The visa for the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) in the UK gives young individuals from certain countries the opportunity to live and work in the UK for two years. This guide provides detailed information on the YMS visa for 2025, including eligibility requirements, the application path, and further information.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the YMS visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Applicants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea must be between the ages of 18 and 35. Applicants from any other eligible countries must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
Countries and Territories Eligible
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Andorra
- Iceland
- Japan
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Uruguay
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- British overseas citizens
- British Overseas Territories Citizens
- British Nationals (Overseas)
Financial Requirement
The applicant must have at least £2,530 in a 28-day bank account on day 28 of the 28 days within 31 days prior to applying.
Other Conditions
There must be no children of the applicant under the age of 18, either their child or any child the applicant has respect of whom they are financially responsible for. The applicant must never have been a participant in the YMS.
Application Procedure
Ballot System
For Ghana and Taiwanese applicants, they need to ballot before going on to the application. The first ballot for 2025 opened in February, with a second expected in the summer.
Online Application
Selected applicants must submit their application online, which costs £298, and cover the health surcharge, commonly £776 per year.
Biometric Information
Applicants have to prove their identity by using ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ App or via fingerprints and photograph in a visa application center.
Decision Timeline
Usually, the decision-making takes about three weeks after getting the application with biometric information.
Duration and Conditions of Stay
Length of StayVisa
This visa allows stays of up to 24 months post-arrival. After the initial two-year period, applicants who are on this scheme from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can apply for another extension of one year.
Permitted Work Activities
Holders can work in most jobs types. Self-employment is allowed under certain conditions such as renting a premises, having equipment that does not exceed the value of £5,000, and not employing anyone. Holders are allowed to study, but a few such courses may require an A-TAS certificate.
Limitations
Holders are not allowed to work as professional sportspersons. Public funds should be denied to those entering on these visas. They cannot include dependents; dependents have to separately apply.
Recent Developments
The UK government is contemplating whether the YMS should be expanded to accommodate young individuals from European Union countries based on post-Brexit negotiations. This potentially reciprocal arrangement would allow EU nationals under 30 to live and work in the UK for up to three years, with comparable arrangements for UK citizens guised in EU countries. Additional discussions have been on restoring programs such as equivalencing recognition in trade and professional qualifications and the Erasmus university exchange.
Conclusion
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa opens a homey door for young people from eligible countries to embrace the flavour of life in the UK. Understanding the eligibility criteria, per se, and strictly following the application process may give applicants due consideration towards receiving a successful grant.