What the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa lets young people from certain countries and territories live and work in the UK for up to two years. You do not need a job offer or a sponsor. You can work in most jobs, be self-employed or set up a business, subject to limits, and you can travel in and out of the UK. It is a cultural exchange route: it is temporary and does not lead to settlement.
Who can apply
| Age limit | Countries and territories |
|---|---|
| 18 to 35 | Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea |
| 18 to 30 | Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay |
| 18 to 30, by ballot | Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), Taiwan |
| 18 to 30 | British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) |
You must be 18 or over when your visa starts, and within the age limit when you apply: you can apply before you turn 18 and be over the limit when the visa starts. For the ballot countries you must be selected before you can apply. You must also:
- have at least £2,530 in savings, held for 28 consecutive days, with the 28th day within 31 days of your application;
- have no children under 18 living with you or for whom you are financially responsible;
- not have been in the UK under the scheme before.
Indian citizens use a separate route, the India Young Professionals Scheme, for 18 to 30 year olds with an eligible qualification who are selected in a ballot. The fee, savings and length are the same, and the visa cannot be extended.
Cost
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Visa fee | £340 |
| Immigration health surcharge | £776 a year: £1,552 for the two years. See the health surcharge |
| Savings to show | £2,530 |
| Decision | Usually within three weeks; apply up to six months before you travel |
What you can and cannot do
You can work in most jobs, study, and be self-employed. If you set up a business the rules limit it: you must not employ anyone, the premises must be rented, and equipment must be worth no more than £5,000. You cannot work as a professional sportsperson, claim most public funds, or include family members in your application.
Length, extension and what comes next
The visa is for up to 24 months, and you can enter, leave and return at any time while it is valid. Citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand can extend it for a further year. Time on this visa does not count towards settlement, and you cannot switch from it to indefinite leave. To stay longer you must move to another route: many people switch to a Skilled Worker visa when a sponsor offers them a job. Start that conversation early.
Family
Family members cannot be included in your application. A partner must apply separately and qualify under their own route. See family visas.
Why applications fail
- Savings not held for the full period or in the wrong form.
- A nationality or age that does not qualify, or a ballot place not secured.
- A dependent child that was not declared.
A refusal normally carries no right of appeal, and a fresh application is the usual route. See visa refused: appeal, review or reapply.
How we help
We confirm that you qualify, prepare the evidence of savings and eligibility, and plan how to switch into a longer route. A consultation costs from £99.
