The Youth Mobility Scheme offers a wonderful opportunity for young people from participating countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Some nationalities are even able to extend their visas for another year.
How to qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme
There is an age difference criteria for the different participating countries.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and from Andorra, Japan, Uruguay, Monaco, San Marino or Iceland, you can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 35 and from Australia, Canada, South Korea or New Zealand, you can also apply.
Citizens from Hong Kong (SAR passport) or Taiwan must be selected for the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot.
You can also apply if you are a British overseas citizen, a British overseas territories citizen or an overseas British national between the ages of 18 and 30 years old.
You will have to prove that you have savings available in the amount of £2,530. This amount must be available for 28 days in a row before you apply.
Who cannot apply
Even though you might qualify under the criteria above, you will not be able to apply if you have children under the age of 18 years old who live with you. Neither can you apply if you are financially responsible for any children.
It is also not possible to apply if you have already been in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Right to Work
The Youth Mobility Scheme allows you to work in most jobs. Visa holders will even be allowed to be self-employed and set up a company. However, if you work in self-employment, you have to rent the premises, and the equipment you use cannot be worth more than £5,000. You are not allowed to have any employees.
Visa holders can study while on the scheme, but for some study courses, you will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate.
Visa holders cannot work as professional sportspersons or coaches.
Family Members
Unfortunately, no family members will be able to accompany you on the Youth Mobility Scheme. Family members have to apply for a visa in their own right.
Length of Stay
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is valid for up to 24 months.
From 31 January 2024, you will be able to extend your visa by one year after the two-year period ends if you are from New Zealand, Australia or Canada.
You can leave and enter at any time during your stay whilst the visa is valid.
Immigration Health Surcharge
You have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your application.
Indefinite Leave to Remain
As it is a temporary visa, it does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. The visa does, however, provide a valuable opportunity for young people to experience life in the UK.
How Breytenbachs can help you
If you want to apply for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme, please contact one of our consultants to guide you through the process. We have a dedicated team of consultants who will be happy to assist!
