Youth Mobility Visa UK 2025
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa is designed for young individuals from eligible countries who wish to live, work, and explore the UK for up to 2 years. The applicant must have £2,530 in bank account as savings.
Benefits
- Visa holders can work in most sectors, gaining valuable international work experience.
- Applicants can enroll in educational courses, with some requiring an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
- Individuals can establish their own business as long as they do not employ staff and their business assets do not exceed £5,000.
- Participants can enter and leave the UK multiple times while their visa is valid.
- You can travel freely within the UK and the Schengen Area during your stay.
Visa Duration
The Youth Mobility Visa is valid for 24 months (2 years). Applicants from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand may extend their visa by an additional year, allowing them to stay for up to three years.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must show proof of at least £2,530 in their bank account. The funds must be available for 28 consecutive days, at least 31 days before applying for the visa.
Visa Fees & Other Costs
- Application Fee – £298
- Healthcare Surcharge – £776 per year (£1,552 for two years)
Processing Time
The visa decision is usually made within 3 weeks after submitting the application, verifying identity, and providing required documents.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- For nationals from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea, the age limit extends to 35 years.
- You must be a national of one of the eligible countries.
- Fulfill the specified savings requirement.
- You must not have any dependent children under 18.
- You must not have previously participated in the YMS.
- You may need to provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, depending on your country of origin.
- Nationals of Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and India may need to enter a ballot system to be eligible to apply.
- Indian applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (equivalent to RQF level 6 or above).
Have at least three years of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations.
Required Documents
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for the entire visa period.
- Proof of Funds – Bank statement or letter confirming at least £2,530 in savings.
- Tuberculosis Test Certificate – Required if applying from a country where TB testing is mandatory.
- Ballot Selection Confirmation (for applicants from India, Taiwan, and Hong Kong).
- Educational or Work Experience Proof (for Indian applicants).
How To Apply? Complete Application Process
Check Eligibility – Confirm you meet all requirements.
Enter the Ballot (if required) – If from India, Hong Kong, or Taiwan, apply for the ballot selection in January or July.
Prepare Your Documents – Gather all necessary paperwork, including bank statements and health certificates.
Apply Online – Complete the UK Youth Mobility Visa application on the UK government website.
Pay Fees – Submit the £298 application fee and £1,552 healthcare surcharge.
Attend Biometrics Appointment – Provide fingerprints and photographs at a Visa Application Centre.
Wait for Processing – Most decisions are made within 3 weeks.
Key Dates
- Ballot Opening Dates –
- January & July (for India, Hong Kong, and Taiwan applicants).
- Processing Time – Usually 3 weeks from the date of submission.
Eligible Countries
Applicants must hold citizenship from one of the following:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- India
- Iceland
- Monaco
- Taiwan
- San Marino
- Uruguay
- Andorra
- British Overseas Citizens
- British Overseas Territories Citizens
- British Nationals (Overseas)
Key Considerations
- Understand the rules, requirements, and eligibility criteria.
- You cannot work as a professional sportsperson.
- The health surcharge provides full access to the NHS (National Health Service).
- Ensure you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses.
- Always refer to the official GOV.UK website for the most up-to-date information and any changes to the scheme.
