T5 Youth Mobility Visa UK

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is for young adults (18 to 30 or 18 to 35) who wish to experience life in the United Kingdom for a period of up to two years. Compared to other UK work visa routes, this scheme is a more flexible and accessible immigration route for young individuals from participating countries and territories. The route does not need sponsorship, a job offer or proof of specific skills or salary levels. It is for nationals of selected countries to live and work in the UK for a short period of time and gain cultural and professional experience. It is a temporary work visa, and it does not lead towards settlement or ILR.

Country-Specific Requirements for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Sunrise Solicitors provides expert guidance on the country-specific requirement for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa. Our expert solicitors guide clients and clearly communicate with them whether they meet the nationality specific rules for this visa. The eligibility of the youth mobility visa route depends on the country of nationality of the applicant and in some cases, it depends on additional requirements such as participation in a ballot or proof of qualifications.

Nationals Eligible Aged 18 to 35

You can apply if you are aged 18 to 35 and are a citizen of:

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• South Korea

Nationals Eligible Aged 18 to 30

You can apply if you are aged 18 to 30 and are a citizen of:

• Andorra
• Iceland
• Japan
• Monaco
• San Marino
• Uruguay

Nationals Requiring Ballot Selection

If you are applying from Hong Kong, Taiwan or India for the youth mobility visa scheme you must first be selected for the Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot. If you are successful in this ballot, you will get an invitation to apply for the British youth mobility visa. The ballot is open twice a year in January and July.

British Nationals Eligible

You can apply if you are aged 18 to 30 and hold one of the following statuses:

• British Overseas citizen
• British Overseas Territories citizen
• British National (Overseas)

Indian Citizens

The Youth Mobility Scheme has additional eligibility requirements on Indian nationals. Besides the standard age and financial requirements, the applicants also need to:

1. Be aged 18 to 30.
2. Be selected in the ballot before applying.
3. Meet an education or work experience requirement, by showing either:

1. 1. The applicant must have a recognised qualification at RQF Level 6 or above (equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher), or
   2. The applicant must have at least three years’ professional work experience in a role listed under Appendix Skilled Occupations.

d. Have at least £2,530 in savings to demonstrate financial stability.

If the Indian nationals cannot meet these eligibility requirements, they can apply using the India Young Professionals Scheme visa. It is necessary for the applicant to be selected for the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot before applying for the India Young Professionals Scheme visa.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Ballot

The Youth Mobility Scheme ballot is a process used by the UK Home Office to manage applications from certain countries where there are limited visa places/seats.

Applicants from the following countries must be successful in the ballot before they can apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa:

1. India
2. Hong Kong (holders of a Special Administrative Region passport)
3. Taiwan

How the Ballot Works

1. The ballot normally opens twice a year, in January and July.
2. It remains open for a short period, usually 48 hours.
3. Applicants must submit their details through the official UK government website during this timeframe.
4. The Home Office then carries out a random selection to decide who is successful.
5. The results are usually announced a few weeks after the ballot closes.
6. If successful, you will be invited to apply for the visa.
7. If unsuccessful, there is no right to appeal but you can try again in the next ballot window.

How to Apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa application must be completed online. The following is the step-by-step process of applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme:

Step 1 – Online Application

The applicant is required to fill and complete their visa application through GOV.UK website and pay the application and Immigration Health Surcharge (HIS) fee.

Step 2 – Proving Your Identity

The next step is to prove your identity. Applicants are required to provide supporting documents and prove their identity by using either the ID check app or by attending a biometric appointment.

The applicant can either:

• use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan their passport and upload their details, and then create or sign into their UKVI account, or
• attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give their biometric information including their fingerprints and photograph.

Step 3 – Attending an Appointment (if required)

If the applicant is required to attend an appointment at a VAC, then they must take their current passport with them. The applicants may be required to travel to another city or in some cases to other country to attend their appointment at the nearest VAC.

Step 4 – Application Decision

The Home office will process your case after you have successfully submitted your visa application and have completed the process of identity verification. After this, the applicant must await the decision made by the Home Office. It usually takes three weeks to get a decision after completing all requirements.

Documents Required for a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

When applying for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you will need to provide the following:

1. Valid passport or travel document showing your identity and nationality.
2. Evidence of savings to prove that you have at least £2,530 in cash funds (for example, bank statements).
3. Tuberculosis (TB) test results if you are applying from a listed country where TB testing is required.
4. Additional documents depending on your nationality:

• • Indian citizens: evidence of your qualification at RQF level 6 or above, or proof of at least three years’ professional work experience in a role listed under Appendix Skilled Occupations.

• • Translations: if any document is not in English or Welsh, it must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Application Fees & Decision

Applicants under the Youth Mobility Scheme visa UK are required to pay the standard application fee along with the IHS fee. These are to be paid online at the time of the application. They are as follows:

1. Application Fee: £319
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year (for a 2-year visa, the total IHS is £1,552)
3. Applicants can get a decision within 3 weeks on their online application. However, an additional fee can be paid to get a faster decision.

How Long Can You Stay on a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months (2 years).

1. You may enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid.
2. You are free to leave and re-enter the UK multiple times during the visa period.
3. If you turn 31 after your visa has been granted, you may still remain in the UK until the visa expiry date.
4. Nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand may apply to extend their stay by a further 12 months, giving them a total of 3 years in the UK under this route.

Switching to Another Visa Category

The Youth Mobility Scheme is a temporary visa route and does not lead directly to settlement in the UK. You cannot switch to another visa category from inside the UK while holding a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. If you wish to remain in the UK beyond the expiry of your Youth Mobility visa, you must:

1. Leave the UK before your visa expires, and
2. Apply from abroad for a new visa category for which you qualify (for example, a Skilled Worker visa, Student visa, or other eligible route).

Restrictions on the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

Holders of a Youth Mobility Scheme visa must comply with the following restrictions during their stay in the UK:

1. No access to public funds: You cannot claim benefits or other forms of public financial support.
2. No dependants: You cannot bring family members with you on this visa. Each applicant must qualify and apply individually.
3. No extensions: The visa cannot normally be extended. An exception applies to nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, who may apply to extend their stay by an additional 12 months.
4. Self-Employment: The applicant can be self-employed but the total value of any equipment used isn’t worth more than £5,000 and they don’t employ anyone.
5. The applicant can’t work as a professional sports coach or doctor/dentist.

What if I have Children During my Youth Mobility Visa?

If you have a child while living in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, the child will not automatically be a British citizen unless the other parent is British or settled in the UK. This route does not allow dependants, so you cannot apply for a dependant visa for your child under this category. If you wish your child to remain in the UK, they must qualify under a separate immigration route.

What to Do If Your Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Application Is Refused

In case of the refusal of the Youth Mobility Scheme visa application a written decision will be sent to the applicant by the Home Office. The written decision will highlight the shortcomings and will explain the reasons for refusal of the visa application.

This may include issues such as:

1. unable to meet the eligibility criteria (age, nationality, or financial requirement) as set by the Home Office
2. problems with your supporting documents
3. not being successful in the ballot (if applicable) or
4. refusal under part 9 grounds for refusal (e.g., previous immigration breaches).

Options After a Refusal

Administrative Review

Applicants can opt for administrative review under the Appendix AR. In case of youth mobility scheme application refusal. This option should only be selected if the applicant thinks that the Home Office has made errors when considering their application. Please note that the applicant has no right to appeal the refusal decision to the immigration tribunal.

Fresh Application

Another option is to submit a fresh application if the refusal was due to missing evidence or eligibility that can later be met.

Future Ballot Entry

Applicants who were applying from India, Hong Kong (SAR), or Taiwan and were not successful in the ballot, must wait until the next ballot window to try again.

Why Choose Sunrise Solicitors for Your Youth Mobility Visa UK?

At Sunrise Solicitors, we realise that relocating to the UK under the scheme of Youth Mobility is a big step towards your life. Our team of immigration solicitors are highly qualified in this area and have had years of experience in advising this visa process with precision and attention to detail. We make sure that no part of your application is mishandled, reducing the chances of delays and rejection.

Our reputation is built on a good track record of successful Youth Mobility Visa applications. Our clients have been able to embark on their journey in the UK confidently knowing that their case is put forward with the help of professionals who are conscious of accuracy and adherence to immigration regulations.

Our client-centered approach is what makes us unique, we listen to our client’s individual situation and provide them with the best solution that fits their needs. Our solicitors keep clear communication with the clients, guiding them throughout the process. We make sure that the client is updated and feel supported throughout the entire process. If you are ready to start your journey in the UK under the YMS visa, Contact us Today and Book an appointment to get expert legal guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I work on a Youth Mobility Visa UK?

Yes. Holders of a Youth Mobility Scheme visa are permitted to work in the UK in most jobs. You may also be self-employed, provided that:

1. your business premises are rented
2. your equipment is worth no more than £5,000, and
3. you do not employ staff. The only restriction is that you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

2. How many times can I apply for YMS?

You can only hold a Youth Mobility Scheme visa once in your lifetime. If you have previously entered the UK under this route, you cannot apply again.

3. Can I apply for a Youth Mobility Visa from inside the UK?

No. Applications for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa must be made from outside the UK. You cannot switch into this visa category from within the UK.

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

You must show evidence of having at least £2,530 in savings. This must be in cash funds and held in your account to demonstrate that you can support yourself upon arrival in the UK.

5. Can I extend this YMS visa?

In most cases, no. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is granted for up to 24 months and cannot be extended. The only exception applies to nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, who may extend their visa by an additional 12 months, giving them a total stay of three years.

6. Can I bring dependants on the Youth Mobility Visa UK?

No. The Youth Mobility Scheme does not allow dependants. Family members must qualify and apply separately for their own visa.

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

No. You cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK while on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. If you wish to move into another visa route, you must leave the UK and apply from abroad.

8. Can I study on a Youth Mobility Visa UK?

Yes. You may study while in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. For some courses, you may need to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before starting your studies.

9. Does the Youth Mobility Visa count towards ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)?

Time spent in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa does not count towards Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). The route is temporary and does not lead directly to settlement.

10. Can I convert to a Skilled Worker Visa from YMS?

You cannot switch from a Youth Mobility Scheme visa to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK. If you meet the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker route, you must apply for entry clearance from outside the UK before your Youth Mobility visa expires.