Specialist Advice and Representation

Our specialist solicitors have extensive experience advising and supporting applicants at every stage of the process. We are highly skilled in preparing strong, well-structured applications, from straightforward cases to the most complex matters.

Our specialist immigration lawyers will take the time to understand your situation and objectives. We will allocate the most suitable lawyer – or team of lawyers where required -and develop a clear, strategic plan tailored to your needs. Our focus is always on delivering the best possible outcome in a timely and cost-effective manner.

If you wish to discuss your Youth Mobility Scheme Visa application with
one of our expert immigration lawyers, call us on 0203 5761893 or
complete our enquiry form.

 Who Can Apply?

The scheme is open to individuals aged 18 to 30, or up to 35 for certain nationalities, at the time of application.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a national of a country or territory that participates in the scheme
• Intend to live and work in the UK for a temporary period
• Not have previously held a Youth Mobility Scheme visa (or the former Working Holiday visa)
• Meet all financial and suitability requirements under UK immigration rules

Successful applicants are typically granted permission to stay in the UK for up to two years, during which they can work, travel, and explore a wide range of opportunities.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify under the Youth Mobility Scheme, applicants must meet several core criteria.

You must:

• Be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application (or up to 35 if you are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or South Korea)
• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country or territory
• Have at least £2,530 in personal savings, held consistently for at least 28 days prior to your application
• Provide a valid tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, where required

You will not be eligible if:

• You have dependent children under the age of 18 who live with you or rely on you financially
• You have already participated in the Youth Mobility Scheme or the previous Working Holiday route

These requirements are designed to ensure that applicants can support themselves independently during their stay.

Eligible Countries and Age Limits

The scheme is open to nationals of a defined list of countries and territories, including:

• Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea
• Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay
• Hong Kong and Taiwan (subject to additional application steps)

It is also available to certain categories of British nationals, including British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas).

For most applicants, the age limit is between 18 and 30. However, nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea benefit from an extended age range, allowing applications up to the age of 35.

Applicants from India should note that a separate route—the India Young Professionals Scheme—applies instead.

The Ballot System for Hong Kong and Taiwan

Due to high demand, applicants from Hong Kong (SAR passport holders) and Taiwan must first be selected through a ballot system before they can submit a visa application.

The ballot typically opens twice a year, in January and July, and remains open for a short period—usually around 48 hours. During this time, eligible individuals submit their details to register interest.

A limited number of places—usually around 1,000 per country—are allocated annually. Most places are assigned in the first ballot of the year, with the remainder distributed in the second round.

If selected, applicants are invited to proceed with their visa application within a specified timeframe. If unsuccessful, they may enter future ballots, provided they remain eligible.

It is important to note that nationals of Japan and South Korea are no longer required to enter a ballot and may apply directly at any time.

Documents Required

A successful application depends on providing clear and accurate documentation.

You will need to submit:

• A valid passport with at least one blank page
• Bank statements showing that you meet the financial requirement
• A valid TB test certificate, where applicable

Depending on your nationality, additional documents may be required. These can include:

• Criminal record certificates
• Official confirmation of selection in the ballot (for Hong Kong and Taiwan applicants)
• Government-issued letters confirming eligibility (for certain countries such as San Marino)

All documents must be genuine, clearly legible, and translated into English or Welsh where necessary.

Financial Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that they can support themselves without relying on public funds.

This requires maintaining at least £2,530 in personal savings, held continuously for a period of 28 days. The final day of this period must fall within 31 days before the date of application.

The funds must be held in your own account and must be readily accessible.

Application Costs

The application fee for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is £298.

In addition, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is currently charged at a reduced rate of £776 per year. This payment provides access to the UK’s National Health Service during your stay.

How to Apply

Applications must be made online and submitted from outside the UK.

As part of the process, you will need to:

• Complete the online application form
• Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
• Verify your identity, either by attending a Visa Application Centre or using a digital identity check

Biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, may also be required.

Work Permissions and Restrictions

One of the key advantages of the Youth Mobility Scheme is the level of flexibility it offers.

Visa holders are free to:

• Work in most types of employment
• Take up self-employment, subject to certain conditions
• Engage in voluntary work

However, some restrictions apply. You cannot:

• Work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
• Access public funds
• Bring dependent family members to the UK under this route

If you choose to be self-employed, additional limitations apply. For example, you must not operate from commercial premises (other than your home), use high-value equipment, or employ staff.

Studying in the UK

The visa allows you to undertake both part-time and full-time study during your stay.

However, certain courses—particularly in sensitive subject areas—may require approval under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).

Length of Stay

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is usually granted for a period of up to 24 months.

Nationals of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand may be eligible to extend their stay by an additional 12 months, provided they meet the relevant criteria and apply before their current visa expires.

During your stay, you are free to travel in and out of the UK. You may also remain in the UK for the full duration of your visa, even if you pass the upper age limit after it has been granted.

It is important to note that this visa can only be used once. You cannot apply again if you have already participated in the scheme.

Extending or Switching to Another Visa

For most applicants, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa cannot be extended beyond its original period.

However, if you wish to remain in the UK after your visa expires, you may be able to switch into another immigration route, such as:

• Skilled Worker visa
• Global Talent visa
• Innovator Founder visa

You must meet the requirements of the new route in order to make a successful application.

Recent Changes to the Scheme

Recent updates have broadened access and flexibility within the scheme:

• The upper age limit has increased to 35 for nationals of Australia, Canada, and South Korea
• Andorra and Uruguay have been added as eligible countries
• Japanese and South Korean nationals no longer need to enter a ballot
• Australian and Canadian nationals can now extend their stay by an additional year

These changes reflect the UK’s continued focus on attracting young, globally mobile talent.

Specialist Legal Advice and Representation

The requirements for a Scale Up Visa can vary significantly depending on your individual circumstances. Careful preparation and a clear legal strategy are essential to ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules and is supported by the appropriate evidence.

Our specialist immigration lawyers provide comprehensive legal advice and representation, guiding you through each stage of the application process with precision, clarity, and a focus on achieving a successful outcome.

Our Service

We offer a fully managed service on a fixed-fee basis, covering all aspects of your application from initial instruction through to a decision by the Home Office.

If instructed, your matter will be handled by a specialist immigration lawyer who will:

• Take detailed instructions to establish all relevant facts
• Advise you on the eligibility and suitability requirements of your application
• Assess the strengths and potential risks in your case, and advise on how these may be addressed
• Provide a tailored schedule of supporting documents
• Review all documentation to ensure compliance with the Immigration Rules and required format
• Advise on any additional evidence required following review
• Prepare and complete your application form for your approval
• Draft detailed legal representations demonstrating how the requirements are met
• Prepare witness statements where necessary
• Submit your application and supporting documents via the Home Office portal
• Arrange your biometric enrolment appointment
• Liaise with the Home Office on your behalf, including responding to any further enquiries

Where appropriate, we will also take steps to secure priority processing in order to minimise decision times.

 Our Approach

Our approach is defined by careful preparation, technical expertise, and a clear focus on results. Each application is handled with close attention to detail to ensure that it is properly evidenced, accurately presented, and aligned with Home Office requirements.

Your matter will be assigned to a lawyer with specialist expertise in immigration law, who will manage your case throughout. In more complex matters, additional specialist input will be provided to ensure a thorough and considered approach.

We provide a flexible service to clients based in the UK and internationally. Consultations and case handling can be conducted remotely without compromising on quality, alongside in-person meetings where preferred.

 Fees and Accessibility

We offer our services on a transparent fixed-fee basis, providing certainty as to legal costs from the outset. Payment plans may be available to assist with managing fees.

You may also submit an initial enquiry online to receive preliminary guidance on your circumstances before deciding how you wish to proceed.

Contact Us

For tailored advice and professional representation in relation to your Youth Mobility Scheme Visa application, please contact our specialist immigration lawyers.