The Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows young people aged between 18 to 30 (or 18-35 years old depending on your nationality) to live and work in the United Kingdom for a period of up to two years. Applicants from some countries will be able to extend their Youth Mobility visa from within the UK, bringing their total period of leave on this route to 3 years.

The scheme does not require you to be sponsored for a job or meet any salary thresholds like the Skilled Worker visa route.

How can I qualify for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa?

You can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa if:

• You would like to live and work in the UK for a period of up to 2 years. Nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can extend the visa for up to 1 year from within the UK.
• Are between the ages of 18 to 30, or 18-35 depending on your nationality. If you turn 31 or 36 after the visa is granted, you can continue to live in the UK until it expires.
• Have at least £2,530.00 in savings to evidence you can support yourself in the UK. You must have held the funds for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting the application.
• You can apply for the visa if you’re aged 18 to 35 and from:
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
• You can apply for the visa if you’re aged 18 to 30 and from:
  • Andorra
  • Iceland
  • Japan
  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • Uruguay
• If you are a national of any of the countries listed below, you must first be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you can apply for this visa:
  • Hong Kong, and you hold an SAR passport
  • India – There’s a different scheme for Indian nationals. Check if you’re eligible for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.
  • Taiwan
• You are also qualified to apply if you have one of the following types of British Nationality:
  • British Overseas Territories Citizen
  • British National (overseas)
  • British overseas citizen

You are not eligible to apply if:

• You have children under the age of 18 who live with you.
• You have children you are financially responsible for.
• Have already been in the UK under the same scheme.

Family members of Youth Mobility Scheme workers

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa does not allow family members to join you in the UK.

How to apply

The initial visa can only be applied for online from outside of the UK.

If you would like legal assistance with applying for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, please contact us for a quote.