UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa for Australian citizens

This page is for Australian citizens interested in the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme visa. The program allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months. To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 35. The visa can be extended for one more year after the initial 2-year period ends.

To apply, you need to show proof of £2,530 in funds, held for at least 28 days. 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 are not eligible if you have previously been in the UK under the scheme.

Passport

Australia

Age range

18 to 35

Stay

Up to 24 months (plus a 1-year extension)

Fee

£340 + Immigration Health Surcharge (usually £776 per year)

Funds

£2,530 held for 28 days

Conditions for Australian citizens

• Can extend the visa by one year after the 2-year period ends.

General rules of the program

• 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.

What stands out

The age range for Australian citizens, 18 to 35, is higher than for many other countries participating in the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme. Another key feature is the option to extend the visa. After the initial 24-month period, nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can apply for a one-year extension. This brings the potential total stay to three years, which is longer than the standard two years offered to most other participants.

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.

Other programs open to Australian citizens

From the programs in this directory. Status is shown only where the official page stated it.

Full list: working holiday visas for Australian citizens.

All passports for this program: UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa: who can apply.