The Youth Mobility Scheme allows nationals of certain countries, aged between 18 and 30, to work and study in the UK for 2 years.

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Countries part of the scheme

The scheme is only open to passport holders of

  • Australia,
  • Canada,
  • Hong Kong SAR,
  • Iceland,
  • India,
  • Japan,
  • Monaco,
  • New Zealand,
  • Republic of Korea
  • San Marino
  • Taiwan

and

  • British Overseas Citizens,
  • British Overseas Territories Citizens and
  • British Nationals Overseas.

Visa holders are permitted to carry out most jobs in the UK for up to 2 years.

You must be selected by the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before you apply for your visa if you are from, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, India and Taiwan.

The India Young Professionals Scheme is open to apply via ballot. 

Eligibility

In order to apply you must

  • be aged 18-30 on the day of your application,
  • be a passport holder of one of the countries specified,
  • have held £2530 in savings in your bank account for at least 28 days before you make your visa application

You cannot apply if you have:

  • children under the age of 18 who live with you
  • children you’re financially responsible for
  • already been in the UK under the scheme
Overview
When to apply The earliest you can apply for your visa is 6 months before you travel.

How to apply

You can only apply for your visa from outside the UK. 
  • Complete an online application form
  • Prove your identity and provide your documents at a UK Visa Application Centre
Length of visa Your visa will be issued for up to 2 years.
Cost Application fee + Immigration Health Surcharge

Visa processing time

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Permitted activites

  • Study
  • Work
  • be self-employed
  • set up a company (as long as your premises are rented, your equipment isn't worth more than £ 5000 and you don't have any employees)

Visa extension

It is only possible for someone from New Zealand to extend this visa further.

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