The UK government offers the opportunity to foreign young people to travel to the UK and work for a limited period under the Youth Mobility visa. This is a way to promote cultural exchange and it is open to nationals from certain eligible countries.
Before starting the visa application, however, it is important to assess the eligibility and understand the application requirements, to avoid issues or delays with the application.
Youth mobility scheme UK
The youth mobility route is a good opportunity for young foreigners who wish to experience life in the UK for up to 2 or 3 years.
It is a more flexible immigration strategy, compared to other UK visas, at it does not require to be sponsored. In fact, applicants must not already have secured a job offer by the time they apply for the visa.
Youth mobility visa UK work restrictions
Holders of a youth mobility visa can work in most jobs.
Furthermore, they can be self-employed and set up a company, subject to the following conditions:
- The applicants have no premises which they own, other than their home, from which they carry out their business. Alternatively, company premises can be rented;
- The total value of any work equipment used in the business is not worth more than £5,000;
- The applicant has no employees.
Finally, it is not allowed to work as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach) and get public funds.
If the requirements are not met, candidates can check if they are eligible for other UK visa types.
Can I bring my family with me?
The youth mobility visa does not allow to bring family members on the same visa application. Family members must apply separately.
Youth mobility visa UK eligibility
The UK has set a country-based quota principle for the youth mobility visa. In other words, there is a limited number of visas available for citizens of each country.
Youth mobility visa UK eligible countries
Applicants can apply for the visa if they are aged 18 to 35 and from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea.
They must be aged 18 or over when the visa starts, or 35 or under when they apply for it. This means that it is possible to apply for the visa before turning 18 and be over 35 when the visa starts.
Applicants can apply for the visa if they are aged 18 to 30 and from Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay.
Youth mobility visa UK opening date
Applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan, instead, need to enter a ballot system if they want to apply for the youth mobility scheme visa. The first ballot of the 2025 youth mobility scheme took place in February 2025 and the details of the next ballot will be published on the government’s website. Ballots are usually open for 48 hours and it is possible to access it by sending an email.
Finally, there is a different scheme for applicants from India – i.e. the India young professionals scheme visa.
UK young professionals’ scheme
The India Young Professionals Scheme allows Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Applicants must enter a dedicated scheme ballot and be selected, before they can apply for the visa.
Youth mobility visa UK bank statement
Applicants need to have at least £2,530 in their bank account to show they can support themselves in the UK. Such amount must be available for at least 28 days in a row.
UK youth mobility visa application
Once you have assessed that you meet all the requirements specific to your case, you can start your visa application.
How to apply?
You will have to apply online by registering on the relevant Home Office website and complete the application. Alternatively, you can decide to avail of the support of an immigration advisor who will usually complete the application for you and guide you on the next steps.
To complete your application, you will also need to prove your identity either by using the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app or by provide your biometrics at a visa application center. The relevant center is usually in your country of residence but it may also be in another country.
The visa application center may need to keep your passport and documents while they process the application.
Documents required for youth mobility visa UK
During the visa application process, you will be required to provide:
- Your valid passport with a blank page on it;
- A bank statement showing you have the minimum amount of savings needed for the application;
- A tuberculosis (TB) test result if you are from a country where you have to take the test;
- Other documents depending on your circumstances.
All documents that are not in English or Welsh will have to be accompanied by a certified translation.
Furthermore, additional documents must be provided for applicants of certain nationalities:
- For citizens from Andorra: an Andorran certificate of criminal records, issued less than 6 months before the visa application;
- For citizens from Hong Kong or Taiwan: a valid email from the Home Office confirming that you were selected in the corresponding scheme ballot;
- For citizens from Iceland: an Icelandic criminal certificate for private use, issued less than 6 months before the visa application;
- For citizens from San Marino: a letter from the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs of the Republic of San Marino Department of Foreign Affairs, not older than 6 months, confirming that you are suitable for the Youth Mobility Scheme;
- For citizens from Uruguay: an Uruguayan certificate of judicial records, issued less than 6 months before the visa application.
Once you have assessed that you meet all the requirements specific to your case, you can start your visa application.
UK youth mobility visa processing time
After completing the online application, a decision usually comes within 3 weeks. However, in some instances the decision can take longer. For instance if your supporting documents or specific personal circumstances need to be checked.
If the application is successful, you will be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
Cost of youth mobility visa UK
How much does the visa cost?
Government application fees for a youth mobility visa correspond to:
- £298 for the application fee;
- £776 per year for the healthcare surcharge.
Government fees may be updated every year or from time to time according to the cost-of-living index.
How long can you stay
As outcome of a successful application, you will be given a visa for the UK for up to 2 years. You can enter the UK any time during the validity of the visa. You can leave and come back at any time during your stay.
Extending youth mobility visa UK
Citizens of certain nationalities have the possibility to extend their visa. In details, citizens from Australia, Canada or New Zealand can extend the visa by one year, for a total period of 3 years.
