What is the youth mobility scheme?

The youth mobility scheme is for young people from participating countries who would like to experience life in the United Kingdom.

The countries in the scheme are:

• Australia;
• Canada;
• Japan; and
• New Zealand.

Who can apply under the youth mobility scheme?

To apply under the youth mobility scheme, you must be a national of a country taking part in the scheme, and have a valid national passport from that country, which will be all the evidence you need to show that you are sponsored by the government of your country to apply for a visa under the scheme. (British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British nationals (overseas) can also apply under the scheme and do not need to be sponsored.)

You can apply if you:

• are a citizen of a country taking part in the scheme or a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen or a British national (overseas);
• are 18 years old or over when your visa lets you come to the United Kingdom (becomes valid) and under 31 years old when you apply;
• have £1,600 in available maintenance (funds) when you apply

There is a points scheme to help illustrate this process.You must score 50 to be able to apply.

30 points is awarded for being of the correct nationality, 10 points is awarded for being of the correct age and 10 points is awarded for proving that you have the required funds (£1,600). For more information on the youth mobility scheme points system click here.

How long can you stay for?

If you are given permission to stay under the youth mobility scheme, you will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for a maximum time of 24 months.

You can leave and come back to the United Kingdom at any time during the length of your stay under the youth mobility scheme.

Working and conditions

The following information explains the work you can do and the conditions of stay that will apply to you when you enter the United Kingdom under the youth mobility scheme under tier 5 of the points-based system.

When you are in the United Kingdom under the youth mobility scheme, you:

• must register with the police if this is needed by paragraph 326 of the immigration rules: and
• must not claim state benefits.

You can do any work you like during your stay without our approval, except you:

• must not be employed as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach) or as a doctor in training; and
• are only allowed to be self employed if:
  • you do not own permanent premises from which you do your business;
  • the total value of your equipment that you use in your business is not worth more than £5,000; and
  • you have no employees.

You are allowed to rent premises provided the above conditions are met.

Setting up a company for the provision of the business and holding shares in a company are both allowed as long as the above conditions are met.

You can also do:

• privately funded study;
• au pair placements;
• voluntary work.

You must pay the correct fee with your application, and send the correct supporting evidence to support your application. If you make an application and it is unsuccessful because you do not meet the requirements, we will not refund your fee.

Fees

The application fee for the youth mobility scheme is £125.

Applying

For detailed information on how to apply for the youth mobility scheme please visit the UK Border Agency website here.

Another useful resource when applying for a visa to the UK is the UK in Australia website or the UK in New Zealand website.

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