UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa for Canadian citizens

This page is for Canadian citizens looking for information on the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa. The data covers the main eligibility requirements and conditions for this program. To apply, you must be a citizen of Canada aged 18 to 35. The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 24 months, and you can apply to extend it by one more year after the initial 2-year period ends.

To be eligible, you need to show you have £2,530 in your bank account. These funds must have been held for at least 28 days in a row. The application fee is £340. 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 the scheme.

Passport

Canada

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 Canadian 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 UK Youth Mobility Scheme for Canadians has a higher age limit of 35, which is the same as for Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, but higher than the limit of 30 for Japan and Hong Kong. A key feature is the length of stay. The initial visa is for up to 24 months, but unlike most other programs, nationals of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can extend it by one more year after the 2-year period. This provides a potential total stay longer than the initial period offered by other listed countries.

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 Canadian citizens

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

Full list: working holiday visas for Canadian citizens.

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