A working holiday visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme allows young people to live, work and travel in the UK for a set period, offering a unique opportunity to experience British culture while earning an income.
The Youth Mobility Scheme is available to citizens of specific countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Japan. The visa usually permits individuals aged 18-30 (or up to 35 for some countries) to stay for up to two years (or three for some nationalities).
While it offers flexibility and adventure, applicants must consider several important factors. First, eligibility requirements must be met, including proof of sufficient funds to support yourself initially. Misunderstanding these criteria could lead to delays or refusal.
In this guide for applicants, we explain what the UK working visa allows, the eligibility criteria and how to make your visa application to the Home Office. We also consider the temporary work visas that may open to you if you’re not eligible under the Youth Mobility scheme.
What does the UK working holiday visa allow?
Under the Youth Mobility Scheme, you can:
- Work, with only limited restrictions on the type of work you can do.
- Set up a company providing the business premises are rented, and any equipment is not worth more than £5,000. You must also not have any employees.
- Be self-employed, provided you do not employ anyone, that any premises are rented and that any equipment you use in your business is worth less than £5000.
- Study – although for some courses you will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme Certificate (ATAS). If you are applying to study an undergraduate course with an integrated masters degree, you may also be required to obtain ATAS clearance. An ATAS certificate must be obtained before applying for permission to enter the UK, and you can apply up to nine months before the start date of the course. Once obtained, it is valid for six months.
The working holiday visa does not allow you to work as a professional sportsperson, or extend your stay, or receive public funds. You also cannot bring any family members with you as dependants – they must apply separately for a visa on their own merit.
How long does the Youth Mobility visa last?
You can stay in the UK and work for up to two years (or 24 months), though under special provisions, citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand are permitted a total stay of up to three years.
The visa allows you to enter and leave the UK as much as you like over the duration of the visa. If you turn 31 whilst you are in the UK (or 35 , you are allowed to remain as long as your visa is valid.
You can only get the Youth Mobility Scheme visa once in your lifetime. Once you have applied for and travelled to the UK on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you can never apply for it again, nor can it be extended.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to apply to switch to a different visa category without leaving the UK, such as the Skilled Worker visa or Partner visa, provided you are eligible under the relevant visa criteria and that you apply before your current working holiday visa expires.
Youth Mobility Scheme visa requirements
To be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 for most countries, or 18 to 35 for citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea.
- Nationality: Applicants must hold certain types of British nationality or be from countries or territories listed in the eligibility requirements.
- Financial Requirement: Applicants must have at least £2,530 in savings, held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days before the application date.
- Dependants: Applicants cannot have children under 18 who live with them or whom they are financially responsible for.
- Previous Participation: Applicants must not have previously entered the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
- Ballot Selection: Citizens of Hong Kong and Taiwan must be selected through a ballot before applying.
The application fee is £298, and applicants must also pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £776 per year of leave.
Read more about the Youth Mobility requirements here.
Youth Mobility visa eligible nationalities
Eligible citizens include individuals from Australia, Canada, Iceland, Monaco, New Zealand, and San Marino. These individuals can apply directly for the scheme if they meet the necessary criteria.
However, for citizens of Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, there is an additional step in the process. Applicants from these countries must first enter a ballot system and be selected before they can apply for the visa. This ensures a fair and manageable process for high-demand regions.
In addition to citizens of the listed countries, certain categories of British nationals are also eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme. These include British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas).
| Category | Eligible Nationalities |
|---|---|
| You can apply if you’re a citizen of | Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Iceland |
| You can also apply if you are a | British Overseas Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas) |
| Ballot Required Before Applying | Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan |
When can you apply?
The earliest you can apply for a Mobility Scheme visa is three months before travelling to the UK. For example, if you plan to travel on 15th September, your application should be made on or around 16th June. The decision-making process takes approximately three weeks for applications made from outside the UK.
How much does a Youth Mobility Scheme visa cost?
A Youth Mobility Scheme visa currently costs £298 to apply.
In addition to the application fee, you also have to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge as part of the application process. You must complete the healthcare surcharge payment and return to the online immigration application in less than thirty minutes. If you are making a postal application, you are required to pay the healthcare surcharge before you complete your application.
The healthcare surcharge is set at £776 per year for Youth Mobility applicants, and you must pay for the duration of the visa, so the actual healthcare surcharge you would be required to pay is £1552 for a two-year visa.
If you do not pay the healthcare surcharge or pay an incorrect amount, you will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) asking for payment. Once you receive the email, you must pay the surcharge within ten working days if you are already inside the UK, or seven working days if you are applying from outside the UK.
Your visa application will be rejected if you do not pay the full amount in the time requested.
How to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa
You apply for this visa online. If you are applying from outside the UK, you will need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre to get a biometric residence permit. You are required to collect your biometric residence permit within ten days of your stated date of entry to the UK (even if your entry is delayed). When you are issued with a decision letter, it will tell you where to collect your residence permit.
You must also supply the following supporting documentation with your application:
- A valid passport or other identity document detailing your nationality – you will need a blank page in your passport for your visa
- A bank statement you have at least £2,530 in savings for at least 28 consecutive days prior to your application
- Your tuberculosis test results if you come from a country where you have to take a test
- A certified translation of any document not in English or Welsh
Most applications are rejected because of insufficient documentation being provided to UKVI and applicants being unable to prove they have the necessary maintenance funds via bank account documentation.
Alternatives to the Youth Mobility Scheme
Other options for a working holiday visa in the UK could be one of the seasonal worker or temporary worker visas.
Indian Young Professionals Scheme
The UK-India Youth Mobility Scheme is a special visa arrangement allowing young Indian nationals to live, work, and explore the UK for up to two years. Introduced as part of a bilateral agreement, the scheme aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the UK and India while providing opportunities for personal and professional development.
The scheme is open to Indian citizens aged 18-30 who meet specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least £2,530 in savings to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. A valid passport, proof of funds, and a clean criminal record are essential for the application process. Additionally, applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirement.
To manage demand, Indian applicants must first be selected through an annual ballot system. The ballot, held twice a year, randomly selects individuals who can then proceed with the formal visa application.
Successful applicants can live, work, and travel in the UK for two years. However, the visa prohibits access to public funds and professional sportsperson roles. The UK-India Youth Mobility Scheme offers young Indians an exciting opportunity to gain international experience, contribute to the workforce, and immerse themselves in British culture.
Read more about the Indian Young Professionals Scheme here.
Seasonal Worker visa
The Seasonal Worker visa is currently open to:
- Work in “edible horticulture” for up to six months. This includes picking fruit and vegetables.
- Work in poultry production to work in the UK between 18 October – 31 December each year.
This visa is subject to change in line with UK labour market shortages; it had, for example, previously allowed for HGV drivers to come to the UK temporarily.
Applications cost £259 and should be made online via the .gov website.
Temporary Worker visa
The Temporary Worker visa allows workers to enter the UK to perform certain jobs for limited periods:
- Creative Workers
- Charity Workers
- Government Authorised Exchange Workers
- International Agreement Workers
- Religious Workers
The main requirements are:
- A sponsor must have issued a Certificate of Sponsorship
- The role meets the requirements for sponsorship
- The job will pay the National Minimum Wage
- You have sufficient funds available to maintain yourself for the duration of your stay (if maintenance is not certified by your sponsor)
- You must have a tuberculosis certificate if you come from a country that requires a test to be taken
- You are not ineligible under the general grounds for refusal
The earliest you can apply for a temporary workers visa is three months before the date you are due to start work.
Your sponsor must give you a certificate of sponsorship. This is not an actual certificate but a reference number that must be added to your application form for a Temporary Worker visa.
You will need to provide:
- A valid passport or other travel identification. You will need a blank page in your passport for the visa
- A bank statement showing you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before travelling to the UK (day 28 must be within 31 days of the visa application) unless you are exempt
- Test results from a tuberculosis test if you are from a country that requires the test to be taken
- A suitably qualified professional must translate any document not in English or Welsh and mark it as a certified translation
- Your certificate sponsorship reference number from your sponsor (your certificate is valid for three months from the date it is given to you)
What you can and cannot do under a Temporary Seasonal Worker visa
You can:
- Work in the job described in the certificate of sponsorship
- Study – however, for some courses you will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate
You cannot:
- Accept permanent employment
- Receive public funds
- Bring any family members with you
How to apply for a Temporary Seasonal Worker visa
You apply online for a Temporary Worker visa. You will need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre, which will allow you to get a biometric residence permit.
You will have to collect the biometric residence permit within ten days of the date given as your stated date of arrival (even if you arrive at a later date).
If you have a child during your stay in the UK, they do not automatically obtain British Citizenship. You can apply online for a visa for your dependent, which you will have to do if you want to travel in and out of the UK with your child. You will need to provide a full UK birth certificate for each child born, showing both parents’ names when you apply for the visa.
Need assistance?
DavidsonMorris are UK immigration specialists. If you have a question about eligibility or making a UK visa application, speak to our experts.
Working holiday visa FAQs
Who is eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is available to individuals aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries) from participating countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Monaco. British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas) are also eligible. Nationals of Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan must first be selected in a ballot before applying.
How much money do I need to apply?
You must have at least £2,530 in savings. This amount must be held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, and the most recent date must be within 31 days of your application.
Can I work while on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
You can work in most jobs while in the UK. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson, coach, or take up self-employment without meeting specific conditions.
How long can I stay in the UK on this visa?
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to two years. Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand may extend this visa for an additional year.
Can I study while on this visa?
You can study for up to six months while on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa. If you want to pursue longer-term education, you may need to apply for a Student visa.
Do I need a Tuberculosis (TB) test?
If you are applying from a country where TB testing is required, you must provide a valid TB test certificate confirming that you are free from active tuberculosis.
Can I bring dependants with me on this visa?
No, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa does not allow you to bring dependants, such as children or a partner, with you to the UK.
What happens if I run out of money during my stay?
You are responsible for supporting yourself financially while in the UK. It is important to budget carefully, as the cost of living can be high, particularly in cities like London.
Can I extend my Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is not usually extendable. However, citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can apply for a one-year extension, allowing a total stay of up to three years.
What should I do if my visa application is refused?
If your application is refused, you should carefully review the reasons provided. You may be able to reapply, ensuring that all eligibility requirements are met and correct documentation is submitted.
Author
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 a 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
