Youth Mobility Visa UK Guide 2025

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Anne Morris

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Key Takeaways

  • The UK’s Youth Mobility visa is an attractive, temporary option for young foreign nationals of certain countries.
  • Eligibility is limited to specific nationalities and age cohorts.
  • Applicants have to show at least £2,530 in savings, held for at least 28 consecutive days.
  • Ballot system means no guarantee of selection for some nationalities.
  • Breaching work restrictions can lead to visa curtailment and a permanent blemish on your immigration record.
  • It is strictly temporary and does not lead to settlement.
The UK’s Youth Mobility visa allows eligible individuals from specific countries to experience life in the UK for up to two years, or up to three years for nationals of Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Compared with other UK work visas, the scheme offers a more flexible and accessible immigration route for younger workers, as it does not require the applicant to be sponsored, or to have a job, or to meet skills or salary thresholds to be eligible.

However, eligibility is limited to specific nationalities with differing age limits, and some applicants must enter the Youth Mobility ballot to have a chance to apply. Indian nationals are excluded from this route and must apply under the separate India Young Professionals Scheme.

Youth Mobility applications are often refused for failing to meet the strict evidential standards, and although flexible for most work and study activities, restrictions apply. Breaching visa conditions will result in curtailment, which will be recorded on your immigration history.

In this guide to the UK’s Youth Mobility visa, we outline the requirements to apply, and what visa holders can do in the UK once entry clearance has been granted. We also look at how to apply, what documents are needed, how much it costs, how long it lasts and the conditions you must comply with while in the UK.

SECTION GUIDE

 

Section A: What is the UK’s Youth Mobility Visa?

 

The UK’s Youth Mobility visa scheme is a cultural exchange programme open to workers from certain countries who are aged between 18 and 30, or 18 and 35, depending on their nationality.

Aimed at promoting international cultural exchange and providing opportunities for young people, this visa is available to applicants from eligible countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Iceland, Monaco, Andorra, Uruguay, Taiwan and San Marino,  as well as British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens and British National (Overseas).

Indian nationals are not eligible under the Youth Mobility route but can apply under the separate India Young Professionals Scheme.

To qualify, applicants must be able to show a minimum threshold of savings to support themselves and must not have any dependants accompanying them. The visa permits holders to engage in most types of work and employment and also allows for study opportunities.

Certain nationalities will need to enter a ballot before they can apply, due to high demand for the visa within their country.

Youth Mobility visa holders can live, work, and travel within the UK. In terms of work, visa holders can undertake most forms of paid or unpaid employment in the UK without sponsorship, except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. Visa holders can also work on a self-employed basis, provided they don’t own any premises from which they carry out a business, except home, the total value of any equipment used isn’t worth more than £5,000 and they don’t employ anyone.

In addition to work, visa holders can undertake privately-funded studies, either on a full or part-time basis, although for some courses they may need to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

Youth Mobility visa holders will not be permitted to access public funds while in the UK, to support their studies or otherwise.

 

1. How Long You Can Stay

 

With the Youth Mobility visa, you can stay in the UK for up to 24 months. Nationals from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also have the option to extend their visa for an extra year after the initial two-year period. These nationals can apply for this additional 12 months from within the UK.

You may enter the UK at any point while your visa remains valid and can leave and return as often as you wish during this period. If you reach the age of 31 after your visa has been granted, you can still remain in the UK until your visa expires.

This route is not a direct path to settlement. You have to leave the UK before the end of your visa or you risk overstaying. You can only hold a Youth Mobility visa once in your lifetime, except for extensions available to Australian, Canadian and New Zealand nationals.

 

2. Youth Mobility Scheme Quotas

 

The UK has country-based quotas in place for Youth Mobility visas, which means there is a limited number of visas available for citizens of each participating country each year. The quotas for 2025 are as follows:

 

Country/TerritoryNumber of Places (2025)
Andorra100
Australia42,000
Canada10,000
Hong Kong1,000
Iceland1,000
Japan6,000
Monaco1,000
New Zealand9,500
Republic of Korea5,000
San Marino1,000
Taiwan1,000
Uruguay500

 

Applicants from Taiwan and Hong Kong, where demand typically exceeds the available places, must participate in a ballot system before they can apply for the visa. The ballot generally takes place in January and July each year, but exact dates are announced on the official UK government website and may vary.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

The Youth Mobility visa is in many ways highly appealing for younger workers, and for UK employers looking to fill short-term workforce needs. However, visa holders and employers have to comply with the activity restrictions and avoid breaching the strict time limit.
It’s also important to remember that the Youth Mobility visa does not provide a direct route to settlement. In most cases, visa holders won’t be allowed to switch into a different category from within the UK, other than limited options such as Skilled Worker if they secure sponsorship. If you have plans to remain in the UK beyond your Youth Mobility visa, you should prepare to leave before your visa expires and assess your alternative visa options that will allow you to return.

 

 

 

Section B: Youth Mobility Visa Requirements

 

The eligibility criteria for a Youth Mobility visa are set out under Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme of the UK’s Immigration Rules. A young person can apply for this type of visa if they’d like to come to the UK on a short-term basis and they satisfy the following requirements:

 

1. Nationality Requirement

 

The applicant must be either a British Overseas Citizen, a British Overseas Territories Citizen or a British National (Overseas) — or be from one of the following eligible countries or territories: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Iceland, Hong Kong (SAR passport), Japan, Republic of Korea, Taiwan or Uruguay.

Applicants from Hong Kong (with a SAR passport) and Taiwan must first be selected in the Youth Mobility visa ballot before they can apply for a visa.

Indian nationals are not eligible for the Youth Mobility route. Instead, they can apply under the separate India Young Professionals Scheme.

 

2. Age Requirement

 

An applicant must be aged 18 or over on the date their entry clearance will become valid, and aged 30 or under when they apply for their visa.

Under extended provisions, New Zealand, Canadian and Australian nationals aged between 18 to 35 can now come to the UK for up to three years under the scheme.

 

3. Maintenance Requirement

 

The applicant must have at least £2,530 in cash savings held in either a current or savings account to show that they can support themselves while in the UK. They’ll need to have had the money available in their account for at least 28 days in a row, where day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for the Youth Mobility visa.

 

4. Additional Eligibility Requirements

 

An applicant won’t qualify for a Youth Mobility visa if they have children under the age of 18 who live with them or are financially dependent on them, or they’ve already lived in the UK under the scheme.

An applicant can also be refused a visa under the general grounds for refusal, for example, if they’ve been convicted of a serious offence or previously breached UK immigration laws.

The UK Government allocates a set number of youth mobility visas for each country or territory on an annual basis. Any applications exceeding this annual allocation won’t qualify, regardless of whether the other criteria are met.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

You may be eligible for the visa, but can you prove it? Most refusals for this route are because of poor documents and evidence. A common mistake is not submitting bank statements showing the £2,530 funds consistently for the 28 days. Even small errors can be met with a refusal.

 

 

 

Section C: How to Apply for a Youth Mobility Visa

 

You have to be outside the UK to apply for the Youth Mobility visa. You will need to apply for entry clearance online using the specified form: “Temporary Work or Youth Mobility Scheme”. Anyone seeking to come to the UK under this route must have applied for and obtained entry clearance from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) before they arrive in the UK.

After you have completed the form and paid the visa application fee, you will be advised if you need to enrol your biometric information at an overseas visa application centre, or whether you can use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app. Successful applicants are granted a digital immigration status (eVisa). Physical biometric residence permits are no longer issued.

The earliest an application can be submitted for a Youth Mobility visa is 6 months prior to travel. A decision should then be made by UKVI within 3 weeks. It may be possible to pay for a faster decision using one of the priority services, provided these services are available in the country where your application is made. If your application is successful, you will have 90 days to enter the UK.

 

1. Youth Mobility Visa Ballot

 

Applicants from Taiwan and those from Hong Kong with an SAR passport have to enter the Youth Mobility ballot to have a chance to apply for the visa.

The ballot is used because the number of applicants from these countries exceeds the annual quota, and this selection process is used to ensure a fair distribution of the visa slots available to young people from countries with high demand.

 

Country/TerritoryAge RangeBallot Required
Australia18–35No
Canada18–35No
New Zealand18–35No
Republic of Korea18–35No
Hong Kong (SAR passport)18–30Yes
Taiwan18–30Yes
Japan18–30No
Iceland18–30No
Monaco18–30No
Andorra18–30No
San Marino18–30No (sponsorship letter required)
Uruguay18–30No
British Overseas Citizen / BOTC / BN(O)18–30No

 

 

The ballot for the Youth Mobility Visa typically opens twice a year, in January and July. During these periods, applicants can submit their expressions of interest online. The ballot is open for a limited time, usually 48 hours, during which all entries are collected. After the ballot closes, a random selection process takes place to choose successful applicants. The ballot results are final, and there is no appeals process. The selection is random, and all eligible applicants have an equal chance of being chosen. Exact dates are announced on the official UK government website and can vary year to year.

To enter the ballot, you need to visit the official UK government website during the open ballot period. You will be required to provide basic personal information and confirm your eligibility. Ensure you have all necessary documents ready, as you may need to provide details such as your passport number and proof of funds.

Once you have submitted your expression of interest, you will receive a confirmation email. It is crucial to keep this email for your records, as it will contain your unique reference number.

The results of the ballot are typically announced a few weeks after the closing date. Successful applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to proceed with their visa application. If you are selected, you will be given a specific timeframe within which you must submit your full visa application. It is important to adhere to this deadline, as failure to do so will result in losing your place.

If you are not selected in the ballot, you can enter the next ballot when it opens, provided you remain eligible. You could also take advice on alternative visas for the UK.

 

2. Youth Mobility Visa Supporting Documents

 

As part of the youth mobility visa application process, an applicant will need to provide a number of documents, including:

 

DocumentDescription
Valid PassportMust be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK
Proof of FundsBank statements showing at least £2,530
Biometric Information / ID CheckFingerprints and photograph at a visa application centre, or verification via the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app
ATAS Certificate (if needed)Required for some postgraduate study in sensitive subjects.

 

How you prove your identity will depend on where they’re from and what type of passport they hold. They’ll either have their photograph and fingerprints taken at a visa application centre or be asked to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan their identity document.

Evidence of immigration status is now provided digitally through an eVisa.

The applicant may need to provide additional documents depending on their circumstances.

Further, if the applicant is a national or a citizen of a country, or had a passport issued by a territory, that doesn’t have ‘Deemed Sponsorship Status’ (DSS), they must provide evidence of sponsorship that’s been issued to them no more than 6 months before the date of application. For example, San Marino requires a letter from the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs. Always check the latest Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme for current DSS designations and any country-specific evidence requirements.

 

3. Youth Mobility Visa Costs

 

The cost of applying for a youth mobility visa is £319. There will be an additional cost if using one of the priority services to get a faster decision, of either £500 for the priority service (for a decision within 5 working days from an applicant enrolling their biometric information) or £1,000 for the super priority service (for a decision within 24 hours).

The youth mobility visa applicant will also be liable to pay a fee to enrol their biometric information and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application, at the discounted rate. This will need to be paid upfront, but will then allow the successful visa holder to access the NHS in the UK for the duration of their stay.

 

 

Item2-Year Stay (Most countries)3-Year Stay (Australia, Canada, New Zealand)
Application Fee£319£319
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)£1,552 (£776 × 2 years)£2,328 (£776 × 3 years)
Biometric Enrolment Fee (where biometrics are required)£19.20£19.20
Total Upfront Cost£1,890.20£2,666.20

 

 

4. Timeline

 

The earliest you can apply for a Youth Mobility visa is 6 months before you travel. To help with planning, the following table sets out the outline timings to expect through the application process:

 

StepDescriptionEstimated Time
Prepare DocumentsGather all required documents1-2 weeks
Submit Online ApplicationComplete and submit the application form1 day
Attend Biometric Appointment / ID CheckProvide fingerprints and photograph at VAC or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app1-2 weeks
Wait for DecisionApplication processing3 weeks
Travel to UKMove to the UK once visa is approvedVaries

 

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

The application process depends on your nationality, so that’s the place to start. If you are subject to the ballot system, check the deadlines carefully and prepare in advance to avoid last-minute mistakes. Also be mindful that even successful ballot applicants can still lose their place if they miss the strict submission window after being selected.
In all cases, you can only apply from overseas and successful applicants only have 90 days to travel once the visa is granted.

 

 

 

Section D: Visa Restrictions & Conditions

 

While the Youth Mobility visa offers an appealing route for qualifying nationals, visa holders are subject to a number of restrictions and conditions, which must be complied with while in the UK.

 

1. Youth Mobility Visa Permissible Activities

 

Youth Mobility visa holders enjoy a range of permissible activities during their stay in the UK. They are allowed to work in most jobs without restrictions on the type or sector, and they can pursue self-employment, provided they do not own premises (other than their home), have more than £5,000 invested in their business, or employ others. They can also engage in voluntary work without any restriction.

Studying is also a permissible activity for Youth Mobility visa holders. They can enrol in courses of study, both full-time and part-time, at various educational institutions across the UK. However, for certain subjects, they may need to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

The visa also permits holders to travel freely in and out of the UK while it remains valid.

Despite these opportunities, there are specific prohibitions that Youth Mobility Visa holders must adhere to. They cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach, which includes any paid roles in playing or coaching sports. Working as a doctor or dentist in training is also restricted unless they have a recognised UK medical or dentistry degree and are registered with the General Medical Council or General Dental Council.

The visa does not permit holders to bring family members or dependants to the UK, and in most cases they cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK. Switching is possible only into certain routes if the applicant meets the full requirements of that visa, such as the Skilled Worker route. Accessing public funds is prohibited, so visa holders cannot receive most welfare benefits or social housing.

 

 

 

ActivityAllowed / Not AllowedNotes
General EmploymentAllowedNo restrictions on type of job
Self-EmploymentAllowedMust not own business premises (other than home), invest over £5,000, or employ staff
Voluntary WorkAllowedNo restrictions
Professional Sportsperson / CoachNot AllowedIncludes paid coaching and playing roles
Doctor or Dentist in TrainingRestrictedOnly allowed if holding a recognised UK degree and registered with GMC/GDC
StudyAllowedATAS certificate required for certain courses
Access to Public FundsNot AllowedMost welfare benefits and social housing prohibited
Switching Visa RoutesLimitedPossible only in certain categories (e.g. Skilled Worker)

 

 

2. Youth Mobility Period of Stay

 

Having successfully been granted a Youth Mobility visa, you will be given permission to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. During this period you can enter and leave the UK at any time. If you turn 31 while in the UK, you can stay for the length of time that remains on your visa.

Citizens of New Zealand, Australia and Canada are allowed to apply from within the UK for a further 12 months to take their total stay under this visa to 3 years.

Importantly, applicants can only come to the UK under the youth mobility scheme route once.

 

3. Extending the Youth Mobility Visa

 

The Youth Mobility scheme does not generally allow extensions. Nationals of Australia, Canada and New Zealand are the only exception, as they can apply from within the UK for an additional 12 months. For all other nationalities, if a visa holder wants to live in the UK for longer, they will either need to switch to a different category of visa from within the UK (where permitted), or return to their country of origin to apply for a different visa from outside the UK.

 

4. Additional Restrictions and Practical Considerations

 

Time spent on the Youth Mobility visa does not count towards settlement. Even if the visa holder later switches into a route that leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), the two or three years under Youth Mobility will not contribute to the qualifying residence period.

Switching into other visa categories is limited. The most common option is to move into the Skilled Worker route, but this requires sponsorship and meeting the relevant skill and salary thresholds. Most temporary or visitor routes cannot be switched into from inside the UK.

Holders pay the Immigration Health Surcharge upfront and have full access to NHS healthcare during their stay. They will need to prove their right to work and right to rent digitally via their eVisa, and employers and landlords must carry out online checks through the official system.

Family members and partners cannot accompany a Youth Mobility visa holder as dependants. They would need to qualify for their own visa route if they wish to come to the UK.

In addition, while there are no immigration restrictions on regulated professions outside of sport and medical training, applicants should be aware that certain sectors such as healthcare, social care or teaching may require additional registration or licensing before they can take up employment.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

Youth Mobility rules are strict on permissible activities and even an innocent mistake that breaches visa conditions can result in your visa being curtailed (cut short), leaving a permanent mark on your immigration record.
Switching into other routes from within the UK is also tightly restricted, so it’s best to take advice early to ensure your long-term plans are based on realistic options. The Skilled Worker visa is usually the only viable route, but that depends on you securing sponsorship and meeting the salary and skills thresholds.

 

 

 

Section E: Summary

 

The Youth Mobility visa offers a streamlined immigration route for young individuals seeking to experience life in the UK. It opens up new opportunities for both personal and professional growth, allowing visa holders to live, work, and study in one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich countries. However, it is important to be aware of the specific restrictions, conditions, and limitations associated with this visa. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria and financial requirements, and they cannot bring dependants. The application process also becomes more complicated for nationals from certain countries where a ballot system is in place, adding an element of uncertainty and competition.

Importantly, time spent in the UK under this route does not count towards settlement, even if the applicant later switches into a visa that does lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain. Applicants should therefore plan ahead if they are considering longer-term residence in the UK, and employers should not assume this route provides a pathway to retaining workers permanently.

Applicants should also be aware that switching into another category from within the UK is limited. In most cases, a return application from overseas will be required, with the Skilled Worker route being the main in-country option for those who secure sponsorship. Visa holders must also maintain compliance with conditions such as avoiding public funds, staying within the permitted work restrictions, and ensuring their digital immigration status is kept up to date through their eVisa record.

Despite these limitations, the Youth Mobility visa remains a valuable option for young people eager to broaden their horizons and gain international experience. It is also an attractive route for employers seeking to bring in young, motivated staff without the added costs and compliance burdens of sponsorship.

 

Section F: Need Assistance?

 

Our UK immigration specialists have an established reputation for effective and efficient management of UK visa applications, and providing expert visa-related advice. We understand the challenges and stresses involved with making a UK visa application and take great pride in playing a supportive role to ease the pressure for applicants. For advice and support with your Youth Mobility visa application, contact us.

 

Section G: Youth Mobility Visa FAQs

 

What is the Youth Mobility Visa UK?

The Youth Mobility Visa UK is a visa that allows young people from specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years, or three years if from Australia, Canada or New Zealand.

 

Who is eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Nationals from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Republic of Korea are eligible if aged between 18 and 35, while other eligible nationalities must be between 18 and 30. Applicants also need to have £2,530 in cash savings to show that they can support themselves.

 

What are the documents required for a Youth Mobility Visa UK?

The applicant will need a valid passport or other travel document to prove their identity and nationality; a bank statement showing at least £2,530 in cash savings; and, where applicable, tuberculosis test results or an ATAS certificate for certain study courses. Depending on nationality, evidence of sponsorship may also be required.

 

How much does a Youth Mobility Visa cost?

The application fee is £319, although an additional fee will be payable for a priority service if a faster decision is needed. Visa decisions typically take around 3 weeks. The applicant must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge per year of stay, at £776 per year at the reduced youth mobility rate.

 

Which countries are eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa UK?

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Iceland, Monaco, Andorra, Uruguay, Taiwan, or San Marino, as well as British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens and British Nationals (Overseas), are eligible. Indian nationals apply under the separate India Young Professionals Scheme.

 

How long can I stay in the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa?

The visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years. Citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand can apply for a further 12 months from within the UK, extending their stay to three years.

 

Can I extend my Youth Mobility Visa UK?

The Youth Mobility Visa does not allow general extensions. The only exception is for nationals of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who can extend their stay to three years. Other nationalities cannot extend and must switch visa type or leave the UK at the end of their stay.

 

Can I work on a Youth Mobility Visa UK?

Yes, you can work in most jobs, including self-employment, provided you do not own premises beyond your home, invest more than £5,000 in your business or employ staff. You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or as a doctor or dentist in training unless you meet the exception of holding a UK medical or dentistry degree and being registered with the relevant regulator.

 

Can I study on a Youth Mobility Visa UK?

Yes, you can study, but you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for some courses.

 

What are the financial requirements for the Youth Mobility Visa UK?

You need to have at least £2,530 in your bank account, held for at least 28 consecutive days within 31 days before applying, to show that you can support yourself in the UK.

 

How do I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa UK?

You must apply online through the official UK government website. You will need to submit your biometric information at a visa application centre, or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app if eligible. The application must be made from outside the UK.

 

What documents do I need for the Youth Mobility Visa UK application?

You will need a valid passport, proof of funds, your biometric information or ID check, and any additional evidence required depending on your nationality, such as a sponsorship letter or ATAS certificate.

 

Can I bring dependants on the Youth Mobility Visa UK?

No, you cannot bring family members or dependants with you on this visa. Each applicant must qualify and apply individually.

 

What should I do if my Youth Mobility Visa application is refused?

You can request an administrative review if you believe there was a mistake in the decision. Ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete before reapplying.

 

Can I switch to another visa type while on a Youth Mobility Visa UK?

Switching is limited. The main option is to switch into the Skilled Worker route if you secure sponsorship and meet the requirements. Most other visa categories require an application to be made from outside the UK.

 

What are my rights and responsibilities while on the Youth Mobility Visa UK?

You have the right to live, work and study in the UK. You are responsible for complying with visa conditions, paying taxes, proving your immigration status digitally via your eVisa when required, and leaving the UK when your visa expires.

 

 

Section H: Glossary

 

TermDefinition
Youth Mobility VisaA visa that allows young people from specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years, or three years for Australian, Canadian and New Zealand citizens.
BallotA random selection process used to allocate Youth Mobility Visas to applicants from certain countries with high demand, such as Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Eligibility CriteriaThe requirements that must be met to qualify for the Youth Mobility Visa, including age, nationality and financial criteria.
Expression of InterestThe process of submitting personal details to enter the ballot for the Youth Mobility Visa.
Biometric InformationData collected from applicants, such as fingerprints and a photograph, or identity verification via the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)A fee paid by visa applicants to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), charged at a discounted rate of £776 per year for Youth Mobility visa holders.
ATAS CertificateThe Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate required for certain courses of study in the UK.
Financial RequirementsProof of funds, currently £2,530 held for at least 28 days, to show that applicants can support themselves financially while in the UK.
DependantsFamily members such as children or partners. Dependants cannot accompany Youth Mobility visa holders under this route.
Visa FeesThe costs of applying for the Youth Mobility Visa, including the application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge and in some cases the biometric enrolment fee.
Administrative ReviewA process where applicants can request a review of a visa decision if they believe there has been an error.
National Health Service (NHS)The publicly funded healthcare system in the UK, which visa holders can access after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Working RightsThe permissions granted to visa holders to work in the UK, including employment and limited self-employment, with restrictions on professional sport and medical/dental training roles.
Study OpportunitiesThe ability for visa holders to enrol in education courses while in the UK, sometimes requiring an ATAS certificate depending on the subject.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)The division of the Home Office responsible for the UK’s visa system, including application processing and immigration enforcement.
eVisaThe UK’s digital immigration status system that has replaced physical documents such as Biometric Residence Permits for new grants.
Deemed Sponsorship Status (DSS)A designation given to certain countries under the Youth Mobility Scheme where applicants do not need separate sponsorship evidence. Countries without DSS require additional documentation, such as San Marino.
Right to Work CheckThe online process employers must carry out to confirm that a Youth Mobility visa holder is permitted to work in the UK.
Right to Rent CheckThe online process landlords must use to confirm that a Youth Mobility visa holder has permission to rent accommodation in the UK.

 

 

Section I: Additional Resources and Links

 

ResourceWhat it coversURL
Youth Mobility Scheme visa (official)Eligibility, how to apply, documents, conditionshttps://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility-scheme-visa
Immigration Rules: Appendix Youth Mobility SchemeLegal requirements, eligibility, DSS countries, quotashttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-youth-mobility-scheme
Visa fees (official table)Current Home Office application feeshttps://www.gov.uk/visa-fees
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)IHS rates, payment, NHS accesshttps://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
Visa processing timesStandard and priority timelines, country availabilityhttps://www.gov.uk/visa-processing-times
Using the UK Immigration: ID Check appWho can use the app, steps, troubleshootinghttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-immigration-id-check-app
eVisa: View and prove your immigration statusDigital status, share codes, updating detailshttps://www.gov.uk/evisa
Prove right to work (share code)Employer checks for Youth Mobility holdershttps://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-work
Prove right to rent (share code)Landlord checks using online statushttps://www.gov.uk/prove-right-to-rent
ATAS certificate guidanceWhen ATAS is needed for study, how to applyhttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Find a visa application centre (overseas)Locate your nearest VAC for biometrics/documentshttps://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre
Contact UKVI (inside/outside the UK)Official contact routes for application querieshttps://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

 

 

About our Expert

Picture of Anne Morris

Anne Morris

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
Picture of Anne Morris

Anne Morris

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.

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Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.