The UK Youth Mobility Scheme allows eligible young people from selected countries and territories to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.
The visa also allows successful applicants to study in the UK and, under certain conditions, work for themselves or establish a business.
However, eligibility depends on both the applicant’s nationality and age. While citizens of some countries can apply between the ages of 18 and 35, others have an age limit of 30.
Here is the full list of eligible countries and the applicable age requirements.
- Australia
Australian citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
Successful applicants can live and work in the UK for up to two years and may be eligible to extend their stay by an additional year.
- Canada
Canadian citizens between 18 and 35 are eligible to apply.
They can stay in the UK for an initial period of two years and may also qualify for a one-year extension.
- New Zealand
New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply under the scheme.
Like Australian and Canadian citizens, eligible New Zealanders may extend their visa by another year after completing the initial two-year period.
- South Korea
South Korean citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, provided they meet the other eligibility conditions, including the financial requirement.
- Andorra
Citizens of Andorra aged between 18 and 30 are eligible to apply.
- Iceland
Icelandic citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- Japan
Japanese citizens between 18 and 30 can apply, provided they satisfy the remaining requirements.
- Monaco
Citizens of Monaco aged 18 to 30 are eligible for the scheme.
- San Marino
San Marino citizens aged between 18 and 30 can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
- Uruguay
Uruguayan citizens aged 18 to 30 are also eligible to apply under the scheme.
Main UK Youth Mobility Scheme requirements
Applicants generally need to meet the following conditions:
- Be aged between 18 and 30 or 18 and 35, depending on their nationality.
- Have at least £2,530 in personal savings.
- Hold an eligible nationality covered by the scheme.
- Prove their identity and submit the required documents.
The visa allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months. They can enter the country at any point while their visa remains valid and are also allowed to leave and return during their stay.
Visa cost and application timeline
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa application fee is £340.
Applicants must also pay the immigration health surcharge, which is usually £776 per year, in addition to meeting the required savings threshold.
Applicants can submit their application up to six months before their planned travel date.
After completing the online application, proving their identity and submitting the necessary documents, applicants will usually receive a decision within three weeks.
What can Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders do?
Successful applicants can work in most types of employment and study in the UK.
They can also become self-employed under certain conditions and establish a company if they meet the restrictions attached to the scheme.
However, visa holders cannot work as professional sportspersons, claim public funds or bring family members to the UK as dependants through their application.
The visa generally cannot be extended, except for eligible citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who may qualify to apply for an additional year.
Source: UK Youth Mobility Scheme
