Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

AUS (UK) Immigration’s

Overview of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme UK Visa, previously known as the Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa, is aimed at citizens of eligible countries aged 18 to 30 who wish to live and work in the UK. The application process is straightforward, and successful applicants can stay in the UK for up to 2 years. If desired, you can apply for a different visa type to extend your stay, such as a Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, or UK Start-Up Visa.

Key Benefits of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Key Benefits:

Reside in the UK for up to 2 years: Enjoy an extended stay in the UK, experiencing its culture and lifestyle.
Leave and re-enter the UK at any time during your stay: Flexibility to travel in and out of the country throughout the visa duration.
Work with few restrictions on the types of employment: Pursue various job opportunities, as the visa offers flexibility in choosing your employment.
Study: Explore educational opportunities and enroll in courses during your stay.
Be self-employed and establish a company in the UK: Start your own business, adhering to specific rules such as no employees, rented premises, and equipment not exceeding £5,000 in value.

It’s essential to note that even if you turn 31 while in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you can still stay for the remaining duration of your visa.

For further details and a free consultation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our immigration solicitors at +44 (0) 1293 522 275 or complete our contact form.

Countries Eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Eligible Countries and Allocated Places:

Australia (30,000 places): A significant allocation for Australian nationals seeking to experience life and work in the UK.
Canada (6,000 places): Limited spaces for Canadian citizens interested in the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Monaco (1,000 places): A smaller allocation for individuals from Monaco, offering unique opportunities to explore the UK.
New Zealand (13,000 places): A substantial allocation for New Zealand nationals to engage in the Youth Mobility Scheme.
San Marino (1,000 places): Limited spaces for individuals from San Marino, providing a chance to live and work in the UK.
Iceland (1,000 places): A limited allocation for Icelandic nationals to participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme.

Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot Countries:

Hong Kong (1,000 places): Limited opportunities for individuals from Hong Kong to join the scheme.
Japan (1,500 places): A slightly larger allocation for Japanese citizens interested in the Youth Mobility Scheme.
South Korea (1,000 places): Limited spaces for South Korean nationals to explore living and working in the UK.
Taiwan (1,000 places): Opportunities for individuals from Taiwan to participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme.

British Citizens Eligible: Various types of overseas British citizens can apply for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa, including British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, or British Nationals (Overseas).

Additional Scheme: For Indian nationals, a new India Young Professionals Scheme was launched in 2022. Applicants under this scheme must demonstrate additional skills or qualifications, such as:

A qualification equivalent to or above RQF level 6 (degree level)
At least three years’ work experience in an eligible skilled occupation

More details on the India Young Professionals Scheme will be provided by the Home Office in due course.

Eligibility Criteria for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

To apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Age Criteria:

It would be best if you were between 18 and 30.

Nationality and Citizenship:

It would help if you were a citizen of a qualifying country or possess a qualifying British overseas citizenship status.

Financial Sufficiency:

Demonstrate financial stability by having at least £2,530 in your bank account. This amount must have been present for at least 28 days within the last 31 days before submitting your application.

Dependant Children:

Do not have children under 18 living with you or financially dependent on you.

Previous Participation:

Have not previously utilized the Youth Mobility Scheme.

Tuberculosis Test:

Provide evidence of a straightforward TB test, depending on your country of origin.

Application Fee:

Pay the application fee of £244.

Healthcare Surcharge:

Fulfill the healthcare surcharge requirement, amounting to £470 per year.

Security Assurance:

Demonstrate that you do not pose a risk to the UK.

Ensure that you fulfill each requirement meticulously to enhance the chances of approval.

Required Supporting Documents for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application

When applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you will need to furnish a concise set of documents and evidence. Typically, you may be requested to provide some or all of the following:

Current Passport:

Present your current passport as proof of identity and nationality. Ensure your passport has at least one blank page.

Financial Evidence:

Include a bank statement indicating a minimum of £2,530 in savings. This amount should have been maintained in your account for at least 28 days within the last 31 days before your application.

Tuberculosis Test Result:

Provide a clear tuberculosis (TB) test result depending on your country of origin.

Translation of Documents:

Translate any documents not written in English or Welsh.

Additional documents may be required based on your circumstances, and these will be clearly outlined during the application process. Ensure all documents are prepared meticulously to facilitate a smooth and efficient application process.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application Procedure

Application Steps:

Complete the Online Application Form:
- Fill out the online application form.
Payment of Fees:
- Pay the required application fee and healthcare surcharge.
Biometric Residence Permit Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest visa application centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken for your Biometric Residence Permit. Alternatively, you may have the option to utilise the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ mobile phone app. The applicable biometric options will be communicated during your application process.

For Applicants from Ballot Countries:

Email the Home Office: Send an email to the Home Office providing your name, date of birth, passport number, and mobile phone number.
Application Following Selection: If you receive an email confirming your selection, proceed to apply using the aforementioned process.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application Timeline

Day 1: Complete application, upload documents, schedule appointment, and make payments.
Day 2 – 14: Attend biometric appointment (if necessary).
Day 14 – 21: Await a decision from the Home Office.
Day 22 and beyond: Retrieve passport and proceed to the UK.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Conditions

With a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you gain the ability to:

Reside in the UK for up to 2 years: Enjoy an extended stay in the UK, immersing yourself in its culture and opportunities.
Leave and Re-enter the UK at Any Time: Benefit from the flexibility to travel in and out of the country during your stay.
Work (with few restrictions): Engage in various types of work with minimal restrictions imposed by the visa.
Study: Pursue educational opportunities and enrol in courses during your stay.
Be Self-employed and Establish a Company in the UK: Establish your own business, adhering to specific rules such as having no employees, renting premises, and not possessing equipment exceeding £5,000 in value.

However, with a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you are not permitted to:

Extend Your Visa: The visa duration cannot be extended, but you have the option to apply for a different type of visa.
Work as a Professional Sportsperson (e.g., sports coach): Engage in professional sports-related roles.
Receive Public Funds/Benefits: Access public funds or benefits during your stay.
Bring Dependent Family Members on the Same Application: While your family members can apply separately, they cannot be included in the same visa application.

Transitioning from a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

While extending a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is not an option, you can explore switching to a different visa category. It is imperative to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa you intend to apply for. Many individuals holding Youth Mobility Scheme visas choose to remain in the UK and apply for visas such as a Student Visa, Skilled Worker Visa, UK Start-Up Visa, or Family Visa. Keep in mind that you must initiate the application for a new visa before your current one expires.

For guidance in determining the suitable visa options available to you, consult with one of our immigration solicitors who would be pleased to assist you at +44 (0) 1293 522 275. Additionally, our services extend to facilitating the visa application process on your behalf and managing communication with the Home Office throughout the proceedings.

Refusal of Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application

In the event of a rejection of your Youth Mobility Scheme Visa application, you may have the option to seek an administrative review if you believe there has been an error by the Home Office. In rare circumstances where the decision is deemed unlawful, applying for a judicial review may also be a possibility. Refusals can occur for various reasons, such as:

Concerns about the applicant’s conduct, character, associations, or other reasons: If it is deemed not conducive to the public good to grant permission.
Criminal record of the applicant: Depending on the type, duration of the sentence, and the timeframe since the incident.
Providing false information on the application: Misrepresentation can lead to a visa refusal.
Breaching immigration rules in the past: Previous violations of immigration rules can impact the decision.
Previous utilisation of the Youth Mobility Scheme: If the applicant has already used the scheme in the past.
Having dependant children under the age of 18: Presence of dependant children can affect the visa application.
Already being in the UK: If the applicant is already in the UK without proper authorisation.

Administrative Review Process:

If considering an administrative review, it must be initiated within 28 days of the refusal decision. The application is completed online, with a fee of £80. Provide a detailed explanation of the perceived errors made by the Home Office that led to your visa refusal. The decision on the administrative review is typically communicated within 3 to 6 months.

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