How to Apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa, officially part of the UK’s Temporary Worker visa (T5) category, offers young people from select countries the opportunity to live, work, and travel in the United Kingdom for up to two years. It is designed to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the UK and participating nations, while also allowing young people to gain international experience.

Nature and Purpose of the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa is a temporary UK visa designed to promote cultural exchange and international experience. It allows young people from specific countries and territories to live, work, and travel in the UK for a period of up to two years.

In essence, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa offers a chance for young people to immerse themselves in UK life, gain valuable skills, and contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of the country — all while exploring new personal and professional horizons.

Eligible Countries for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa 

To apply for the YMS visa, applicants must be a citizen of one of the following eligible countries or territories, with some having annual quotas. You’re eligible to apply for the visa if you’re between 18 and 35 years old and a citizen of:

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• South Korea

You can apply for the visa if you are between 18 and 30 years old and a citizen of:

• Andorra
• Iceland
• Japan
• Monaco
• San Marino
• Uruguay
• Hong Kong (with an SAR passport) 
• Taiwan
• British Overseas Citizen
• British Overseas Territories Citizen
• British National (Overseas)

The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

1. Be aged 18–30 (or up to 35 for some nationalities, such as New Zealand, Australia, and Canada).
2. Have savings to support yourself.
3. Not have any children under your care or living with you.
4. Not have previously held a YMS visa.
5. Be from an eligible country or territory.
6. For some countries (e.g., India, Hong Kong, Taiwan), pass a ballot system or obtain a sponsorship certificate.

Permitted Activities on the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Once in the UK, Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders can:

✅ Work in most jobs.

✅ Be self-employed (with restrictions).

✅ Study (some courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme – ATAS certificate).

✅ Travel in and out of the UK freely during the visa period.

However, holders cannot:

❌ Extend the visa beyond 2 years.

❌ Bring family members as dependants.

❌ Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

❌ Access public funds (benefits).

Documents Required for Application of theYouth Mobility Scheme Visa

When applying for a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa, you will need to submit the following documents to support your application:

1. Valid Passport: Must be from an eligible country or territory and valid for your entire stay in the UK.
2. Proof of Funds: You must have enough funds in your bank account, held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before applying. A bank statement or official letter is required.
3. Ballot Selection Confirmation: Required if you are from Hong Kong (SAR passport), Taiwan, or India. Proof of successful selection in the ballot is necessary.
4. Sponsorship Certificate: Only required for Indian applicants. You must submit a valid certificate issued by the government.
5. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate: Needed if you’re applying from a country where TB testing is mandatory for UK visas. You must provide a certificate showing you are TB-free.
6. Certified Translations: Any documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation.
7. Optional Supporting Documents: Travel plans, accommodation details, and previous UK visa records can be included to strengthen your application.

Application Process for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The application process for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa generally involves the following steps:

1. Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet all criteria, including country-specific rules.
2. Gather Documents: Gather all the required documents for the visa application
3. Apply Online through the UK official visa website.
4. Pay the Application Fee and Healthcare Surcharge: Pay for the visa fee online.
5. Attend Biometrics Appointment at a visa application center (VAC) and wait for the decision.

Special Note: Indian Applicants of the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Indian nationals must enter a ballot system, which typically opens twice a year. If selected, they receive an invitation to apply and must submit a sponsorship certificate from the Indian government.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Processing Time 

The typical processing time for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa is around 3 weeks from the date you attend your biometric appointment at a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app (if eligible). However, actual processing times may vary depending on:

• The country you’re applying from
• The volume of applications at the time
• Whether you’ve submitted all required documents correctly
• Additional checks needed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

To avoid delays, ensure your application is complete, your documents are accurate, and you respond promptly if UKVI contacts you for more information. If needed, priority services may be available in some countries for faster processing, typically within 1 - 2 Working Days, for an additional fee.

Benefits of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa offers numerous benefits for young people seeking an international experience:

• Work Flexibility: The ability to work in most jobs without sponsorship provides significant flexibility to explore different career paths and gain diverse work experience in the UK.
• Cultural Immersion: Living and working in the UK offers a rich cultural experience, allowing you to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and explore the UK's history, traditions, and vibrant cities.
• Personal Growth: Navigating a new country and work environment fosters independence, adaptability, and personal development.
• Travel Opportunities: The UK's central location provides a great base for exploring other parts of Europe and beyond.
• Study Options: The visa allows you to study, providing opportunities for further education or skill development.
• No Specific Skill or Salary Requirements: Unlike skilled worker visas, there are no specific skill levels or minimum salary thresholds you need to meet for employment under the YMS.
• Potential Stepping Stone: While the YMS is a temporary visa, it can provide valuable experience and connections that may help you qualify for other UK visa routes in the future, such as the Skilled Worker visa or a spouse visa.

Limitations to Consider When Applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme 

Here are some of the limitations to consider when applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa:

• The visa is non-renewable.
• No dependents are allowed to accompany you.
• The scheme is only available once per lifetime.
• Not valid for work in certain restricted fields (like professional sports).

After the Uk Youth Mobility Scheme Ends – What’s Next?

After the two-year period ends, visa holders must leave the UK unless they qualify for another visa route. Common options include:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Student Visa (to pursue higher education)
• Global Talent Visa (for highly skilled individuals)
• Partner or Spouse Visa (if applicable)

Transitioning from YMS to another visa often requires meeting different eligibility criteria and may involve returning to your home country to apply.

FAQs

Do I need to be in my home country to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?

Yes, you must apply from your home country or the country where you are legally resident. Applications from within the UK are not permitted.

What is the ballot system and who needs to enter it for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa application?

Citizens from India, Hong Kong (SAR passport), and Taiwan must enter a ballot system. Only those selected can proceed to apply for the visa.

Can I apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa if I’m not yet 18?

Yes, you can apply before turning 18, but your visa will only be valid from the day you turn 18.

Can I travel while my application for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa is being processed?

You should remain in the country where you submitted your application until a decision is made, as travelling might disrupt processing or require reapplication.

Is an interview part of the application process for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa?

In most cases, there is no interview. However, UKVI may request additional information or an interview in rare circumstances.

What happens after my Youth Mobility Scheme visa is approved

You’ll receive a visa vignette in your passport allowing you to enter the UK. Once in the UK, you will collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or continue using the digital status if you applied via the app.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in May 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.