Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (18-35)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 3 weeks
- Fee
- £319
- Validity
- 2 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Cultural exchange programme for nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea aged 18-35. Can work, study, and travel freely. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand nationals can extend by 1 year (one-time only). No dependants allowed. Must not have previously been in the UK on this scheme. No ballot required for these nationalities. Healthcare surcharge: £776 per year (discounted rate for YMS).
Eligibility
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Age
Must be aged 18-35 (inclusive) at time of application
Max age: 35; Min age: 18
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Nationality
Must be a national of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Korea
Eligible countries: Australia, Canada, Korea (Republic of), New Zealand
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Financial
Must have at least £2,530 in bank account for 28 consecutive days
Minimum funds: £2,530
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Visa history
Must not have previously been in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme
Required history: No previous YMS visa
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Criminal record
Must provide a Criminal Record Certificate from country of residence
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements showing funds held for 28 consecutive days (day 28 within 31 days of application); Minimum amount: £2,530
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility/apply; Location: Visa application centre or UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: £319
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Tuberculosis test
Test type: Chest X-ray at approved clinic (if from designated country); Validity months: 6
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Health surcharge
Amount: £776 per year (discounted YMS rate); Applicant category: Main applicant
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Criminal record certificate
Provide a police or criminal record certificate from the country or countries requested by the destination authority.
Validity months: 12
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain Criminal Record Certificate from your country of residence. Gather passport, proof of funds (£2,530), and TB test results (if applicable)
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Online application
Apply online up to 6 months before travel
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
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Biometrics
Prove your identity at a visa application centre or via the UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Processing wait
Wait for a decision on your application