Live and Work in the United Kingdom with a Youth Mobility Scheme VISA: Verify Your Eligibility
Do you wish to live and work in the UK? The Youth Mobility Scheme VISA is an opportunity to learn about British culture, see historical sites, pursue professional prospects, and perhaps even become proficient in a charming British accent.
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Your passport to success could be the Youth Mobility Scheme visa! Young adults from participating nations may live and work in the UK for a maximum of two years (three years for citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand!).
Table of Contents
Why Does the UK offer the Youth Mobility Scheme VISA?
It ultimately comes down to fostering international ties and cultural interchange. The goal of the UK government is to expand the horizons of young people by allowing them to live in the country and contribute to its economy and society.
Benefits of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
#1. Work and Travel:
With this visa, you can travel freely throughout the UK and work in most jobs (with a few exceptions, such as professional sports).
#2. Long Duration:
You have more than enough time to develop your abilities, see the UK in its entirety, and create lifelong memories—citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can even remain for an additional year!
#3. It offers flexibility:
You have the ability to work for several employers, study, work for yourself, and even travel to and from the UK while your visa is valid.
Who can apply?
You need to be a citizen of a participating country or territory, typically between 18 and 30 years old (though the age range can vary). These countries include:
- Australia,
- Canada,
- Hong Kong,
- Japan,
- Monaco,
- New Zealand,
- Republic of Korea,
- Taiwan.
- British Overseas Citizens,
- British Overseas Territories Citizens and
- British Nationals (Overseas) are also eligible.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nationality: You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
- Age: Meet the age requirements for your specific country.
- Financial Proof: Demonstrate that you have at least £2,530 in savings to support yourself during your initial stay.
- Clean Record: You’ll need to pass a criminal background check.
Who cannot apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme VISA?
You cannot apply if you have:
- children under the age of 18 who live with you
- children you’re financially responsible for
- already been in the UK under the scheme
How long it takes
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you travel.
Example
You can apply from 16 January if you plan to travel on 15 July.
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
Getting a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Read Also: Application Process for a UK 2-Year Temporary Work Visa: Detailed Guide
How much it costs
You will need to:
- Pay the application fee.
- Pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £776 per year; you can check how much you’ll have to pay
- Prove you have enough personal savings; check how much is in the eligibility requirements
Application fee
The application fee is £298.
How long you can stay
You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
You can enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid, and leave and come back at any time during your stay.
If you turn 31 after your visa is issued, you can stay in the UK for as long as your visa is valid.
If you’re from Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, you’ll be able to extend your visa by one year after the 2-year period ends.
What you can and cannot do
You can:
- Study: for some courses, you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate
- Work in most jobs
- Be self-employed and set up a company—as long as your premises are rented, your equipment is not worth more than £5,000 and you do not have any employees.
You cannot:
- Work as a professional sportsperson (for example as a coach)
- Extend your stay unless you’re from Australia, Canada or New Zealand
- Get public funds
- Bring in family members on your application; they must apply separately.
Read Also: These 9 Countries Offer Work Visas Without Job Requirement
Do you require an English Language Test?
Generally, you won’t need to take a separate English language test if you’re a citizen of a majority English-speaking country. However, if you’re not, you’ll likely need to prove your English proficiency through an approved test like IELTS, with a minimum score typically around B1 level (intermediate).
Documents you must provide
When you apply you’ll need to provide:
- a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
- a bank statement showing you have at least £2,530 in savings
- your tuberculosis (TB) test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test.
You need a blank page in your passport for your visa.
You’ll need to provide a certified translation of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
How to Apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme VISA?
- Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet all the requirements before starting the application.
- Apply online: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
- Gather your documents: You’ll need to provide your passport, proof of funds, and any other supporting documents.
- Pay the fees: There’s an application fee of £298 to apply for this visa and an Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year for Youth Mobility to cover your access to the National Health Service (NHS), whereas £19.20 for your biometrics.
- Attend an appointment: You may need to attend an appointment at a visa application center to provide biometric information.
References:
https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility/eligibility
