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Live and work in the UK for up to 2 years if you're aged 18-30
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa is a cultural exchange programme that allows young people from participating countries to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years. It's designed to give young people the opportunity to experience UK life and culture while supporting themselves through employment.
Unlike most work visas, you don't need a job offer or employer sponsorship. You're free to work for any employer, in any role, or be self-employed. This makes it one of the most flexible visa options available for young people from eligible countries.
At Mohmand Immigration Legal Services, we help young people from participating countries navigate the YMS application process. While the visa itself is relatively straightforward, we ensure your application is properly prepared and meets all requirements.
We can help ensure your application is complete and correct.
To qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you must meet several key requirements relating to your nationality, age, and financial resources.
The Youth Mobility Scheme is available to citizens of the following countries. Age limits and visa durations vary by country.
These countries offer a 3-year visa duration
These countries offer a 2-year visa duration
You must provide comprehensive evidence to support your Youth Mobility Scheme application.
The Youth Mobility Scheme application process involves several steps. We guide you through each stage to ensure a successful application.
The costs of applying for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa include the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and other potential expenses.
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa gives you significant flexibility, but there are some restrictions to be aware of.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Youth Mobility Scheme.
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is a cultural exchange programme that allows young people from participating countries to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for some nationalities). It's designed to give young people the opportunity to experience UK life and culture while supporting themselves through employment. Unlike most work visas, you don't need a job offer or employer sponsorship.
Current participating countries include Australia, Canada, New Zealand (18-35 age limit), Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Iceland, Monaco, San Marino, and Andorra (18-30 age limit). The list is updated periodically as the UK signs new agreements. Each country has a different annual quota of places available, and some countries may have ballot systems.
You must be aged between 18 and 30 when you apply (or 18-35 for Australia, Canada, and New Zealand). You cannot apply if you're over the age limit, even by one day. The age is assessed at the date of application, not arrival in the UK. For example, if you turn 31 before your application is decided, you will be refused.
No, the Youth Mobility visa cannot be extended beyond 2 years (or 3 years for some nationalities). It's a one-time opportunity - you can only use this visa once in your lifetime. However, if you want to stay longer, you may be able to switch to another visa type (like a Skilled Worker visa) from within the UK if you meet the requirements before your YMS visa expires.
You can work in almost any job in the UK - there are no restrictions on the type of work, hours, or salary. You can be employed, self-employed, or start a business. The main exceptions are you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach, and you cannot access public funds. You can work for multiple employers simultaneously if you wish.
No, you don't need a job offer to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. You're free to find work after you arrive. However, you do need to prove you have at least £2,530 in savings to support yourself when you first arrive. This must be held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
No, you cannot bring dependants (spouse, partner, or children) on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. This visa is only for the individual applicant. If you want to bring family members, you would need to switch to another visa route that allows dependants, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
The application fee is £298. You also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year, so for a 2-year visa that's £1,552. Total cost is approximately £1,850. You also need to show £2,530 in savings, but this money remains yours - it's just proof of funds.
Yes, you can study on the Youth Mobility visa, but you cannot study at a state-funded school. You can enrol in private schools, colleges, or universities. However, the primary purpose of this visa is work and cultural exchange, not study.
No, time spent on the Youth Mobility visa does not count towards settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain). However, you can switch to other visa routes that do lead to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker visa, if you meet the requirements. You must switch before your YMS visa expires.
Book a free consultation with our expert team today. We'll help you through the Youth Mobility Scheme application process.