Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa, formerly known as the Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa, is intended for individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who are citizens of eligible nations who wish to reside and work in the UK.

For further information on your Youth Mobility Scheme visa, fill out our inquiry form or give our immigration attorneys a call at 02033939272 for a free consultation.

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Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What is a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is intended for young people from the nations involved and territories who want to spend up to two years (or three years for nationals of Canada, New Zealand, and Australia) living in the UK.

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa route does not grant indefinite leave to remain in the UK, and dependents are not eligible to apply. Holders of visas under the Youth Mobility Scheme, however, could be qualified to submit an application internally to switch to a course that does lead to UK residency.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Requirements

According to UK Visas & Immigration, you must meet the following requirements to be eligible, 

  • You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 on the application date (or 18 and 35 for citizens of New Zealand,  Australia, the Republic of Korea, and Canada);
  • You belong to one of the following countries: People holding citizenship in New Zealand, Canada, Uruguay, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Australia, Monaco,  Iceland, Andorra, Taiwan, or San Marino and British nationals (overseas) from the British Overseas Territories can apply.
  • If you are an Indian citizen, possess a degree that is at least as high as RQF level 6, or have worked for at least three years in a position that is comparable to one of the qualified professions specified in the Appendix;
  • You have £2,530 in money that you held for 28 days in the 31 days before your application;
  • You’ve no child living with you and don’t need any financial support 
  • You have never travelled under the Youth Mobility Scheme in the UK before;
  • If necessary, you have completed a TB test;
  • Under the broad reasons for denial, you are not subject to rejection.

Depending on your situation, you will need to meet different standards. For professional guidance, you might wish to consult with an immigration attorney.

Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Quotas

The number of spots available for the Youth Mobility Scheme each year is determined by quotas set for specific countries. Below is the allocation of spaces for each country:

  • Australia: 35,000 places

With the largest quota, Australia offers young Australians plenty of chances to live and work in the UK.

  • In New Zealand, 13,000 places

There are also a lot of spaces available for New Zealanders under this plan, which gives them a lot of application flexibility.

  • Canada: 8,000 places

Each year, a significant number of spots are available for young Canadians to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

  • Japan: 6,000 places

One of the nations with a moderate allotment is Japan, which offers 6,000 opportunities for youth to participate in the program.

  • Republic of Korea: five thousand places

There are 5,000 spaces available for South Koreans to experience living and working in the UK.

  • India: 3,000 places

India has 3,000 spots available, however, there are requirements for qualifying such as job experience or educational background.

  • 1,000 places in Iceland

With just 1,000 spots available, Iceland provides young Icelanders with a special chance to travel to the UK.

  • Monaco: 1,000 places

Because Monaco has a 1,000 quota, young people from this tiny principality can benefit from the program.

  • Taiwan: 1,000 locations

Each year, the Youth Mobility Scheme offers 1,000 slots for Taiwanese nationals to apply for.

  • 1,000 places in Hong Kong

Hong Kong citizens may apply for a chance to reside and conduct business in the UK for 2 years, with 1,000 spots available.

  • San Marino: 1,000 places

With 1,000 spots, San Marino provides a means for young people from this tiny European nation to go to the UK.

  • Uruguay: 500 places

With only 500 spots available for youth mobility, Uruguay’s quota is less, but it’s still a fantastic chance for young Uruguayans.

  • Andorra: 100 locations

There are just 100 spots available for Andorran nationals annually, making it a relatively small quota.

Furthermore, there are no quotas for British nationals living abroad, British citizens living abroad, or British citizens living in British overseas territories. These people are qualified to submit an application, which offers them limitless opportunities, regardless of the number of spaces available.

Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Country Specific Requirements

A Youth Mobility Scheme entry clearance must be obtained prior to your arrival in the United Kingdom.

As a citizen of Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Australia, or Monaco, you will not be required to satisfy any country-specific requirements, or even if you are a British national (overseas), British national, or British national (overseas). However, you still need to meet the financial criteria listed below.

  • You must have received an invitation to register for the Youth Mobility Scheme and submitted your request within the time-frame indicated on the invitation if you are a citizen, national, or legitimate passport holder of Taiwan or Hong Kong.
  • You should present a letter from the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of San Marino attesting to your eligibility for the Youth Mobility Scheme if you are a citizen, national, or legitimate passport holder of the country. The letter needs to have been sent out no more than six months prior to the application date.
  • You should present a Criminal Certificate for Private Use that was issued no more than six months prior to the application date if you are an Icelandic native, citizen, or legitimate passport holder.

In order to be qualified to register: 

  • You must be an Indian national, citizen, or a legitimate passport holder, and have received an invitation to apply,
  • Have applied within the time-frame indicated on the invitation, 
  • Have a local police certificate or a police clearance certificate that was issued no more than six months prior to the application date, 
  • Possess a qualification equal to or higher than RQF level 6.

As an Andoran native or citizen with a valid passport certificate 

  • You must present a criminal history certificate that did not exceed six months when it was issued prior to the application date.

Anyone who holds citizenship or legally stays in Uruguay is welcome to apply for this visa.

  • You need a Certificate of Judicial Records that you received within the last six months before applying for your card 
Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Ballot (Invitation to Apply) Process

To be eligible for a ballot, you must first apply for a visa if you are a citizen, national, or legitimate passport bearer of Hong Kong, Taiwan (if you have a SAR passport), or India.

To express interest in applying for Youth Mobility Scheme entrance clearance candidates must follow the Home Office application process. The Home Office randomly picks applicants from an available pool of participants to continue the application process.

Each year, ballots are normally available for 48 hours in January and July. If you win the poll, you have 30 days to register.

In order to demonstrate their electoral success, citizens of the aforementioned nations must 

  1. Qualify because they received an invitation to apply and turned in their materials by the deadline. 
  2. Those who qualify based on their invitation must submit their applications while the submission period remains open.
Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Financial Requirement for Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

In the 31 days before your application, you must have £2,530 in money that you have held for 28 days.

You cannot have any children under the age of eighteen living with you or relying on you for financial support.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Duration 

You will be allowed to enter and stay in the UK for a maximum of two years if your application for a visa is accepted. In this time, you will have unrestricted access to the country. You may remain in the UK for as long as your visa is valid, even if you reach the age of 31. 

For those who are citizens of Canada, New Zealand, or Australia, may request a stay extension of up to one additional year before the two-year visa expires.

Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Conditions of Stay on a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

You can work in the UK as a visa holder, with the exception of working as a professional athlete or coach. You can only work for yourself, though, if you don’t have any workers, the total worth of any equipment you use for your business is less than £5,000, and you don’t own any real estate other than your house where you do business.

You will be permitted to study as well. However, you will be bound by the terms of the Academic Technology Approval Scheme unless you are a citizen of the Republic of Korea, Australia, Canada, Japan, or New Zealand. To study several courses at the postgraduate level in the UK, a certificate is required.

Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

What Happens If My Visa Application Is Denied?

If your visa application is refused, you may be able to request an administrative review of the decision. For knowledgeable legal counsel, you may choose to consult with an immigration attorney.

Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

Switching Into Another Immigration Category

Applying from within the UK to change your immigration category, such as the Innovator Founder or Skilled Worker routes, may be possible before your visa expires. Our immigration lawyers may offer guidance on possible long-term immigration paths, such as those that may result in UK residency.

Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

How Rees Clayton Can Help

Our team of solicitors, specialising in corporate immigration, has extensive experience assisting with all types of visa applications. With in-depth knowledge of Home Office regulations and available visa options, our solicitors will guide you through the process and ensure a smooth application.

We take great satisfaction in being personable and proactive in identifying and attending to the requirements of our clients. As part of a professional and amiable service, our highly motivated staff is committed to giving applicants for the Youth Mobility Scheme clear and trustworthy immigration assistance.

Our experienced Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors can help you with your immigration process.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions & Answer

To be eligible, you must:

  1. Be aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for certain countries).
  2. Be a citizen of a participating country (including India, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and others).
  3. Meet the financial requirement (have at least £2,530 in savings for 28 days before applying).
  4. Not have any children under 18 financially dependent on them.
  5. Not have used the Youth Mobility Scheme before.
  6. Submit the visa registration cost, Immigration Health Surcharge, and give biometric information.

For India Youth Mobility Visa UK applicants, you must also meet educational or work experience qualifications.

The application process for this visa typically involves:

  1. Checking if your country is eligible for the scheme.
  2. Meeting the financial and other requirements.
  3. Submit your application online through the UK government website.
  4. Providing necessary documents, including evidence of funds, identity, and eligibility.

If you are from certain countries like India or Hong Kong, you may need to go through a ballot process first to be invited to apply.

No, the visa does not allow dependants (children or partners) to join the applicant. However, you may be able to switch to a different immigration route while in the UK if you want to bring dependants or apply for settlement.

The Youth Mobility Visa UK is typically valid for up to 2 years, though citizens of Australia, New Zealand, and Canada can extend their stay for an additional year (for a maximum of 3 years).

If you turn 31 while in the UK, you can stay until your visa expires, but you cannot extend it once you reach that age.

Yes, you can work on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa in the UK. However, there are certain restrictions:

  • You cannot work as an Experienced athlete or trainer.
  • Also, you are permitted to be self-employed under certain conditions (e.g., having no employees and limited business expenses).
  • You may study, but some postgraduate subjects require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can apply to extend their Youth Mobility Scheme Visa for one additional year, but this is not possible for other nationals.

No, you cannot apply for this visa if you’ve held one before, except under certain circumstances. Always check your eligibility carefully before applying.

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