Annual Quotas for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

The UK government imposes annual quotas for the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), which allows young individuals from participating countries to live, work, and travel in the United Kingdom. The number of visas available for each country in 2024 is limited as follows:

• Australia – 35,000 places

• New Zealand – 13,000 places

• Canada – 8,000 places

• Japan – 6,000 places

• South Korea – 5,000 places

• India – 3,000 places

• Iceland, Monaco, Taiwan, Hong Kong, San Marino – 1,000 places each

• Uruguay – 500 places

• Andorra – 100 places

There are no limitations on the number of Youth Mobility Scheme visas available to British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, or British Nationals (Overseas).

Eligibility Requirements Based on Country of Citizenship

To participate in the Youth Mobility Scheme, applicants must secure entry clearance prior to arriving in the UK. Specific eligibility criteria vary depending on the applicant’s nationality:

• Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Monaco, South Korea, and eligible British nationals are not required to meet additional country-specific conditions, but must satisfy the financial requirement.

• Applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan must receive an official invitation to apply and submit their visa application within the stated timeframe.

• San Marino nationals must provide a letter of endorsement from the Republic of San Marino’s Department of Foreign Affairs, issued within 6 months of the application date.

• Icelandic applicants are required to submit a Criminal Certificate for Private Use, also issued within 6 months before applying.

• Indian nationals must:

  • Obtain an invitation to apply;

  • Submit their application within the allocated time period;

  • Provide a unique application reference number;

  • Submit a police clearance certificate issued within 6 months;

  • Hold a qualification equivalent to RQF level 6 or higher.

• Applicants from Andorra must present a criminal record certificate issued no more than 6 months prior to applying.

• Uruguayan applicants must provide a Certificate of Judicial Records issued within 6 months of the application date.

Ballot System for Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Applications

For citizens of India, Hong Kong (with an SAR passport), and Taiwan, a ballot (random selection) system is used to determine who may proceed with a Youth Mobility Scheme visa application.

Applicants must first register an expression of interest through the UK Home Office’s official process. Ballots are typically conducted twice per year—in January and July—and remain open for a 48-hour window.

Successful entrants will receive an invitation to apply and have 30 days to submit their application. Proof of selection includes:

• A formal invitation letter, and

• A completed application submitted within the specified deadline.

Financial Requirement for the Youth Mobility Scheme

To qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they possess a minimum of £2,530 in savings, maintained for at least 28 consecutive days within the 31 days before submitting the application.

Additionally, applicants must not:

• Have children under 18 who live with them or depend on them financially.

Duration and Validity of the Youth Mobility Visa

If granted, a Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows an individual to reside and work in the UK for up to 2 years. During this period, visa holders are free to enter and exit the country multiple times.

If the visa holder reaches age 31 while in the UK, they can remain for the remainder of the visa’s validity.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand may be eligible to apply for a one-year visa extension, providing a potential total stay of three years.

Conditions of Stay Under the Youth Mobility Scheme

Holders of the Youth Mobility Scheme visa are permitted to:

• Work in the UK, with the exception of roles as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

• Be self-employed, provided they:

  • Employ no staff;

  • Use business equipment valued below £5,000;

  • Operate solely from their residence.

• Study in the UK. However, nationals excluding those from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea must comply with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) if pursuing postgraduate-level studies in certain fields.

• Access to public funds is not permitted under this visa route.

What Happens if Your Youth Mobility Visa Is Refused?

If your visa application under the Youth Mobility Scheme is refused, you may have the right to request an Administrative Review to challenge potential errors in the decision-making process.

Seeking guidance from a qualified UK immigration professional may assist in assessing your options and strengthening your case.

Switching to a Different UK Immigration Route

Before your Youth Mobility visa expires, it may be possible to transition to another visa category while remaining in the UK. Potential pathways include:

• The Skilled Worker visa,

• The Innovator Founder visa, and

• Other immigration routes leading to permanent residence or UK settlement.

Professional legal advice can help you explore long-term immigration strategies that align with your goals in the United Kingdom.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, our accomplished immigration barristers specialize in delivering tailored solutions across a broad spectrum of visa applications. With in-depth expertise in the Youth Mobility Scheme, our legal professionals are adept at navigating the intricate regulations and policies set by the UK Home Office.

We distinguish ourselves through a client-focused approach that is both personable and proactive. Our committed legal team strives to understand each client’s unique circumstances, offering precise and dependable immigration counsel. At Link And Day Lawyers, we are passionate about helping Youth Mobility Scheme applicants achieve successful outcomes through professional, responsive, and trustworthy service.