UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa: who can apply

This page is for people who want to apply for the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme visa. It shows the main eligibility rules based on official data. To apply, you must be a national of one of 12 listed countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. You must be 18 or over when your visa would start and 30 or under when you apply. For nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the upper age limit is 35.

The visa allows a stay of up to 24 months. You will need to show you have at least £2,530 in your bank account. The application fee is £340, and you must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £776 per year. You cannot bring family members with you on this visa, and you cannot apply if you have previously been in the UK under this scheme.

Program

Youth Mobility Scheme

Passports listed

12

Age ranges

18 to 30, 18 to 35

General rules

• Up to 24 months. Nationals of Australia, Canada and New Zealand can extend by one more year after the 2-year period.
• Work in most jobs; self-employment allowed if premises are rented, equipment is worth no more than £5,000 and you have no employees. Professional sportsperson work (including coaching) is not allowed.
• You can study; some courses need an ATAS certificate.
• At least £2,530 in your bank account, held for 28 days in a row, with day 28 within 31 days of applying.
• £340 application fee, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (usually £776 per year).
• Family members cannot be included; you cannot apply if children under 18 live with you or you are financially responsible for children.
• You cannot apply if you have already been in the UK under the scheme.
• No access to public funds.
• You must be 18 or over when the visa starts and 30 (or 35) or under when you apply.
• GOV.UK says you usually get a decision within 3 weeks after applying, proving your identity and providing documents.

Passports accepted: Youth Mobility Scheme

What stands out

Unlike some work visa schemes, the Youth Mobility Scheme allows for self-employment under specific conditions: your premises must be rented, your equipment must be worth no more than £5,000, and you cannot have employees. Another key detail is that nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can extend their stay by one more year after the initial 24-month period. For these three nationalities, the upper age limit to apply is also higher, at 35 instead of 30.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check your nationality and age group (18 to 30 or 18 to 35), and whether you must win the ballot first.
2. Make sure £2,530 has been in your account for 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of applying.
3. Apply online up to 6 months before you travel, pay the £340 fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
4. Prove your identity and provide your documents; a decision usually takes about 3 weeks after that.

British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) aged 18 to 30 can also apply, without a ballot. Indian nationals use a separate India Young Professionals Scheme visa, not the YMS.