Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (Ballot - Hong Kong and Taiwan)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (after ballot selection)
- Fee
- £319
- Validity
- 2 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Cultural exchange programme for nationals of Hong Kong (SAR passport holders) and Taiwan aged 18-30. Requires selection in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before applying. 1,000 places available per nationality for 2026. Cannot be extended. No dependants allowed. Must not have previously been in the UK on this scheme. Healthcare surcharge: £776 per year (discounted rate for YMS).
Eligibility
-
Age
Must be aged 18-30 (inclusive) at time of application
Max age: 30; Min age: 18
-
Nationality
Must be a Hong Kong SAR passport holder or Taiwanese national, and must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot
Eligible countries: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Province of China
-
Financial
Must have at least £2,530 in bank account for 28 consecutive days
Minimum funds: £2,530
-
Visa history
Must not have previously been in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme
Required history: No previous YMS visa
-
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
-
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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Online application
Enter the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot (limited places available per year)
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Processing wait
Wait for ballot results notification
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Document gathering
If selected, obtain Criminal Record Certificate and gather passport, proof of funds (£2,530), and TB test results (if applicable)
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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