Youth Mobility Visa UK
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a temporary work route that allows eligible young people from certain partner countries and territories to live and work in the United Kingdom and undertake some study for a limited period.
If you would like expert guidance on whether the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is the right route for your circumstances, or would like help exploring alternative UK immigration options, the experienced team at IAS is ready to assist. Contact us at +44 (0) 3334149244 or reach out to us online today.
Page Contents
- Overview of the UK Youth Mobility Visa
- Youth Mobility Visa UK Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents for a Youth Mobility Visa Application
- How to Apply for a Youth Mobility Visa for the UK?
- Ballot System for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- How Long Does a Youth Mobility Visa Application Take?
- Getting a Decision on Your Youth Mobility Visa Application
- How Much Does a UK Youth Mobility Visa Cost?
- Extend a Youth Mobility Visa in the UK
- Youth Mobility Visa Restrictions and Conditions
- How Can IAS Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of the UK Youth Mobility Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme is a cultural exchange programme run by the UK government. It offers young nationals from a limited number of participating countries and territories the opportunity to experience life in the UK without needing a job offer or employer sponsorship to apply.
Unlike most UK work visas, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa does not require applicants to meet a minimum salary threshold or obtain a certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer. This makes it a relatively accessible option for young people who want to spend time in the UK while working, studying, or travelling.
Visa holders can live in the UK for up to 24 months, and nationals of countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand may be able to stay for up to 3 years in total, subject to meeting the relevant requirements at the extension stage. During this time, the visa offers a high degree of flexibility: holders may work in most jobs, undertake some study, and carry out limited self‑employment, although certain roles and types of self‑employment are restricted.
It is important to understand that the scheme is strictly temporary and is not a direct route to settlement in the UK. You cannot apply under the Youth Mobility Scheme if you have already held this visa, and most nationalities cannot extend their permission beyond the maximum period allowed in their country.
South African nationals should be aware that South Africa is not currently a participating country in the Youth Mobility Scheme. South Africans seeking to live and work in the UK will need to consider alternative routes, such as the Skilled Worker visa, the Graduate visa, or, for those with a UK‑born grandparent, the UK Ancestry visa.
If you are unsure which route best suits your situation, IAS can assess your options and guide you through the process. Contact us at +44 (0) 3334149244 or online.
Youth Mobility Visa UK Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, applicants must meet several requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), including rules on nationality, age, finances, and family circumstances.
Nationality
Applicants must either be a national of one of the participating countries or territories or hold a specified form of British nationality.
The participating nationalities currently include:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Japan
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- Hong Kong (holding a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport)
- Taiwan
- Iceland
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Uruguay
In addition, people who hold British Overseas Citizenship, British Overseas Territories Citizenship, or British National (Overseas) status are also eligible to apply.
Indian nationals do not apply through the standard Youth Mobility Scheme. Instead, there is a separate route called the India Young Professionals Scheme, which operates under its own invitation and ballot process.
Age
Applicants must be aged 18 or over on the date their visa starts, and 30 or under at the time of application. If you are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Korea, the upper age limit is 35.
It is possible to apply for the visa before turning 18, provided your permission will begin on or after your 18th birthday. If you turn 31 (or 36, for eligible nationalities) after your visa has been issued, you can stay in the UK for the full duration of your Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
Finances
Applicants must have at least £2530 in personal savings to show that they can support themselves in the UK. These funds must have been held continuously in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the 28th day falling within 31 days of the date you submit your application. You will need to provide evidence of these funds as part of your application.
Other Requirements
In addition to the above, applicants must:
- Not have previously been granted a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, as this route can only be used once
- Not have any children under the age of 18 who live with them or who are financially dependent on them
- Not currently in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa when applying
Depending on your nationality and where you live, you may also need to meet tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements and general suitability checks (for example, relating to criminal convictions or immigration history).
Required Documents for a Youth Mobility Visa Application
When applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you will need to provide several core supporting documents. These include:
- A valid passport or travel document that confirms your nationality and eligibility for the scheme
- Evidence of sufficient funds, in the form of a bank statement showing at least £2530 held for 28 consecutive days, with the 28th day falling within the 31 days before you submit your application
- A recent digital photograph that meets UK passport photo standards, which you will upload as part of your online application
- Your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph), which you will provide either at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or using a compatible identity verification app, depending on the options offered in your country
- If you have been successful in a Youth Mobility Scheme ballot (for example, for Hong Kong or Taiwan), the ballot selection email will confirm that you are eligible to apply within the stated timeframe
You may be asked to provide additional documents depending on your personal circumstances or nationality (for example, tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are applying from a country where this is required).
How to Apply for a Youth Mobility Visa for the UK?
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa application is made online through the UK government’s official immigration system. The main steps are as follows.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before beginning your application, confirm that you meet all of the eligibility requirements outlined above, including nationality, age, and financial criteria. If you are a national whose place on the scheme is allocated by ballot (for example, from Hong Kong or Taiwan), you must first enter the ballot and receive an invitation to apply before you can submit a visa application.
Step 2: Create a UKVI Account
You will need to create an online account with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to start and manage your application. This account is also used to view and manage your digital immigration status (eVisa) once your application has been decided.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Complete the online application form, providing accurate personal details and information about your travel plans, and upload your supporting documents, including your passport and evidence of funds.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees
You must pay the Youth Mobility Scheme visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of the online process. The exact amounts can change, so you should always check the latest fees on the official UK government website before applying.
Step 5: Prove Your Identity and Provide Biometrics
You will need to prove your identity by either attending a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a digital photograph) or, if eligible, by using an approved identity verification app on your smartphone. The system will tell you which options are available for your country. The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your intended date of travel to the UK.
Step 6: Await a Decision
Once you have submitted your application and completed the identity and biometrics step, UKVI will consider your case and send you a decision. Many Youth Mobility Scheme applicants now receive a digital immigration status (eVisa) rather than a physical visa vignette, so you should follow the instructions in your decision email and use your online account to view and prove your status.
If you would like support at any stage of the application process, our immigration advisers at IAS can help. Contact us at +44 (0) 3334149244 or online.
Ballot System for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Overview
Most eligible nationalities can apply directly for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa once they meet the requirements and there are places available for their country. However, some nationalities, such as Hong Kong (with a Hong Kong SAR passport) and Taiwan, are subject to an invitation‑only ballot and can only apply if they are selected.
Who Needs to Enter the Ballot?
At the time of writing, the ballot applies to:
- Hong Kong nationals holding a Hong Kong SAR passport
- Taiwanese nationals
Japanese and South Korean nationals previously had to enter a ballot, but that requirement has been removed, and they can now apply directly, provided they meet the standard Youth Mobility Scheme eligibility rules. The list of nationalities that use a ballot can change, so applicants should always check the latest official guidance before relying on this information.
How Does the Ballot Work?
The ballot is used to manage demand, as there is a limited number of Youth Mobility Scheme places available for each nationality each year. The number of places and the way the ballot operates can vary from year to year.
In many recent ballot rounds, applicants have been asked to submit their details during a short, time‑limited window announced by the UK authorities. Each person may submit only one entry, and the requested information includes the applicant’s full name, date of birth, passport number, and contact details. All valid entries received within the window are entered into a random selection process.
Applicants who are selected receive an email confirming their success and setting a deadline for submitting their full Youth Mobility Scheme visa application (for example, 90 days). Those who are not selected are notified after the ballot closes.
Because the exact process, contact details, and timelines for each ballot can change from year to year, you should always follow the specific instructions published for the ballot round you are entering.
If You Are Unsuccessful in the Ballot
If you are not selected in a Youth Mobility Scheme ballot, you will receive an email confirming that your entry was unsuccessful. There is no formal appeal or review process for ballot outcomes, but you can enter again in future ballot rounds, as long as you still meet the Youth Mobility Scheme eligibility requirements and remain within the relevant age limits.
How Long Does a Youth Mobility Visa Application Take?
Once you have submitted your online application and completed the identity and biometrics step (either at a Visa Application Centre or using an approved app, if available), UKVI aims to decide most Youth Mobility Scheme visa applications made outside the UK within around three weeks. Actual processing times can vary, so you should always check the latest guidance for your country of application.
The earliest you can apply is up to six months before your intended travel date, so it is sensible to start the process well in advance to allow time to gather documents, complete the online form, and book any required appointment. If you need additional time to secure a slot at a Visa Application Centre or to complete the identity app process, you should factor this into your planning.
Faster processing options, such as priority or super‑priority services, may be available in some locations for an additional fee, but they are not offered in every country and can be withdrawn or changed. You should check the current services and timescales available in your country before you apply.
Getting a Decision on Your Youth Mobility Visa Application
After completing your Youth Mobility Scheme visa application and finishing the identity and biometrics step (either at a Visa Application Centre or via an approved app, if offered), UKVI will process your case and notify you of the outcome by email. If your application is approved, your decision email will explain how your immigration status has been granted and what you must do next.
Many Youth Mobility Scheme applicants now receive a digital immigration status (eVisa) rather than a physical visa vignette or biometric residence permit. In these cases, you will be asked to create or log in to your online UKVI account to view and prove your status. It is important to follow the instructions in your decision email and to set up access to your eVisa before you travel, as you may be asked to show evidence of your immigration status when you enter the UK.
If your application is refused, the decision notice will set out the reasons for refusal. In many cases, refusals are linked to missing or incomplete documentation, failure to meet the financial requirements, or errors in the information provided on the application form. There is no full right of appeal against a Youth Mobility Scheme visa refusal, but you may be able to reapply if you can address the issues that led to the refusal.
If you have received a refusal and would like to understand your options, IAS can review your case and advise you on the best next steps. Contact us at +44 (0) 3334149244 or online.
How Much Does a UK Youth Mobility Visa Cost?
There are several fees associated with the Youth Mobility Scheme visa application. These are outlined in the table below.
| Fee | Amount (GBP) |
| Visa application fee | £340 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £776 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (2‑year total) | £1552 |
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a compulsory payment that grants visa holders access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK during their stay. It is paid as part of the visa application and is calculated based on the visa’s length.
In addition to the above, applicants must demonstrate they have at least £2530 in personal savings. This is not a fee paid to UKVI, but a financial requirement that must be evidenced during the application, and the funds remain your own.
Visa and IHS fees are reviewed periodically, so you should always confirm the latest amounts on the official UK government website before applying. Payment is made online as part of the application process, and most major debit and credit cards are accepted.
Extend a Youth Mobility Visa in the UK
For most nationalities, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa cannot be extended. The visa is granted for a fixed period of up to 24 months and cannot be renewed or extended once it expires.
However, nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are an exception. If you are from one of these countries and hold a 2‑year Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you may be able to apply to extend your stay by an additional year, giving you a total of up to three years in the UK under this route, subject to meeting the relevant requirements at the time you apply.
The Youth Mobility Scheme itself is not a direct pathway to settlement or indefinite leave to remain. If you wish to remain in the UK beyond your Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you would need to qualify for, and move into, a different immigration route, such as the Skilled Worker visa, a family route, or another eligible category.
Switching to another visa route from within the UK is possible in some circumstances, depending on the rules of the route you are moving into. If you are approaching the end of your Youth Mobility Scheme visa and wish to stay in the UK, it is advisable to seek professional immigration advice as early as possible to understand your options and submit any new application in good time.
Youth Mobility Visa Restrictions and Conditions
While the Youth Mobility Scheme visa offers significant flexibility to live, work, and study in the UK, it is subject to important conditions and restrictions that you must follow.
What You Can Do
Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders are permitted to:
- Work in most types of employment, including part‑time and full‑time roles
- Study, including short courses, in the UK on a temporary basis
- Engage in self‑employed work and set up a business, provided that any business premises are rented, no employees are hired, and the value of any equipment used does not exceed £5,000
- Leave and re‑enter the UK while their Youth Mobility Scheme visa remains valid
What You Cannot Do
Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders are not permitted to:
- Work as a professional sportsperson, including as a coach
- Receive public funds, such as most welfare benefits or social housing
- Bring dependants (such as a spouse, partner, or children) under the same Youth Mobility Scheme visa, family members must apply for their own separate UK visa if they wish to join you
- Extend the visa (unless you are from Australia, Canada, or New Zealand and qualify for an additional year under the current rules)
- Apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme again, as this route is only available once per person
Breaching the conditions of a Youth Mobility Scheme visa is taken seriously. Violations can lead to your permission being curtailed or cancelled and may have a negative impact on any future UK visa or immigration applications you make.
How Can IAS Help?
Living and working in the UK is an exciting prospect, but navigating the immigration system can feel overwhelming. IAS can help you understand which visa route fits your situation, support you with a Youth Mobility Scheme application, or advise you on alternative options if this route is not suitable.
Our professional immigration advisers have experience with a wide range of UK visas and provide clear, tailored guidance based on your individual circumstances. For South African nationals who cannot use the Youth Mobility Scheme, we can assess whether routes such as the Skilled Worker, Graduate, or UK Ancestry visas may be appropriate and guide you through the requirements and application process.
If you are eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme, we can review your form and documents before submission, explain how the ballot process works for your nationality, and advise you on the conditions of your visa once granted. If you are unsure about your options or eligibility, contact IAS at +44 (0) 3334149244 or reach out online to discuss your situation with an adviser.
Are you unsure about your eligibility or the right next steps? Get in touch with the IAS team today. Contact us at +44 (0) 3334149244 or reach out online, and one of our advisers will be happy to discuss your situation.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on April 27th, 2026 at 2:10 pm
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Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is limited to nationals of specific participating countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong (with a Hong Kong SAR passport), Taiwan, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Uruguay, as well as certain categories of British nationals such as British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas).
Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 at the time of application, although nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea can apply up to the age of 35.
The list of eligible countries and age rules can change, so it is important to check the latest GOV.UK guidance. South African nationals are currently not eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme and should consider alternative UK visa routes.
For most eligible nationalities, obtaining a Youth Mobility Scheme visa is relatively straightforward if you meet all the requirements and there are no ballot or quota restrictions for your country.
The key criteria are your nationality, age, and being able to show financial savings of at least £2530, while nationals of Hong Kong and Taiwan face an additional challenge because they must first be selected in a ballot with a limited number of places each year.
Applications are sometimes refused due to insufficient financial evidence or incomplete documentation, which is why careful preparation and checking your documents against the official requirements are important.
No, you do not need sponsorship for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. One of the main advantages of this route is that applicants do not need a job offer or a certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer, which makes it a flexible way for eligible young people to enter the UK to live and work for a limited period.
Yes. Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders are allowed to work in most types of employment in the UK, including part‑time and full‑time roles, as well as some self‑employment within the scheme’s conditions. The main restrictions are that you cannot work as a professional sportsperson (including as a coach) and you cannot access public funds such as most UK welfare benefits or social housing.
For most nationalities, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa cannot be extended and is granted for a fixed period of up to 24 months, which cannot be renewed.
However, nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand may be able to extend their Youth Mobility Scheme permission by one additional year, allowing a total stay of up to three years in the UK under this route, provided they meet the relevant requirements at the time they apply.
Once a Youth Mobility Scheme visa expires, anyone wishing to remain in the UK must qualify for and move into another eligible immigration route.
No. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa does not allow you to include dependants, such as a spouse, partner, or children, on the same application.
If family members wish to join someone in the UK who holds a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, they must qualify for a suitable visa in their own right, such as a family route or another appropriate category.
The standard age range for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is 18 to 30 years old at the time of application in most participating countries, while applicants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea can apply up to age 35.
If you turn 31 (or 36, for those with the higher limit) after your Youth Mobility Scheme visa has been granted, you can still remain in the UK for the full duration of your visa as long as you continue to meet its conditions.
