Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The Youth Mobility Scheme provides young people aged between 18 to 30 or 18 to 35 depending from eligible countries and territories with the opportunity to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. It is a cultural exchange programme that allows you to experience life in the UK, but it is not a route to settlement.

Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the YMS visa, you must:

• Be 18 years old or older on the date your visa becomes valid
• Not have previously been on the Youth Mobility Scheme route in the UK
• Have £2,530 in funds that you’ve held for at least 28 days
• Not have children aged under 18 who are living with you or financially dependent on you
• Provide a clear TB certificate if you’ve lived in a country listed by UKVI for 6 months or more before your application

Participating Countries and Territories
The Youth Mobility Scheme is available for citizens from:

• British Overseas citizen, British Overseas Territories citizen, or British National (Overseas)
• Countries listed in Appendix Youth

Mobility Scheme: Eligible Nationals, which currently includes:

• Australia, Canada, Iceland, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino
• Hong Kong, India, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan (subject to “invitation to apply” arrangements)

Duration of Stay

• Maximum stay: 2 years in the UK under the YMS visa.

Conditions of Stay

• Public funds: You cannot access public funds while on this visa.
• Work: You can work, except:
  
  • As a sportsperson or sports coach
  • Self-employment is restricted unless:
    
    • You run your business from home
    • You don’t have employees
    • The total value of any equipment you use doesn’t exceed £5,000
  • Study: You can study, but it’s subject to the ATAS condition, if applicable.