Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Solicitors in London
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa lets young people from participating countries and territories live and work in the UK for up to 24 months without a job offer or sponsor.
call 0207 100 2525 to speak to a specialist today. Available 24/7
Citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand can extend for a further 12 months. It is one of the most flexible Temporary Worker visa routes. You can work for most employers, study, and in some cases be self-employed.
Adam Bernard Solicitors helps applicants check their eligibility, prepare savings evidence and avoid refusals.
Call 0207 100 2525 or book a free consultation.
Youth Mobility Scheme Countries and Age Limits (2026)
| Country / nationality | Age limit | Ballot? |
|---|---|---|
| Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea | 18–35 | No |
| Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay | 18–30 | No |
| Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), Taiwan | 18–30 | Yes |
| British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens, British nationals (overseas) | 18–30 | No |
Source: GOV.UK – Youth Mobility Scheme visa: eligibility. You must be 18 or over when your visa starts, and within the age limit when you apply.
Indian nationals: the India Young Professionals Scheme
Indian citizens apply through the separate India Young Professionals Scheme, not the Youth Mobility Scheme. It is open to people aged 18–30 and is allocated by ballot. Applicants need an eligible qualification and £2,530 in savings, and the visa lasts up to 24 months. The application fee is £340 and the Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,552.
Youth Mobility Scheme Ballots (Hong Kong and Taiwan)
Hong Kong and Taiwan nationals must be selected in a ballot before they can apply. Japan and South Korea no longer use a ballot. For 2026, there were 1,000 places each for Hong Kong and Taiwan, with ballots in February and July. All 2026 ballots have now closed. Successful applicants have 90 days to apply, pay and give biometrics (GOV.UK – ballot system).
Youth Mobility Visa Fees and Savings (2026)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £340 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Usually £776 per year |
| Savings required | £2,530 |
| Earliest you can apply | 6 months before travel |
| Usual decision time | 3 weeks |
Source: GOV.UK – Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
What You Can and Cannot Do
You can: study, work in most jobs, and be self-employed, provided your premises are rented, your equipment is worth no more than £5,000, and you have no employees.
You cannot: work as a professional sportsperson, bring family members as dependants, claim public funds, or extend your visa (unless you are a citizen of Australia, Canada or New Zealand).
Staying in the UK After a Youth Mobility Visa
Time on the Youth Mobility Scheme does not lead to settlement on its own. Many holders later move to a sponsored route such as the Skilled Worker visa, which needs a job offer and a Certificate of Sponsorship. Others move to the High Potential Individual visa if they have a qualifying degree. Our guide on switching visas inside the UK explains the options.
EU nationals: the UK and EU agreed in May 2025 to work towards a youth experience scheme (GOV.UK announcement). Check GOV.UK for whether it is open before you plan a move.
How We Help
- Confirming eligibility by nationality and age
- Checking that your bank evidence meets the £2,530 savings rule
- Preparing the application, including TB test requirements where they apply
- Planning your next visa before your Youth Mobility visa ends
Call 0207 100 2525 (24/7) or book a free consultation
FAQs
Which countries are in the UK Youth Mobility Scheme?
What is the age limit?
How much money do I need?
Can I extend a Youth Mobility visa?
Can I bring my partner?
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Our Clients Share Their Success Stories.
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