UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (Tier 5) – What Is It & How To Apply For It?

a group of young people in the UK on a YMS visa

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to live and work in the UK, why not apply for a UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa and experience it all!

Similar to a working holiday, with a YMS visa you are allowed to live, work and travel in the UK for up to 2 years!

Here’s everything you need to know about the YMS visa and how to apply for one.

What is a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

This visa is quota-based for young people who want to work and live in the UK for up to 2 years.

Once the visa is approved, applicants can enter and leave the UK at any time while the visa is valid.

This type of visa cannot be extended.

Who can apply for a YMS Tier 5 visa?

In order to be eligible for this visa you must:

A)

Be a citizen of one of the following countries:

  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Canada
  • Japan
  • Monaco
  • Taiwan
  • Hong Kong
  • South Korea

 
And B)

Score 50 points using the metrics below:

  • 30 points for meeting the nationality requirement
  • hold a passport from an eligible country OR you are a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British national (overseas)
  • 10 points for meeting the age requirement
  • you are aged 18 to 30
  • 10 points for meeting the maintenance requirement
  • you have £1,890 in savings

You cannot apply if you have children who live with you, children you’re financially responsible for or if you have already been in the UK under the scheme or in the former ‘working holidaymaker’ category.

You can apply for this visa within 6 months before you travel.

Required documents for the UK YMS Tier 5 visa

  • valid passport with a blank page, valid for at least 6 months.
  • a bank statement with a minimum of £1,890 in savings
  • tuberculosis test results – if applicable

Evidence of funds must be in the form of documents relating to cash funds, not including any overdraft facilities, held in current or savings accounts.

If documents are not in English or Welsh, they need to have a certified translation.
*You may be asked to provide additional documents

overview of a bus in a London street

You may also like:
UK Ancestry Visa – All You Need To Know

How to apply for a UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa? 

In order to apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa, you have to complete and submit all the visa application paperwork that is required.

For your biometric residence permit, you’ll have to get your fingerprints and photo taken at a visa application centre. You then have to collect the permit within 10 days of your arrival in the UK.

You will typically find out if your application was successful within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK after the biometrics are provided.

If the prospect of filling out confusing visa documents is stressing you out, you should contact Visa First!

Our team of visa experts will guide you through the entire application process and boost your chances of a successful outcome.

About the Author

Kristina Valcheva

Kristina Valcheva is an author at Visa First. With background in journalism, she channels her enthusiasm for both travel and finance into reader-friendly content.

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