UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa offers young people from selected countries the opportunity to live and work in the UK. For 2026, the Home Office has confirmed important details about the ballot system, including who must enter, how to apply and what happens after the ballot.
This article breaks down everything you need to know in a simple and organised way.
Overview of the 2026 Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot
The first ballot for the 2026 Youth Mobility Scheme visa will:
- Open: 00:01am on Tuesday 10 February 2026
- Close: 00:01am on Thursday 12 February 2026
- Duration: 48 hours
A second ballot is expected to take place in the summer of 2026.
Who Needs to Enter the Ballot
You must enter the ballot if you want to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa and you are from:
- Hong Kong, if you hold a SAR passport
- Taiwan
Who Does NOT Need to Enter the Ballot
You do not need to enter the ballot if you are:
- A Japanese national
- A South Korean national
- A British Overseas Citizen
- A British Overseas Territories Citizen
- A British National (Overseas)
Japanese and South Korean nationals can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa at any time through the official website.
India Young Professionals Scheme
If you are from India, please note that the India Young Professionals Scheme operates under a separate ballot system. The Youth Mobility Scheme ballot described in this article does not apply to Indian nationals.
How to Enter the Ballot
Key Rules to Remember
- You enter the ballot by email
- Only one entry per person is allowed
- Duplicate entries will not be counted
- You must meet all eligibility requirements before entering
- All emails received during the 48-hour window will be included
- You will receive an automated confirmation email
Number of Places Available in 2026
For the 2026 Youth Mobility Scheme:
- 1,000 places are available for Hong Kong nationals
- 1,000 places are available for Taiwan nationals
Most places are allocated during the February ballot, with the remaining places allocated during the summer ballot.
How to Write Your Ballot Email
Your email must be written in English and follow a strict format.
Subject Line Format (Required)
Your subject line must include:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
Email Body (Required Information)
The body of the email must include:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Mobile phone number
Emails missing any of this information or not following the required format will not be considered.
Where to Send Your Ballot Entry
Hong Kong Applicants
Send your email to:
Between:
- 00:01am on Tuesday 10 February 2026
- 00:01am on Thursday 12 February 2026
(Hong Kong time)
Taiwan Applicants
Send your email to:
Between:
- 00:01am on Tuesday 10 February 2026
- 00:01am on Thursday 12 February 2026
(Taipei time)
If You Are Successful in the Ballot
If you are selected, you will receive an email by Friday 27 February 2026.
You will then have 90 days to:
- Submit your visa application
- Pay the visa fee
- Provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Visa Decision Timeline
- You should receive a decision within 3 weeks of attending your biometric appointment
- Processing times may vary depending on location
- Faster processing may be available in some countries through the VAC
If You Are Unsuccessful in the Ballot
If you are not selected:
- You will receive an email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing
- Check your junk or spam folder if you do not receive a response
Important Notes
- Ballot results are final
- There is no right of appeal
- You can enter future ballots, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements
Final Thoughts
The Youth Mobility Scheme ballot is a competitive but valuable opportunity for eligible applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan to live and work in the UK. Ensuring your email is correctly formatted, submitted on time, and meets all requirements is essential. With limited places available, preparation and accuracy are key. Seeking legal advice for such a competitive application is extremely important to maximise your chances of success.
Follow us to stay updated on the latest UK immigration changes. With over 20 years of experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK visa applications and provide tailored advice for your circumstances. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
