If you’re thinking about spending time in the UK to travel, work, or explore life abroad, the Youth Mobility Visa can help make that possible. The scheme allows eligible young adults from select countries to live in the UK for a temporary period. It’s a great opportunity to gain work experience, enjoy British culture, and try living in a new place.
In this Remitly guide, you’ll find practical steps to understand the requirements, prepare your documents, apply for the visa, and settle into your new life once you arrive.
Understanding the UK Youth Mobility Visa
The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, often called the Youth Mobility Visa, is designed to encourage cultural exchange. It gives young adults from participating countries the chance to live, work, and travel in the UK for a set period, without needing a sponsoring employer.
If you qualify, the visa lets you live in the UK for up to two years, work in most roles, study, and travel in and out of the country freely. Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can stay for an additional year by making a separate extension application, thanks to extended agreements with the UK.
Why the Youth Mobility Scheme exists
The Youth Mobility Scheme enables young people to experience life in another country while building independence, work experience, and cultural understanding. Living abroad can offer helpful insight into daily life in a new place and give you a chance to build skills that may support your plans.
While this visa offers flexibility, it has some limits. For example, you can’t work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, and you can’t access public funds. Even with these restrictions, many people find this visa a valuable way to experience life in the UK.
Who is eligible for the youth mobility visa?
Age limits and eligibility depend on your nationality. Most applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, but some nationalities may apply up to the age of 35. To qualify, you’ll also need a valid passport from an eligible country, and you’ll be asked to meet the financial and character requirements.
Eligible countries and age requirements
Your eligibility depends on your nationality:
- If you’re from Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, or Uruguay, or if you’re a British overseas/overseas territories citizen, you can apply for this visa if you’re aged between 18 and 30.
- If you’re from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Korea, you can apply if you’re between 18 and 35.
- Applicants from Hong Kong (SAR) and Taiwan take part in a ballot system because spaces are limited. Staying aware of opening and closing dates can help you avoid missing your chance, as ballots are typically only open for 48 hours.
You can apply for the visa before you turn 18, as long as you’re 18 when the visa period begins. You can also apply for the visa at age 30 (or 35 if applicable), meaning you would be over 30/35 when it starts.
Financial requirements
To meet the financial requirement, you’ll be asked to show that you have at least £2,530 GBP in your bank account. This amount must appear in your bank account for 28 consecutive days within the 31 days before you submit your application.
You can provide a bank statement as evidence of meeting this requirement. The bank statement typically needs to include your full name, account number, the balance covering the entire 28-day period, and the date it was issued.
Exceptions
This visa isn’t available if you have children under 18 who live with you or depend on you financially. Additionally, you can’t reapply if you’ve already been in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme, nor does it offer a path to permanent settlement in the UK.
How to apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa
Preparing early can make the application process feel smoother.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Before starting the online form, review the eligibility rules on the UK government website. Requirements vary slightly depending on your nationality, and some applicants, like those from ballot-based countries, will need to follow additional steps.
Making sure you meet all criteria before applying can help prevent delays.
Step 2: Gather your documents
Before you begin the application form, gather the documents you’ll need, including:
- A valid passport
- A bank statement showing you have at least £2,530 in savings
- A tuberculosis (TB) test result if you’re from one of the required countries.
There are also country-specific document requirements:
| Country | Additional document requirement |
| Andorra | An Andorran certificate of criminal records issued less than six months ago |
| Hong Kong (SAR) | A valid email from the Home Office confirming your success in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot |
| Iceland | An Icelandic criminal certificate for private use issued less than six months ago |
| San Marino | A letter from the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs of the Republic of San Marino Department of Foreign Affairs confirming you’re suitable for this visa, issued less than six months ago |
| Taiwan | A valid email from the Home Office confirming your success in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot |
| Uruguay | A Uruguayan certificate of judicial records issued less than six months ago |
If your documents aren’t in English or Welsh, they’ll need certified translations.
Step 3: Complete the online application
After you’ve determined that you’re eligible, you can begin your application. You’ll complete the application on the GOV.UK visa website. You’ll provide personal details, information about your travel plans, and your reasons for spending time in the UK.
It can help to review your answers before submitting the form. Clear, consistent information can help you avoid delays.
Step 4: Pay the application fees
Once you’ve submitted your online form, you’ll be asked to pay the £319 GBP visa fee and the £776 per year (so £1,552 for a standard two-year visa) Immigration Health Surcharge, which gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS). You can pay both fees online with a debit or credit card. It may be helpful to save your payment confirmations in case you need to refer to them later.
Step 5: Prove your identity
After completing your online application, you’ll need to prove your identity. This is done one of two ways, depending on where you’re from and the type of passport you have:
- Download the UK Immigration: ID Check app and scan your passport. You’ll need to sign in to or create your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to do this.
- Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). During this visit, you’ll provide your fingerprints and a digital photo. Take your passport and appointment confirmation with you.
You’ll be told which option applies to you at the time of application.
Step 6: Wait for the decision
Once you’ve completed the biometrics, your application will be reviewed by UK Visas and Immigration. Processing times vary, but you should have a decision within a few weeks.
If your visa is approved, you’ll receive a decision letter and a visa in your passport.
If your application is refused, the decision letter will explain the reasons. In some cases, you may be able to request an administrative review or apply again, depending on the circumstances.
After receiving your Youth Mobility Visa
Once your visa is approved, you can begin preparing for your move to the UK. Planning ahead can make your transition smoother.
Preparing for your move
Moving abroad comes with many unknowns, so you might find it helpful to look into the cost of living, explore job opportunities, and learn about the UK’s healthcare and tax systems.
Some people also explore UK bank account options in advance, as having a local account can make it easier to receive wages and manage daily expenses.
Finding accommodation
Finding affordable housing can feel challenging, especially if it’s your first time living abroad. If you haven’t already arranged a place to live, it can help to book short-term accommodation while you search for something more permanent.
Popular websites such as Rightmove and Zoopla are widely used for finding rentals and flatshares. For temporary stays, platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com can give you flexibility while you explore different neighbourhoods and decide where you’d prefer to live.
What to expect when you arrive
When you land in the UK, you’ll go through border control. You’ll need to show your passport and visa, and you may be asked about your plans.
If you plan to work, you’ll also need a National Insurance (NI) number, but you don’t need to wait for it to arrive before starting your job. Employers can hire you as long as you can prove your right to work.
To apply, complete the online NI number application form on the official UK government website. After submitting it, you may be asked to provide supporting documents or attend an in-person appointment. Your NI number will then be posted to you once it has been processed.
Maximising your experience in the UK
Once you’re settled, you can start exploring everything the UK has to offer.
Employment and study options for Youth Mobility Visa holders
Youth Mobility Visa holders can work in most roles without needing a sponsor, and you’re free to look for positions that fit your interests or career goals. While you can’t work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, many other fields are open to you.
If you decide you’d like to stay longer than your visa allows, you may be able to explore other routes, such as a Skilled Worker Visa or a Student Visa, depending on your situation.
Connecting with others and building community
Living abroad can feel easier when you build connections. Many people find it helpful to join clubs or local groups, volunteer, attend community events, and connect with other immigrants on the scheme. These experiences can help you learn about the culture and discover new interests.
Your time in the UK can also be a helpful opportunity for networking. Meeting people through work or social events may support your career long after your visa ends.
Getting started with your Youth Mobility Visa
The Youth Mobility Visa gives eligible young adults a chance to experience life in the UK, working, studying, travelling, and learning along the way. Understanding the requirements, preparing your documents, and following the application steps carefully can help make the process smoother.
Once you arrive, embracing the local culture, building connections, and exploring work and study options can help you make the most of your time abroad. The experience leaves lasting memories and skills you’ll take with you wherever you go.
FAQs
Can I extend my Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can apply for an additional year if they meet the eligibility criteria. Applicants from other countries can’t extend their Youth Mobility Visa, but may explore other immigration routes.
How much does the Youth Mobility Scheme visa cost?
The application fee is £319, plus there’s a mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year (£1,552 for the two-year visa).
What if my application is refused?
If your application is refused, the decision letter will explain why. Some applicants may request an administrative review or apply again.
Can I work any job on this visa?
You can work in most jobs, but there are restrictions. For example, you can’t work as a professional sportsperson.
Do I need a job offer before I apply?
No, you don’t need a job offer to apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa.
Can I switch to another visa while in the UK?
In many cases, yes. Applicants may switch to visas such as the Skilled Worker Visa if they meet the requirements.
Does the Youth Mobility Scheme visa include healthcare?
Yes. By paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, you can use the National Health Service during your stay. Some people still choose additional private coverage depending on their needs.