Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (formerly known as the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa) allows nationals from specific countries aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. This visa provides an excellent opportunity for young individuals to gain international work experience and explore life in the UK.

Benefits of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

With this visa, you can:

• Stay in the UK for up to 2 years.
• Enter and leave the UK freely during your stay.
• Work (most jobs are permitted, with few restrictions).
• Study in the UK.
• Be self-employed and start a business, provided:
  • You have no employees.
  • Your premises are rented.
  • You do not own equipment worth more than £5,000.

If you turn 31 while in the UK on this visa, you can stay for the remainder of the permitted period.

Countries Eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The following countries have a set number of places for applicants:

Certain ballot-based countries require applicants to register their interest before applying:

Additionally, applicants who are British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, or British Nationals (Overseas) are eligible to apply.

You cannot apply if you:

• Have children under 18 living with you.
• Have financially dependent children.
• Have previously used the Youth Mobility Scheme.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals will soon be able to apply under the India Young Professionals Scheme, which requires additional qualifications, such as:

• A qualification at or above RQF Level 6 (equivalent to a degree level), OR
• At least three years of work experience in an eligible skilled occupation.

Further details will be provided by the UK Home Office.

Eligibility Criteria for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

To qualify, you must:

• Be 18 to 30 years old.
• Be a citizen of an eligible country or have qualifying British overseas citizenship.
• Have at least £2,530 in savings, held for at least 28 days within the last 31 days before applying.
• Not have dependent children.
• Have not previously used the Youth Mobility Scheme.
• Provide a clear tuberculosis (TB) test result (if applicable).
• Pay the required visa fees.
• Not pose a risk to UK security or immigration policies.

Required Supporting Documents

When applying, you may need to provide:

• A valid passport (with at least one blank page).
• A bank statement showing at least £2,530 in savings, maintained for at least 28 days within the last 31 days.
• A clear tuberculosis (TB) test result (if applicable).
• Any additional documents as requested during the application process.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh, they must be officially translated.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Fees

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application Process

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge.
3. Book a biometric appointment at a visa application centre OR use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ mobile app.
4. Submit supporting documents as required.
5. Wait for a decision (typically within 3 weeks).

For Ballot-Based Countries

• Register during January or July via email to the UK Home Office.
• If selected, proceed with the standard application process.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Conditions

Permitted Activities: ✅ Stay in the UK for up to 2 years. ✅ Travel in and out of the UK. ✅ Work (with some restrictions). ✅ Study. ✅ Be self-employed (subject to restrictions).

Restricted Activities: ❌ You cannot extend this visa. ❌ You cannot work as a professional sportsperson. ❌ You cannot receive public funds (benefits). ❌ You cannot bring dependants (they must apply separately).

Switching from the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

While extensions are not permitted, you may be eligible to switch to another UK visa type, such as:

• Student Visa (if applying for a course in the UK).
• Skilled Worker Visa (if you secure a qualifying job offer from a licensed employer).
• Start-Up Visa (for business ventures in the UK).
• Family Visa (if joining a UK-based partner or relative).

It is important to apply for a new visa before your current visa expires.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Refusals & Appeals

If your application is refused, you may request an Administrative Review if you believe a Home Office error led to the refusal.

Common reasons for refusal:

• Criminal record concerns.
• Providing false or misleading information.
• Past immigration breaches.
• Previous use of the Youth Mobility Scheme.
• Having dependent children.
• Applying from within the UK (must apply from outside the UK).

Administrative Review Process:

1. Submit an online form within 28 days of refusal.
2. Pay a fee of £80.
3. Explain the errors made by the Home Office.
4. Wait for a decision (typically 3 – 6 months).

If an Administrative Review is not successful, you may consider:

• Judicial Review (if the decision was legally unfair).
• Submitting a new application with stronger supporting evidence.

For further guidance on the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa or exploring other UK visa options, you can contact Visa Solutions UK at info@visasolutions.uk.