Youth Mobility Visa

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  1. What is the UK Youth Mobility Visa?
  2. Who is eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa?
  3. Which countries participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme?
  4. What are the age limits for the Youth Mobility Visa?
  5. How much savings do I need for the Youth Mobility Visa?
  6. What documents are required for the Youth Mobility Visa application?
  7. Is there a ballot system for the Youth Mobility Visa?
  8. How long can I stay in the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa?
  9. Can I work on a Youth Mobility Visa?
  10. What types of work are prohibited on a Youth Mobility Visa?
  11. Can I study on a Youth Mobility Visa?
  12. Can I bring family members or dependents on my Youth Mobility Visa?
  13. What is the cost of the Youth Mobility Visa application?
  14. What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and how much is it for the Youth Mobility Visa?
  15. How long does it take to process a Youth Mobility Visa application?
  16. Do I need a job offer before applying for the Youth Mobility Visa?
  17. Can I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa if I have a criminal record?
  18. What happens if I turn 31 (or 36 for extended age countries) while on my Youth Mobility Visa?
  19. Can I leave and re-enter the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa?
  20. Does the Youth Mobility Visa lead to permanent residency?
  21. Can I switch from a Youth Mobility Visa to another visa category?
  22. How do I prove my identity for the Youth Mobility Visa application?
  23. What happens if my Youth Mobility Visa application is refused?
  24. How early can I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa before my intended travel date?
  25. Do I need a tuberculosis (TB) test?
  26. What happens if I cannot travel within the 90-day validity of my visa vignette?
  27. Are there any restrictions on self-employment for Youth Mobility Visa holders?
  28. Do I need to be able to speak English to apply for a Youth Mobility Visa?
  29. Can I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa if I have previously held a UK working holiday visa or Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
  30. What if there are changes to the Youth Mobility Scheme after I apply?

What is the UK Youth Mobility Visa?

The UK Youth Mobility Visa (previously known as Tier 5 Youth Mobility) is a temporary visa route allowing young people from participating countries and territories to live, work, and travel in the UK for up to two years. For some nationalities, this can be extended to three years. It’s a cultural exchange programme that offers flexibility without requiring employer sponsorship before arrival.

Who is eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa?

Eligibility is primarily based on nationality and age. You must be aged 18 to 30 at the time of application (or 18 to 35 for citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea). You must also hold a valid passport from an eligible country or territory, or be a British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British National (Overseas).

Which countries participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme?

As of May 2025, participating countries include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea (for ages 18-35), Andorra, Hong Kong (SAR), Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Taiwan, and Uruguay (for ages 18-30). British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas) are also eligible. The India Young Professionals Scheme is a separate, but similar, route for Indian citizens.

What are the age limits for the Youth Mobility Visa?

Generally, you must be 18 to 30 years old on the date you apply. However, for citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea, the age limit is extended to 18 to 35 years old. You must be at least 18 year when your visa becomes valid. For the India Young Professionals Scheme, the age limit is 18 to 30.

How much savings do I need for the Youth Mobility Visa?

You must have at least £2,530 in savings. These funds must have been held in your bank account for a continuous 28-day period, and day 28 must be within 31 days of submitting your visa application.

What documents are required for the Youth Mobility Visa application?

You will typically need a valid passport, a bank statement proving your £2,530 savings, and a tuberculosis (TB) test result if you are from a country where it’s required. Some nationalities, including those applying via the India Young Professionals Scheme, may need to provide additional documents like a criminal record certificate or a ballot selection confirmation, and for India, a degree-level qualification.

Is there a ballot system for the Youth Mobility Visa?

Yes, for applicants from Hong Kong (SAR) and Taiwan, you must first be selected through a ballot system before you can submit your visa application. The India Young Professionals Scheme also operates a separate ballot system due to high demand. Japan and South Korea no longer require a ballot for the Youth Mobility Scheme.

How long can I stay in the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa?

The Youth Mobility Visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months (2 years). Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand may be able to extend their stay for an additional year, bringing their total stay to up to three years. The India Young Professionals Scheme also allows a stay of up to 2 years.

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Can I work on a Youth Mobility Visa?

Yes, you can work in most jobs. There is no requirement for employer sponsorship, and no minimum salary threshold. You can also be self-employed, but with specific limitations (e.g., rented premises, equipment value under £5,000, no employees). This generally applies to both the Youth Mobility Scheme and the India Young Professionals Scheme.

What types of work are prohibited on a Youth Mobility Visa?

You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Can I study on a Youth Mobility Visa?

Yes, you can study. However, for some sensitive courses, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Can I bring family members or dependents on my Youth Mobility Visa?

No, you cannot bring family members or dependents on your Youth Mobility Visa application. They must apply separately under a different visa category if they wish to join you. This also applies to the India Young Professionals Scheme.

What is the cost of the Youth Mobility Visa application?

The application fee for the Youth Mobility Visa is £319 as of May 2025. The fee for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa is also £319.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and how much is it for the Youth Mobility Visa?

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee that allows visa holders to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). For Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, the IHS is £776 per year of your visa. You pay this upfront for the full duration of your visa. The same IHS amount applies to the India Young Professionals Scheme.

How long does it take to process a Youth Mobility Visa application?

Standard processing time for a Youth Mobility Visa is around 3 weeks. Priority services may be available for an additional fee. Processing for the India Young Professionals Scheme is also typically around 3 weeks.

Do I need a job offer before applying for the Youth Mobility Visa?

No, one of the key benefits of the Youth Mobility Visa is that you do not need to have a job offer in the UK before you apply or arrive. This also applies to the India Young Professionals Scheme.

Can I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa if I have a criminal record?

While minor offences may not automatically lead to a refusal, serious criminal convictions can impact your eligibility. You will need to disclose any criminal history. Some nationalities, including those from India, may also require a local police certificate.

What happens if I turn 31 (or 36 for extended age countries) while on my Youth Mobility Visa?

If you turn 31 (or 36) after your visa has been issued, you can remain in the UK for the full duration of your visa’s validity.

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Can I leave and re-enter the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa?

Yes, you can enter and leave the UK as many times as you like during the validity period of your Youth Mobility Visa. This also applies to the India Young Professionals Scheme.

Does the Youth Mobility Visa lead to permanent residency?

No, the Youth Mobility Visa is a temporary visa route and does not directly lead to permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK. The India Young Professionals Scheme also does not lead to permanent residency.

Can I switch from a Youth Mobility Visa to another visa category?

Yes, it is possible to switch to another visa category from within the UK, such as a Skilled Worker Visa, if you meet the eligibility requirements for that new visa. This usually requires securing a sponsored job offer. This is also possible for India Young Professionals Scheme visa holders.

How do I prove my identity for the Youth Mobility Visa application?

You will typically need to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). In some cases, you may be able to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. This process is similar for both schemes.

What happens if my Youth Mobility Visa application is refused?

If your application is refused, the refusal letter will explain the reasons. In most cases, there is no right of appeal for Youth Mobility Visa refusals, and your main options would be to apply again (addressing the reasons for refusal) or request an administrative review if there was a case-working error.

How early can I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa before my intended travel date?

You can apply for your Youth Mobility Visa up to 6 months before your planned travel date to the UK. This also applies to the India Young Professionals Scheme.

Do I need a tuberculosis (TB) test?

You will need a tuberculosis (TB) test if you are applying from a country where a TB test is required. The Home Office website provides a list of these countries. India is on the list of countries requiring a TB test.

What happens if I cannot travel within the 90-day validity of my visa vignette?

If your visa application is successful, you will typically have 90 days to enter the UK. If you cannot travel within this period, you will need to apply for an extension to your visa vignette, but your visa’s overall validity period will not change.

Are there any restrictions on self-employment for Youth Mobility Visa holders?

Yes, if you are self-employed, you cannot have any employees, your business premises must be rented (not owned), and the total value of your equipment used for the business must not exceed £5,000. These restrictions apply to both the Youth Mobility Scheme and the India Young Professionals Scheme.

Do I need to be able to speak English to apply for a Youth Mobility Visa?

No, there is no specific English language requirement for the general Youth Mobility Visa. However, for the India Young Professionals Scheme, while not an explicit English language test, applicants must hold a qualification at bachelor’s degree level or above.

Can I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa if I have previously held a UK working holiday visa or Youth Mobility Scheme visa?

No, you cannot apply for the Youth Mobility Visa if you have previously held and used a Youth Mobility Scheme visa or a working holiday visa for the UK. It is a one-time opportunity. This also applies to the India Young Professionals Scheme; you cannot apply if you’ve already been in the UK under that scheme or the Youth Mobility Scheme.

What if there are changes to the Youth Mobility Scheme after I apply?

The visa requirements are based on the rules in place at the time of your application. However, it’s always advisable to keep an eye on official UK government announcements for any updates or changes that might affect future stays or extensions.

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