What is the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?
The Youth Mobility Scheme UK Visa, formerly known as the Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa, is designed for citizens of qualifying countries aged 18 to 30 who aspire to live and work in the UK.
The application process is straightforward, and upon approval, successful applicants can stay in the UK for up to 2 years. Should you wish to extend your stay, you have the option to apply for a different visa type, such as a Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or UK Start-Up Visa.
Key benefits of the Youth Mobility Scheme UK Visa include the ability to:
- Reside in the UK for up to 2 years: Enjoy an extended stay in the UK, experiencing its culture and lifestyle.
- Leave and re-enter the UK at any time during your stay: Flexibility to travel in and out of the country throughout the visa duration.
- Work with few restrictions on the types of employment: Pursue various job opportunities, as the visa offers flexibility in choosing your employment.
- Study: Explore educational opportunities and enrol in courses during your stay.
- Be self-employed and establish a company in the UK: Start your own business, adhering to specific rules such as no employees, rented premises, and equipment not exceeding £5,000 in value.
It’s essential to note that even if you turn 31 while in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you can still stay for the remaining duration of your visa.
For further details and a free consultation, please contact our immigration solicitors at +44 (0) 1293 522 275 or complete our contact form.
Countries Eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa welcomes individuals from specific nations to live and work in the UK. The qualifying countries, along with their allocated places, are:
- Australia (30,000 places): A significant allocation for Australian nationals seeking to experience life and work in the UK.
- Canada (6,000 places): Limited spaces for Canadian citizens interested in the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- Monaco (1,000 places): A smaller allocation for individuals from Monaco, offering unique opportunities to explore the UK.
- New Zealand (13,000 places): A substantial allocation for New Zealand nationals to engage in the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- San Marino (1,000 places): Limited spaces for individuals from San Marino, providing a chance to live and work in the UK.
- Iceland (1,000 places): A limited allocation for Icelandic nationals to participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme.
In addition to these countries, there are other qualifying nations whose citizens must express interest and be selected through a ballot before applying. These Youth Mobility Scheme ballot countries include:
- Hong Kong (1,000 places): Limited opportunities for individuals from Hong Kong to join the scheme.
- Japan (1,500 places): A slightly larger allocation for Japanese citizens interested in the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- South Korea (1,000 places): Limited spaces for South Korean nationals to explore living and working in the UK.
- Taiwan (1,000 places): Opportunities for individuals from Taiwan to participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Moreover, various types of overseas British citizens can apply for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme isa, encompassing British overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, or British nationals (overseas).
According to immigration rules, individuals aged 18 to 30 from qualifying countries or with qualifying citizenship status cannot apply if they:
- Have children under the age of 18 living with them
- Are financially responsible for children
- Have previously used the scheme
For Indian nationals, a new India Young Professionals Scheme was launched in 2022. Applicants under this scheme are required to demonstrate additional skills or qualifications, such as:
- A qualification equivalent to or above RQF level 6 (degree level)
- At least three years’ work experience in an eligible skilled occupation
More details on the India Young Professionals Scheme will be provided by the Home Office in due course.
Eligibility Criteria for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
To apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age Criteria:
- You must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
- Nationality and Citizenship:
- You should be a citizen of a qualifying country or possess a qualifying British overseas citizenship status.
- Financial Sufficiency:
- Demonstrate financial stability by having at least £2,530 in your bank account. This amount must have been present for a minimum of 28 days within the last 31 days before submitting your application.
- Dependant Children:
- Do not have any children under 18 living with you or financially dependent on you.
- Previous Participation:
- Have not previously utilised the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- Tuberculosis Test:
- Depending on your country of origin, provide evidence of a clear TB test.
- Application Fee:
- Pay the application fee of £244.
- Healthcare Surcharge:
- Fulfil the requirement of paying the healthcare surcharge, amounting to £470 per year.
- Security Assurance:
- Demonstrate that you do not pose a risk to the UK.
Please note that these criteria are essential for a successful application. Ensure that you fulfil each requirement meticulously to enhance the chances of approval.
Required Supporting Documents for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application
When submitting an application for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you will need to furnish a concise set of documents and evidence. The specific documents required will be communicated to you during the application process. Typically, you may be requested to provide some or all of the following:
- Current Passport:
- Present your current passport as proof of identity and nationality. Ensure your passport has at least one blank page.
- Financial Evidence:
- Include a bank statement indicating a minimum of £2,530 in savings. This amount should have been maintained in your account for at least 28 days within the last 31 days prior to your application.
- Tuberculosis Test Result:
- Depending on your country of origin, provide a clear tuberculosis (TB) test result.
- Translation of Documents:
- Translate any documents not written in English or Welsh.
It’s important to note that additional documents may be required based on your individual circumstances, and these will be clearly outlined during the application process.
Ensure that all documents are prepared meticulously to facilitate a smooth and efficient application process.
Fees for Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application
Individuals applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa are required to pay an application fee of £244 and an annual healthcare surcharge amounting to £470. Additionally, there is a fee of £19.20 for a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application Procedure
Once you have submitted your application for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you can anticipate a decision within a timeframe of 3 weeks.
To initiate the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa application, you should:
- Complete the Online Application Form:
- Fill out the online application form.
- Payment of Fees:
- Pay the required application fee and healthcare surcharge.
- Biometric Residence Permit Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest visa application centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken for your Biometric Residence Permit. Alternatively, you may have the option to utilise the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ mobile phone app. The applicable biometric options will be communicated during your application process.
For applicants from ballot countries, a distinct process is in place. Ballots are conducted biannually (in January and July). If you are in a ballot country, you should:
- Email the Home Office:
- Send an email to the Home Office providing your name, date of birth, passport number, and mobile phone number.
- Application Following Selection:
- If you receive an email confirming your selection, proceed to apply using the aforementioned process.
This detailed guide ensures a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa application process.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application Timeline
Day 1: Complete application, upload documents, schedule appointment, and make payments
Day 2 – 14: Attend biometric appointment (if necessary)
Day 14 – 21: Await a decision from the Home Office
Day 22 and beyond: Retrieve passport and proceed to the UK
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Conditions
With a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you gain the ability to:
- Reside in the UK for up to 2 years:
- Enjoy an extended stay in the UK, immersing yourself in its culture and opportunities.
- Leave and Re-enter the UK at Any Time:
- Benefit from the flexibility to travel in and out of the country during your stay.
- Work (with few restrictions):
- Engage in various types of work with minimal restrictions imposed by the visa.
- Study:
- Pursue educational opportunities and enrol in courses during your stay.
- Be Self-employed and Establish a Company in the UK:
- Establish your own business, adhering to specific rules such as having no employees, renting premises, and not possessing equipment exceeding £5,000 in value.
However, with a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you are not permitted to:
- Extend Your Visa:
- The visa duration cannot be extended, but you have the option to apply for a different type of visa.
- Work as a Professional Sportsperson (e.g., sports coach):
- Engage in professional sports-related roles.
- Receive Public Funds/Benefits:
- Access public funds or benefits during your stay.
- Bring Dependent Family Members on the Same Application:
- While your family members can apply separately, they cannot be included in the same visa application.
These conditions offer a comprehensive overview of the privileges and limitations associated with the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
Transitioning from a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
While extending a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is not an option, you can explore switching to a different visa category. It is imperative to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa you intend to apply for. Many individuals holding Youth Mobility Scheme visas choose to remain in the UK and apply for visas such as a Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, UK Start-Up Visa, or Family Visa. Keep in mind that you must initiate the application for a new visa before your current one expires.
For guidance in determining the suitable visa options available to you, consult with one of our immigration solicitors who would be pleased to assist you at +44 (0) 1293 522 275. Additionally, our services extend to facilitating the visa application process on your behalf and managing communication with the Home Office throughout the proceedings.
Refusal of Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application
In the event of a rejection of your Youth Mobility Scheme Visa application, you may have the option to seek an administrative review if you believe there has been an error by the Home Office. In rare circumstances where the decision is deemed unlawful, applying for a judicial review may also be a possibility. Refusals can occur for various reasons, such as:
- Concerns about the applicant’s conduct, character, associations, or other reasons:
- If it is deemed not conducive to the public good to grant permission.
- Criminal record of the applicant:
- Depending on the type, duration of the sentence, and the timeframe since the incident.
- Providing false information on the application:
- Misrepresentation can lead to a visa refusal.
- Breaching immigration rules in the past:
- Previous violations of immigration rules can impact the decision.
- Previous utilisation of the Youth Mobility Scheme:
- If the applicant has already used the scheme in the past.
- Having dependant children under the age of 18:
- Presence of dependant children can affect the visa application.
- Already being in the UK:
- If the applicant is already in the UK without proper authorisation.
If considering an administrative review, it must be initiated within 28 days of the refusal decision. The application is completed online, with a fee of £80. Provide a detailed explanation of the perceived errors made by the Home Office that led to your visa refusal. The decision on the administrative review is typically communicated within 3 to 6 months.
Alternatively, you may explore submitting a fresh visa application or applying for a different type of visa.
Understanding the disappointment of a visa refusal, our team can review your case and offer advice on available options and the best course of action. Connect with one of our approachable immigration solicitors today at +44 (0) 1293 522 275.
