Youth Mobility Visa UK
Ireland residents aged 18 to 35 from qualifying countries can work, study or live in the UK on the Youth Mobility Visa if they meet the criteria. It is vital to note that Irish citizens are not eligible for this visa.
For more information about the UK Youth Mobility Visa, including eligibility requirements, supporting documents, associated costs and application process, contact us at Total Law. Call our expert immigration lawyers at +353 061 518 025 or message them online.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Overview
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa UK permits young people aged 18 to 35 to work, live or study in the UK for 2 or 3 years. To apply for this visa, you must be from an eligible country and show you have enough money to pay for your living expenses. With this visa, citizens of participating countries can experience life in the UK and decide if they want to make a home in the UK.
One of the perks of this visa is that you do not need a sponsor or job offer to apply. You also don’t need to show you meet any skill or minimum salary requirements. You can also apply even if you do not have an offer letter from a UK institution. A significant restriction of this visa is that Youth Mobility Scheme applicants cannot come to the UK with dependents. It is important to note that Irish citizens are not eligible to apply for the visa. However, you can apply if you live in Ireland and are from an eligible country.
Page Contents
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Overview
- Eligible Countries and Quotas
- Eligibility Requirements for Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- Supporting Documents Required for Youth Mobility Visa
- How to Apply for Youth Mobility Visa UK?
- Processing Time and Fees for Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- Duration and Extension of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Conditions
- Switching from a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
- How Can Total Law Help?
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Eligible Countries and Quotas
You must be a citizen of the following Youth Mobility visa countries to apply for this visa. Also, note that the visa scheme operates on a quota basis. Once the quota is reached for the year, all other applications are pushed to the following year. However, if there are remaining slots for a country in a year, they are not carried over to the following year.
Below is a table showing eligible countries and their quota.
| ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES | QUOTAS |
| Canada | 8,000 |
| South Korea | 5,000 |
| Australia | 35,000 |
| New Zealand | 13,000 |
| Uruguay | 500 |
| Andorra | 100 |
| Japan | 6,000 |
| San Marino | 1,000 |
| Iceland | 1,000 |
| Monaco | 1,000 |
| Hong Kong | 1,000 |
| Taiwan | 1,000 |
| British Overseas Citizen | – |
| British Overseas Territories Citizen | – |
| British National (Overseas) | – |
Eligibility Requirements for Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
To apply for the Youth Mobility visa, you’ll need to meet the criteria below:
Eligible Country
You must be a citizen of an eligible country. The table above shows the countries that can apply for this visa. Only Hong Kong citizens with an SAR passport can apply for this visa.
Age
You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 to apply. However, South Korea, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand citizens can apply even if they are 35.
Youth Mobility Ballot
For citizens of Hong Kong (who hold a SAR passport) and Taiwan, you must show that you have been selected from your country’s mobility scheme ballot to make your Youth Mobility visa application.
Financial Requirement
To apply for the scheme, you must show enough money to survive in the UK. You must show that you have a minimum savings of £2530, which must have been in your account for at least 28 days. The last day of the 28 days must fall within 31 days of your UK visa application.
Medical Requirement
Hong Kong and South Korea applicants must prove they are tuberculosis-free before entering the UK on this visa. You’ll also need to confirm this if you have lived in Hong Kong or South Korea within the past 6 months before applying for a UK visa.
Financial Responsibility Requirement
You cannot apply for this visa if you have children below 18 who depend on you financially.
Fresh Application Requirement
You can only apply for this visa if you have not applied for it before. Once you have had a Youth Mobility visa before, you are no longer eligible to reapply.
Supporting Documents Required for Youth Mobility Visa
Irish residents will have to present the following documents to prove they meet the requirements for the Youth Mobility visa:
General Supporting Documents
- Valid passport of your country to prove your nationality and identity.
- Bank statement showing you have up to £2530 as savings.
- Receipt of visa fee payment.
- Receipt of health surcharge fee payment.
- Certified translation of documents that are not in English.
Country-Specific Supporting Documents
- Tuberculosis test results if you are from South Korea or Hong Kong.
- Criminal history certificate (Sakavottorð) if you are from Iceland or Andorra. This certificate must be below 6 months old.
- Confirmation email of your selection from the ballot system if you are from Taiwan or Hong Kong.
- Letter from the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs of the Republic of San Marino Department of Foreign Affairs attesting that you are eligible for the visa scheme if you are from San Marino.
- Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales, if you are from Uruguay. This document must be below 6 months old.
How to Apply for Youth Mobility Visa UK?
To apply for the Youth Mobility visa, take the following steps:
Step 1: Pass Through the Ballot System
If you are from Hong Kong or Taiwan, you must pass through your country’s ballot system. The ballot system opens for application in January and July. The application window lasts for just 48 hours. Within this time frame, you are to forward your details to an email address provided by your country. You can only send the email once in English. In the subject line of your email, you’ll need to write your name (last and first only), passport number and birth date. You’ll also repeat this in the body of your email and then add your phone number.
Once you send the email, you’ll get a notification that your email has been received. By January 28, you’ll get an email confirming that you have been selected if you are successful. Once you get this email, you have 30 days to apply for the visa. If, after 2 weeks, you don’t get a selection email, you’ll have to reapply in July when the ballot system reopens. If you are not from Hong Kong or Taiwan, skip to step 2.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
Use the supporting documents section as a checklist to gather your documents.
Step 3: Apply Online
Visit the Home Office website and make your application. You’ll be prompted to attach your documents and pay the visa and health surcharge fee.
Step 4: Schedule Biometric Capture Appointment
Visit the TLScontact visa application website and schedule a biometric capture at the nearest visa application centre in Dublin. Take your passport with you to the appointment. Your photo, fingerprints, and passport will be collected and transmitted to the UKVI.
Step 5: Travel to the UK
You’ll get an email from the Home Office if your application is successful. You’ll also be informed when and where to pick up your passport and visa. Only make plans to travel to the UK when you get this email.
Processing Time and Fees for Youth Mobility Scheme visa
Processing Time
You’ll get a decision on your application in 3 weeks.
Fees
- £340 as application fee.
- £388 six-month healthcare surcharge.
Duration and Extension of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
The duration of the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is 2 years. It cannot be extended unless you are from Australia, New Zealand or Canada. In that case, you can get a 1-year extension.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Conditions
Permitted Activities:
- You can stay for up to 2 years in the UK.
- You can access UK borders without restrictions for the duration of your visa.
- You can work in the UK.
- You can establish a business in the UK. However, you must operate from a rented office, the cost of the equipment you use must not surpass £5,000, and you’re not permitted to have employees.
- You can study in the UK as long as the eligible course will be over before the expiration of your visa.
Restrictions:
- You can’t extend your stay unless you’re a citizen of Australia, New Zealand or Canada.
- You cannot come to the UK with family members.
- You cannot get government or public funds.
- You cannot be a professional athlete.
Switching from a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
You can switch from the Youth Mobility Scheme visa to another visa. Most people holding Youth Mobility visas switch to the Skilled Worker visa route, mainly because it leads to settlement in the UK.
How Can Total Law Help?
At Total Law, we aim to make visa applications swift and hassle-free. You can enjoy our services, which include assessing your eligibility for the visa you’re looking to apply for, gathering your supporting documents, preparing and submitting your application package and tracking your application. We have a team of immigration lawyers well-versed in UK immigration laws. With their experience, you can rest assured that your application is prepared with the highest standards.
Do you need more information regarding what we do and how we can assist you with your Youth Mobility visa application? Do not hesitate to call us today at +353 061 518 025 or message us online.
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