UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa for Japanese citizens

This page is for Japanese citizens interested in the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa. The scheme allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months. To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 30 when you apply. You will also need to show proof of funds of at least £2,530, which must have been in your bank account for 28 consecutive days.

The visa application fee is £340. In addition, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £776 per year. The standard processing time is usually within 3 weeks after you provide your documents and prove your identity. Unlike some other nationalities, Japanese citizens can apply at any time and do not need to enter a ballot.

Passport

Japan

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

Conditions for Japanese citizens

• Japanese nationals no longer need to enter a ballot and can apply at any time.

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

A key feature for Japanese applicants is that you can apply at any time and do not need to enter a ballot. This differs from the process for some other countries participating in the Youth Mobility Scheme.

The visa allows a stay of up to 24 months. While nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have an option to extend their stay for another year, this extension is not mentioned for Japanese citizens. Also, you cannot apply if you have previously been in the UK under this scheme.

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 Japanese citizens

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

Full list: working holiday visas for Japanese citizens.

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