Eligible Countries
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme is a bilateral programme — only certain nationalities qualify. The list (as of 2026):
| Country | Age | Places | Ballot? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 18-35 | Unlimited | No |
| New Zealand | 18-35 | Unlimited | No |
| Canada | 18-35 | Unlimited | No |
| Iceland | 18-30 | 1,000 | No |
| Monaco | 18-30 | 1,000 | No |
| San Marino | 18-30 | 1,000 | No |
| Hong Kong | 18-30 | 1,000 | No |
| Japan | 18-30 | 1,500 | Yes (ballot Jan/Jul) |
| South Korea | 18-35 | 1,000 | Yes (ballot) |
| Taiwan | 18-30 | 1,000 | Yes (ballot) |
| Uruguay | 18-35 | 500 | No |
| India | 18-30 | 3,000 | Yes (ballot) |
⚠️ Ballot countries: For Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and India you must first win a ballot (lottery) before applying. Ballots open twice yearly (January and July). Register at gov.uk/youth-mobility.
Requirements
- Aged 18-30 (or 35 for Australia/NZ/Canada/South Korea/Uruguay) when you apply
- Citizen of an eligible country
- No children you're financially responsible for
- At least £2,530 in savings (shown via 28 days of bank statements)
- No criminal record / immigration breaches
- Not previously been on a UK Youth Mobility or Working Holidaymaker visa
Application Process
- (If ballot country) Win the ballot first
- Apply online at gov.uk/youth-mobility
- Pay £298 visa fee + £2,070 IHS
- Book biometric appointment at VFS Global
- Decision typically within 3 weeks
- Travel to the UK within 6 months of visa issue
- Your 2 years starts from the date you enter the UK
💰 Budget planning: Between the £298 fee, £2,070 IHS, £2,530 savings requirement, biometrics fee and flights, budget at least £3,500-4,500 to start the process.
What You Can Do
YMS is one of the most flexible UK visas — almost no restrictions:
- Work for any UK employer, any hours, any salary
- Be self-employed — you can even register a limited company, as long as it's not your main income source
- Study short courses (up to 6 months)
- Travel — the UK + Schengen combine for easy European travel
- Switch jobs freely — no sponsorship locked in
- Leave and re-enter multiple times
You cannot: work as a professional sportsperson, work as a dentist, or extend this visa (must leave or switch).
After the 2 Years
The 2-year YMS is a one-shot — you cannot renew. Options at the end:
- Leave the UK — most common outcome
- Switch to Skilled Worker visa — if a UK employer sponsors you (must be a licensed sponsor, minimum salary generally £38,700 from 2024)
- Switch to partner visa — if you've established a relationship with a British/settled partner (2.5 years cohabitation usually required)
- Switch to Innovator Founder visa — if you've started an endorsed innovative business
🎯 Strategy: If you want to stay long-term, start networking in month 1. Skilled Worker sponsorship takes months — don't leave it to month 23.