival and beyond.
What’s Next?
Once your visa is approved, you’ll be able to live and work in the UK for up to two years. If you’re from Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, you can apply to extend your visa for an additional year while in the UK. This gives you a total of three years to experience life abroad.
When your Youth Mobility Scheme Visa expires, you can explore other visa options if you wish to stay longer. These include:
Indefinite Leave to Remain (for permanent residency after meeting eligibility requirements)
Skilled Worker Visa
Ancestry Visa (if you have UK family ties)
Start-Up Visa (for entrepreneurs)
