Youth Mobility Scheme

What is a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is an immigration route which has replaced the Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5). It grants young adults from eligible countries and territories the opportunity to live and work in the UK, and experience life in the country more generally. 

Those who make a successful application to the Youth Mobility Scheme UK will be able to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Individuals from Australia, Canada or New Zealand will have the opportunity to extend their visa by an additional 12 months.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme, you must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old (or between 18 - 35 years old if you are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea).

• Be a citizen of an eligible country or territory.

• Have funds of at least £2,530.

• Take a Tuberculosis (TB) test if required, in the country of origin.

• Not have previously spent time in the UK under this scheme.

• Not have any children under 18 who live with you or who you are financially responsible for.

There may be additional country-specific requirements.

Participating countries

If you are a citizen of the following countries, you will be able to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme:

• New Zealand 

• Australia

• Canada

• Monaco 

• San Marino

• Iceland

If you are a citizen of the following countries, you will be able to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme. However, you must first be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot.

• Hong Kong 

• Taiwan

Youth Mobility Scheme Quota 2023

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa for Indian Nationals

If you are an Indian National who is aged between 18 and 30 years old who may be eligible to apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme.

To be eligible for the India Young Professionals Scheme you must:

• Be an Indian citizen between 18 and 30.

• Have a qualification which is above RQF level 6.

• Have funds of at least £2,530.

• Not have any children under 18 who live with you or whom you are financially responsible for.

To be able to apply for the India Young Professionals Scheme you must first be selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. In 2023, 3,000 spaces for this scheme will be available.

Required documents

When making an application for the Youth Mobility Visa UK, you will be required to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport or another document which confirms your identity and nationality. Your passport must have a blank page for your visa.

• A bank statement which shows that you have at least £2,530 in savings.

• TB test results if you are from a listed country.

• If you are from Hong Kong or Taiwan then you must provide the Home Office email which shows that you were successful in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot.

Citizens of San Marino and Iceland will be required to provide additional documents.

Individuals will be required to prove their identity by either attending a biometrics appointment or by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.

Permitted activities

Individuals with a UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa are able to do the following while in the UK:

• Study in the UK (however for some courses you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate).

• Work in the UK (subject to conditions).

• Be self-employed and set up a company in the UK (provided that the business premises are rented, there are no other employees, and the equipment is not worth more than £5,000).

Prohibited activities

Individuals with a UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa cannot to do the following while in the UK:

• Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

• Claim public funds.

• Undertake self-employment which doesn’t meet the conditions laid out previously.

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme Application Process

How to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

To apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you will need to complete an online application.

As part of the application process you will be required to provide supporting documents to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements and to prove your identity. When it comes to proving your identity you will be able to do this by either attending a visa application centre or by using the UK Immigration: ID Check app. In addition to this, as part of the application process you will be required to pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge.

Please note that if you are from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan you will need to be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you make an application. 

How many times can you get a Youth Mobility Visa?

You can only spend time in the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa once. Therefore, if you have spent time previously on this visa you cannot reapply, however, if you are unsuccessful in your application and haven’t previously spent time in the UK under this route, then you will be able to reapply in the future (providing that you meet the requirements). 

How much does the Youth Mobility Visa cost?

The Youth Mobility Visa costs £298. However, in addition to this you will be required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge which stands at £776 for each year you are in the UK. Therefore, in total the cost of applying for the Youth Mobility Visa is £1,850.

- Correct at the time of writing - 26th April 2024.

How long does it take to get a Youth Mobility Visa?

Once you have submitted your Youth Mobility visa application, proved your identity, and provided any required documents, then you will usually receive a decision within 3 weeks.

How long can I stay in the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa?

With a Youth Mobility Visa you will be able to stay in the UK for up to 2 years. Individuals from Australia, Canada or New Zealand may be able to extend their visa by an additional 12 months.

Can I bring my spouse with me on a Youth Mobility Visa?

No, you cannot bring your spouse with you on a Youth Mobility Visa. If your spouse wishes to join you in the UK then they will be able to apply separately to the scheme providing that they meet the eligibility requirements.