Youth Mobility Visa for Young Professionals
Are you looking to travel to the UK and gain cultural or work experience? The good news is that with a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa, you can live, work, and explore the UK for up to two years. This visa provides an excellent opportunity for young professionals to immerse themselves in UK culture while gaining valuable international experience.
At UK Visas, we provide expert guidance for all UK visa types, including the Youth Mobility Visa. Our team of experienced advisors can assist you through every step of the application process, from completing the application form to advising on the necessary supporting documents. We aim to make your application journey as smooth and stress-free as possible, helping you achieve your goal of living and working in the UK.
The Youth Mobility Visa also allows participants to work in most jobs in the UK, giving you the flexibility to support yourself while gaining professional experience. In addition, you can travel freely within the UK, enabling you to explore different cities and regions during your stay.
Furthermore, the scheme fosters cultural exchange and networking opportunities, helping you build both professional and personal connections. Whether you are seeking career growth, adventure, or a chance to experience UK life, the Youth Mobility Visa offers a unique platform to make the most of your time abroad.
What Is the Youth Mobility Scheme?
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa is a UK visa category that allows young people from eligible countries to live, work, and explore the UK for up to two years. It is designed as a cultural exchange programme, enabling participants to experience life in the UK while gaining valuable professional experience.
The YMS Visa is ideal for young individuals seeking to immerse themselves in UK culture, develop their careers, and gain international work experience. It also benefits UK businesses by providing access to global young talent, helping to foster innovation and skills exchange.
In addition, the scheme has recently expanded to include doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals, allowing young healthcare workers to gain practical experience in the UK. Overall, the Youth Mobility Scheme promotes cultural exchange, international collaboration, and career development, making it a popular choice for ambitious young professionals.
Eligibility
Eligibility Requirements for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
To apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:- Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
- Not have any children or dependents intending to live with you in the UK.
- Not have previously participated in the scheme.
- Be a national of an eligible country, currently including Australia, Japan, Canada, or New Zealand. India is expected to be included in the near future.
- Have sufficient funds (at least £2,530) to support yourself during your stay.
- Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to undertake a Tuberculosis (TB) test.
- Must pose no risk to the UK, in terms of health or security.
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is designed to be accessible yet structured, ensuring that young professionals can safely and effectively experience living and working in the UK. Meeting these eligibility requirements is essential for a smooth application process and to fully benefit from the opportunities the scheme offers.
Supporting Documents Required for the Youth Mobility Visa
When applying for a Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa, applicants are required to submit certain documents as proof of eligibility. These typically include:
- A valid passport with at least one blank page, to confirm your identity and nationality.
- A bank statement showing a minimum balance of £2,530, held continuously for at least 28 days within the 31 days before submitting the application.
- A clear Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if required based on your country of residence.
All documents must be provided in English or Welsh. Any documents issued in another language must be accompanied by a certified translation.
Depending on your individual circumstances, additional supporting documents may be requested. At UK Visas, our expert team will guide you through the documentation process to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and fully compliant with Home Office requirements.
Application Process
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Check Eligibility & Gather Documents
Before applying, ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and have the necessary documents ready, including your passport, financial proof, and any required test results.
Complete the Online Application
Fill out the Youth Mobility Visa application form online and pay the application fee along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for each year of stay.
Book a Biometrics Appointment
After submitting your application, book a biometric appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre within 15 working days to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Ballot Process for Certain Countries
If you are applying from a ballot-based country, you must first submit an expression of interest by email during the ballot periods (usually January and July). This includes your name, contact details, date of birth, and passport number.
Apply After Ballot Selection
If selected in the ballot, you will receive an email confirmation with a deadline to apply. You must then complete the standard online application process and book your biometrics, as outlined above.
Youth Mobility Visa
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa – Application Timeline
- Day 1: Complete your online application, upload the required documents, pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, and book your biometrics appointment.
- Day 2 to Day 14: Visit your nearest Visa Application Centre to provide your fingerprints and photograph as part of the biometric process.
- Day 14 to Day 21: Your application is assessed by the UK Home Office, and a final decision is typically issued within this period.
Once your visa decision is received, you can collect your passport and begin preparing for your journey to the UK.
In most cases, the entire Youth Mobility Scheme Visa process is completed in around three weeks. Applicants can apply up to six months before their intended travel date, and the visa, once granted, remains valid for up to two years, allowing you to enter the UK at any time during this period.
At UK Visas, we provide end-to-end support throughout your application journey, ensuring you feel confident at every stage. If you have any concerns or need guidance at any point, our dedicated team is always available to assist you.
Application Fees for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Applicants for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa are required to pay the following fees:
- Visa application fee: £244
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) fee: £19.20
These fees must be paid as part of the online application process before attending the biometric appointment.
What You Can Do on a Youth Mobility Visa
During your stay in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you are allowed to:
- Work in most job roles, except as a professional sportsperson or coach.
- Travel freely in and out of the UK throughout your two-year visa validity.
- Visit other European countries while holding your UK visa.
- Study or enrol in courses, including short-term training, certification programs, and higher education courses to enhance your qualifications.
Visa Conditions & Restrictions
While the Youth Mobility Visa offers flexibility, certain conditions apply:
- If you turn 31 after your visa is granted, you may still remain in the UK until your visa expires.
- You cannot extend your stay beyond 24 months, unless you are a national of Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, where limited extensions may apply.
- You may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for certain academic subjects.
- You are permitted to work, be self-employed, or set up a small business, provided:
- Your premises are rented
- You do not employ staff
- Your business equipment is worth less than £5,000
- You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
- You will not have access to public funds or benefits.
- You cannot bring dependants or family members with you. They must apply separately under their own visa category.
Restrictions Under the Youth Mobility Visa for Dentists
Dentists applying under the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa are subject to specific professional restrictions:
- Dentist in Training: Dentists cannot work as dentists in training unless they hold a primary dental degree from a UK-recognised institution or one approved by the relevant UK regulatory authority.
- Employment Scope: They may work in non-training roles or unrelated fields, but cannot take up foundation training or vocational training posts.
- General Restrictions:
- No access to public funds or welfare benefits
- Cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK
- Self-Employment: Permitted only if they:
- Do not own business premises
- Do not employ staff
- Use equipment worth less than £5,000
Restrictions Under the Youth Mobility Visa for Doctors
Doctors holding a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa also face professional limitations:
- Doctor in Training: Doctors are not permitted to work in training roles unless they hold a primary medical qualification from a recognised UK institution. This restriction applies to foundation and vocational training posts.
- General Employment:
- Doctors may work in non-training or unrelated jobs
- Certain locum or clinical roles may be allowed, subject to GMC registration
- Self-Employment Rules: The same business restrictions apply as for dentists (no premises, no staff, equipment under £5,000).
- Other Conditions:
- No access to public funds
- No switching to another visa from within the UK
At UK Visas, we ensure you clearly understand what is permitted and restricted so you can enjoy a compliant and stress-free stay in the UK.
Reasons for Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Refusal
A Youth Mobility Visa application may be refused for several reasons, including:
- Concerns about your character, conduct, or associations
- Criminal record, depending on the offence and sentence
- False or misleading information in the application
- Previous immigration breaches
- Previous use of the Youth Mobility Scheme
- Having children or dependants under 18
- Applying from inside the UK instead of overseas
What to Do If Your Youth Mobility Visa Is Refused
If your Youth Mobility Visa is refused, you may apply for an Administrative Review if you believe a mistake was made by the Home Office.
- The request must be made within 28 days of the refusal decision
- The application is submitted online
- The fee is £80
- You must clearly explain the errors in the refusal
- A decision usually takes 3 to 6 months
In some cases, a Judicial Review may be possible if the decision is believed to be unlawful. Alternatively, you may submit a fresh application or consider an alternative visa route.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you must first confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements. Once eligible, you can submit your application online via the official UK government website. The process involves completing the application form, uploading supporting documents as proof of eligibility, paying the required fees, and attending a biometric appointment.
The current application fee for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is £298, in addition to the Immigration Health Surcharge and biometric enrolment fee.
Yes, Youth Mobility Scheme Visa holders are allowed to work full-time in the UK. However, they are not permitted to work as professional sportspersons or coaches.
Yes, applicants must usually be aged between 18 and 30 years at the time of application. However, for citizens of certain countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea, the age limit is extended to 18 to 35 years.
