UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa for Hong Kong passport holders

This page is for Hong Kong SAR passport holders who want to apply for the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme visa. The program allows successful applicants aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months. You cannot bring family members with you on this visa.

To be eligible, you must have at least £2,530 in your bank account, held for 28 consecutive days. The application fee is £340, and you must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £776 per year. You cannot apply if you have previously been in the UK under this scheme.

Passport

Hong Kong

Age range

18 to 30

Stay

Up to 24 months

Fee

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

Funds

£2,530 held for 28 days

Places

1,000 places in 2026, by ballot

Status when checked

2026 ballots closed

Conditions for Hong Kong passport holders

• SAR passport holders must be selected in the YMS ballot first. In 2026 there were 1,000 places; all 2026 ballots have closed and 2027 details will be published by UKVI.

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 most important condition for Hong Kong passport holders is the ballot system. You must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you can apply for the visa. For 2026, there was a quota of 1,000 places. According to the data, all ballots for 2026 have now closed.

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 Hong Kong passport holders

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

Full list: working holiday visas for Hong Kong passport holders.

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