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Youth Mobility Scheme visa (United Kingdom)

✓ Checked against GOV.UK on 2026-07-13

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is for young people who want to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years. According to the official guidance, applicants must fall within a specified age range and hold certain types of British nationality, or be a citizen of one of the specific countries or territories listed in the official eligibility requirements.

Key requirements, as officially published

want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 yearsSource: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
are aged 18 to 30 or 18 to 35, depending on where you’re fromSource: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
have £2,530 in savingsSource: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
have certain types of British Nationality or are from certain countries or territories listed in the eligibility requirementsSource: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
The application fee listed on the official page is £340.Source: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
The healthcare surcharge listed on the official page is £776, usually charged per year.Source: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
bring in family members on your application - they must apply separatelySource: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
You cannot extend your stay unless you’re from Australia, Canada or New Zealand. 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.Source: https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility

Process steps, as officially published

  1. As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
  2. 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.
  3. The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you travel.
  4. Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

Official sources

Youth Mobility Scheme visa - GOV.UKretrieved 2026-07-13

Information checked against the official pages linked above on 2026-07-13. Requirements can change. Check the official links for the current version.

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