The Youth Mobility Visa is a visa designed for young people to experience life in the United Kingdom, without committing to Indefinite Leave to Remain or British Citizenship. It is perfect for young professionals looking to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.
This visa is designed for people between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. It is meant to improve the opportunities for young people looking to gain professional experience in the United Kingdom. The Youth Mobility Visa has no option for extension after the initial 2 years of stay that the visa offers.
When it comes to understanding if this visa is the correct path for you, your circumstances, and your life, seeking out professional advice is always recommended. Our team at QC Immigration are experts in all matters to do with UK immigration. We can help advise which path would best be suited to you, and help you assess your eligibility for a Youth Mobility Visa.
Youth Mobility Visa Requirements
The Youth Mobility Visa is aimed at attracting young professionals looking to experience life in the United Kingdom, without having to commit to a full Work Visa initially.
The criteria that needs to be met in order to qualify for a Youth Mobility Visa are as follows:
An eligible candidate must:
- Be aged between 18 and 30.
- Have at least £2,530 in savings for a 28-day period.
- Want to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years.
You can apply if you are from:
- San Marino
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Monaco
- Canada
- Iceland
You can also apply as a British Overseas citizen, British Overseas Territories citizen, or as a British National (Overseas).
An eligible candidate can also apply from the following countries, but must first be selected through the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before applying:
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- India
You cannot apply if:
- You have children under the age of 18 that live with you
- You have already visited the UK via the Youth Mobility scheme in the past
- You have children that you are financially responsible for
Financially, you must have £2,530 in savings listed as a requirement, and the money must be available for at least 28 days in a row before applying, and day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for this visa. This is to demonstrate that you are financially capable of supporting yourself within the UK without needing to access public funds.
QC Immigration is here to give you all the guidance that you require when looking to apply for a Youth Mobility Visa. We realise that the whole process, even just assessing if you are eligible, can feel overwhelming. Using our support can simplify the process and save you time.
Our team has extensive experience in Youth Mobility Visas and will be able to make sure you are showing the right evidence and ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements before submitting.
Documentation
To support your application, you will need to provide documents that prove you are eligible for this visa category. We can help guide you through this process and ensure that you have everything you need.
For the Youth Mobility Visa, you will need:
- An up-to-date bank statement that proves you meet the financial requirements for this visa (minimum of £2,530 in savings).
- Depending on what country you are applying from, you may need to show evidence of your tuberculosis test results in your application.
- A valid passport, or another official document, that shows your nationality and identity. A blank page in your passport for your visa.
Depending on your circumstances, there may be additional documents that are required. At QC Immigration, we can help you with any additional documentation requests.
If any of your official documents are not in English or Welsh, you will need to arrange a certified translation of the documents before your application.
As well as providing all of these documents, the way that you present them is just as important. Contact QC Immigration today to put together a strong application, we will highlight the key factors the immigration officers assess and help you avoid putting in unnecessary information that may prolong the process.
How QC Immigration Can Help
We will be able to provide the practical guidance that is needed to ensure your applicable traits for the Youth Mobility Visa are highlighted.
Please get in touch with us online or book a consultation. Alternatively, you can phone us on 0203 637 8633 or email us at info@qc-immigration.com.
FAQs
How much does the Youth Mobility Visa cost?
The Youth Mobility Visa application fee is £259, however, you may also need to pay additional fees depending on your circumstances such as the immigration health surcharge (IHS) which is usually £470 per year. You will also need to consider fees related to documentation, such as admin fees or the certification of your documents.
It can be an expensive process which is why we recommend taking on professional advice when submitting your application – as not to waste time and money.
How long will the Youth Mobility Visa take?
Under normal working circumstances, you will find out about your application progress for the Youth Mobility Visa within 3 weeks of submitting your application.
The earliest that you can apply for this visa is 6 months in advance of travelling to the UK. However, part of the process may involve appointments to further prove your identity and to provide your documents.
What activities can I do whilst holding a Youth Mobility Visa?
You can work or study as below:
- Study – for some courses you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).
- 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.
Can I extend a Youth Mobility Visa?
At present, it is not possible to extend this visa beyond the initial 2 years of stay. If you wish to remain in the UK after your visa expires, you will have to look into alternative routes, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or other types of Work Visas. Contact us if you’d like some guidance on this.
