The UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows eligible young people from certain countries and territories to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
Applicants can also study and, subject to certain conditions, work for themselves or set up a business.
However, eligibility depends on the applicant’s nationality and age, with some countries having a higher age limit than others.
Here are the countries whose citizens can apply and the key requirements.
1. Australia
Australian citizens can apply if they are aged between 18 and 35.
They can live and work in the UK for up to two years and may be able to extend their visa for another year.
2. Canada
Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35 are eligible to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
Canadians can also extend their stay by one year after the initial two-year visa period.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply.
Like Australians and Canadians, New Zealanders can extend their visa by one additional year after the initial two-year period.
4. South Korea
South Korean citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the visa.
Applicants must meet the other eligibility requirements, including the financial requirement.
5. Andorra
Citizens of Andorra aged between 18 and 30 can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
6. Iceland
Icelandic citizens aged 18 to 30 are eligible to apply under the scheme.
7. Japan
Japanese citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply for the visa, provided they meet the other requirements.
8. Monaco
Citizens of Monaco aged between 18 and 30 can apply.
9. San Marino
San Marino citizens aged 18 to 30 are eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
10. Uruguay
Uruguayan citizens aged between 18 and 30 can apply under the scheme.
What are the main UK Youth Mobility Scheme requirements?
Applicants must generally:
- Be aged 18 to 30 or 18 to 35, depending on their nationality.
- Have at least £2,530 in personal savings.
- Have an eligible nationality or British nationality covered by the scheme.
- Prove their identity and provide the required documents.
The visa allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
Applicants can enter the UK at any time while their visa is valid and can leave and return during their stay.
How much does the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa cost?
The application fee is £340.
Applicants must also pay the immigration health surcharge, which is usually £776 per year, in addition to meeting the savings requirement.
How long does the UK visa application take?
Applicants can apply up to six months before they plan to travel to the UK.
After submitting the online application, proving their identity and providing the required documents, applicants will usually receive a decision within three weeks.
What can Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders do?
Successful applicants can:
- Work in most jobs.
- Study in the UK.
- Be self-employed under certain conditions.
- Set up a company if they meet the scheme’s restrictions.
However, they cannot work as professional sportspersons, claim public funds or bring family members to the UK as dependants under their application.
The visa generally cannot be extended, except for eligible citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who can apply for an additional year.
Vanguard News
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