Youth Mobility Scheme

The Youth Mobility Visa scheme is visa for young people who wish to live, work, study and travel in the UK for up to two years. For your application to the Youth Mobility Visa Scheme to be granted, applicants must fulfil the following general requirements to show eligibility:

• They must be a “youth”, between 18 and 30 years of age
  • Applicants from New Zealand may be aged between 18 to 35. Australians aged 18 to 35 will also be eligible from 31 January 2024.
• They must have enough money to support themselves to live and work in the UK (without including any salary they earn)
• They have been sponsored by an educational institution in the UK
• They must demonstrate this by showing they have £1809 in their bank account (that they held at least 90 days before they made their application). This shows they are financially responsible. This must be in cash funds and evidenced through a bank statement, a savings account passbook or letter from the bank to confirm the amount of funds.
• They do not have anyone who is financially dependent on them (such as a child or partner)
• They have not had a Youth Mobility Visa or a Working Holiday Visa in the past

You have eligibility to apply for the youth mobility visa scheme if you are a national of one of the following countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• Monaco
• Taiwan
• New Zealand
• Hong Kong
• The Republic of Korea

British overseas nationals and citizens of overseas British territories are also eligible for the visa.

To put forward a Youth Mobility visa application to the Home Office, along with your forms, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A current passport, or valid ID
• Bank statements to prove your cash funds and/or savings
• Tuberculosis test results (if relevant)

The Youth Mobility visa scheme grants the applicant up to two years to do the following in the United Kingdom:

• Study for an education in a British institution, as long as you receive a sponsorship certificate
• Work in a job on the Tier 2 occupation shortage list
• Work a second job for up to 20 hours a week
• Become self-employed and set up your own company

There are several Youth Mobility visa restrictions. As already mentioned, to apply you should be between 18 and 30 years old. You must also be a national of one of the previously listed countries.

As well as these restrictions, you are also prohibited from the following:

• Apply to bring any financially dependent children or partner with you on your visa application
• Extend your visa and stay longer than 24 months (unless you are a New Zealand citizen, in which case you will be able to extend your visa. Australian citizens will also be able to extend their visa from 31 January 2024).
• Using the two year period as part of the qualifying period for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
• Taking on work as a dentist or doctor in training
• Taking on permanent work
• Training as a professional sportsperson

The government also caps the number of Youth Mobility visas that are granted every year on a country-by-country basis.

The Youth Mobility visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to two years. The visa may be extended for another year beyond this, but only for citizens of New Zealand (Australian citizens will also be able to extend their visa from 31 January 2024).

For other applicants, you wish to live and work in the UK for a longer period, you must apply for a fresh visa. You can apply for one of the following options if you wish to continue working as an employee or for your own business, once your visa expires:

• Tier 2 Work Visa
• Start-up visa (formerly called the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa)
• Innovator visa (formerly called the Entrepreneur Visa)

You can apply for other UK visas, but these are the most common.

You cannot study in the UK after the initial time period of your Youth Mobility visa.

It usually takes approximately three weeks to hear back after you make an application for a Youth Mobility visa scheme. You can apply up to 6 months before the day you wish to enter the UK.

However, it could take longer depending on where you apply from. For example, applications from Hong Kong can sometimes take longer to process and more evidence is needed at the submission stage.

You may be able to have your application processed faster by opting for a premium visa service.

The Youth Mobility visa fees are as follows:

• £244 Home Office fee to apply to the scheme
• £400 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge (total of £800 for the two years’ stay)
• £19.20 for bio-metric information to be processed

There may be extra costs involved with your visa application, such as lawyer fees if you instruct the help of an immigration caseworker, and extra fees for services like document sourcing or translation.

You can apply online for your Youth Mobility visa from outside the United Kingdom. Your bio-metrics (a photograph and fingerprint) will still need to be taken at a visa application centre.

Once you arrive in the UK, and you have your Youth Mobility visa application approved, you will have 10 days to pick up your bio-metric residence permit.

All Youth Mobility visa applicants must have a sponsor from an institution or organisation before you can submit your visa application. One of the following bodies can provide the certificate:

• An organisation running an approved exchange scheme e.g. British Council
• A higher education institution e.g. university
• A government department or agency

Your sponsor must approve and give you your Certificate of Sponsorship. Please note it can take up to four weeks for certain sponsors to process your information and provide your certificate, so ensure you allow enough time when applying.

How Manchester Immigration Lawyers Can Help

Navigating the Youth Mobility Visa application process can be an intricate and perplexing journey. Fortunately, our Manchester Immigration lawyers are at your service, offering expert guidance and unwavering support to simplify this process for you.

Why choose our team of legal experts:

• Specialised Proficiency: Our lawyers are esteemed experts in immigration matters, with a profound understanding of the Youth Mobility Visa category.
• Comprehensive Documentation: We ensure you have all the necessary evidence at your disposal for a successful Youth Mobility Visa application.
• Error-Free Application: Your application form will be meticulously prepared to the highest standards, eliminating any errors or oversights.
• Effective Home Office Liaison: We act as your liaison with the Home Office, keeping you informed at every stage of your application, granting you peace of mind.
• Maximising Your Success: Our primary focus is to optimise your chances of receiving the visa decision you want.

Embark on your Youth Mobility Visa journey with confidence. Reach out to our dedicated team of experts at Manchester Immigration Lawyers today on 0161 826 9783 for guidance and support. Your visa aspirations are our priority.