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Youth Mobility Scheme visa: Complete guide
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa: who can apply, costs, documents, timelines, and tips.
Are you dreaming of living in the UK for a couple of years? Perhaps to work, study, explore, and hopefully make unforgettable memories? The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is one of the easiest ways for young international people to experience life in the UK without needing sponsorship or a job offer first. It’s open only to specific countries, but if you’re eligible, it’s genuinely one of the most flexible youth visas anywhere.
This guide walks you through everything: Eligibility, costs, documents, processing times, extensions, and real-world tips.
What is the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
Think of this as the UK’s cultural exchange visa for young adults. It gives you the freedom to live, work, and explore the UK for up to 2 years—whether that means working in cafés, doing internships, studying, freelancing, travelling, or simply soaking up British culture.
How long can you stay?
- Standard stay: 24 months.
- You can leave and re-enter the UK whenever you want.
- If you turn 31 after your visa is granted, no problem—you can stay until your visa ends.
- Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders can extend for a third year.
What you’re allowed to do
You can:
- Work pretty much anywhere.
- Study (some courses need an ATAS certificate).
- Be self-employed if your equipment is under £5,000, you have no employees, and you work from rented premises.
- Travel in and out of the UK freely.
Top tip: Having unlimited data with a service such as Holafly makes moving around and job-hunting easier, especially when you’re navigating new cities or applying for roles on the go.
What you can’t do:
You cannot:
- Bring dependants on your application.
- Access public funds.
- Work as a professional sportsperson.
- Extend your visa unless you’re from Australia, Canada, or New Zealand.
- Reapply if you’ve already had a YMS visa.
Who can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
If you are wondering which countries are eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme, eligibility depends on your nationality and age. Here’s the breakdown:
Ages 18 to 35
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Korea
Ages 18 to 30
- Andorra
- Iceland
- Japan
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Uruguay
Ballot-only nationalities
These countries require you to enter (and win!) a ballot before applying:
- Hong Kong (SAR passport)
- Taiwan
British nationalities (eligible at 18–30):
- British Overseas Citizens
- British Overseas Territories Citizens
- British Nationals (Overseas)
When you can’t apply
You cannot apply if you:
- Have children under 18 living with you.
- Are financially responsible for children.
- Have already used the YMS visa once.
- Are from India (there is a separate scheme for Indian nationals).
The age rules are also flexible: You can apply before you turn 18, and the visa can start when you’re slightly older than the upper age limit, as long as your application was submitted in time.
Financial aspects of the Youth Mobility Scheme visa
Before you start packing, here’s what the UK expects financially:
Savings requirement
You must have £2,530 in your bank account, held for:
- 28 consecutive days.
- Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying.
Visa fees
- Application fee: £319
- Healthcare surcharge: £776 per year
(So, about £1,552 upfront for a 2-year stay)
What the visa covers:
- The visa grants you stay and work rights
What the visa does not:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Initial transport in the UK
How to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
Applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is straightforward, but timing matters due to processing times.
When to apply
- You can apply up to 6 months before your travel date.
Example:
Travelling on July 15? The earliest application date is January 16.
Processing time
After you:
- Submit the online form.
- Prove your identity.
- Upload documents.
You’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Some countries may offer paid priority processing.
Documents you need
You must provide:
- Valid passport
- Bank statement proving £2,530 savings
- TB test (if required)
- Certified translations for non-English/Welsh documents
Extra documents for specific countries
- Andorra: Criminal record certificate
- Iceland: “Sakavottorð” police certificate
- San Marino: Suitability letter from the Directorate of Political & Diplomatic Affairs
- Uruguay: Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales
- Hong Kong/Taiwan: Ballot-success email from the Home Office
Proving your identity
You’ll either:
Option A: Use the UK Immigration: ID Check app
- You scan your passport and create a UKVI account.
Fastest and easiest option.
Option B: Attend a visa application centre
You’ll provide:
- Fingerprints
- A biometric photo
Appointments may be in another country, depending on where you live.
Tips to strengthen your application
· Apply early — ballots and appointments fill up fast
· Make sure your savings meet the strict 28-day rule
· Use high-quality scans of documents
· Check your passport isn’t close to expiring
· Keep an eye on your email — some applicants receive extra requests
Can you extend a Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
The visa can be extended for one extra year only if applicants are from:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
Extension rules to extend your visa:
- Be inside the UK
- Hold a valid YMS visa
- Apply online
- Not leave the UK until a decision is made
Payment:
- £319 fee
- £776 healthcare surcharge
Processing time: Up to 8 weeks.
Your path to living and working in the UK
If you’re aged 18–35 (or 18–30 for some nationalities) and eligible, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is one of the most exciting ways to explore the UK. You get the freedom to work, travel, study, make new friends, and build life-changing experiences.
Before you fly, don’t forget the practical bits—sorting accommodation, preparing documents, and staying connected from day one.
If you’re ready to explore the UK’s cities, coastlines, festivals, and career opportunities, now is the perfect time to start your application and begin your adventure. Good luck!
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
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I've been a copywriter for over a decade, working mostly in the retail industry. I've managed copywriting teams and contributed to major campaigns for F&F at Tesco, TK Maxx, and Dreams. I also work part-time as a news writer. Outside of work, I love to cook, and a fun fact about me is that I have a phobia of bananas—it's the smell!
