The UK working holiday visa, officially called the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), gives Australians and New Zealanders the chance to live, work and explore the UK for up to three years. The YMS visa is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to use the UK as a base for work and travel across Europe. Below are the most common questions about the UK Youth Mobility Scheme.

1. What is the Youth Mobility Scheme visa (YMS visa)?

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa – often referred to as the UK working holiday visa or YMS visa – allows eligible citizens of participating countries, like Australia and New Zealand, to live and work in the UK without requiring an employer sponsor.

Read more: A guide to the Youth Mobility Scheme for Aussies and Kiwis

2. Who is eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme?

To qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme:

  • You must be a citizen of a participating country (Australia or New Zealand).
  • You must have a valid passport.
  • You cannot have dependant children under 18 living with you or relying on you financially.
  • You cannot have previously held a YMS visa or been in the UK on a similar work visa.
  • You must show proof of funds (at least £2,530) in your own bank account for at least 28 consecutive days prior to applying to ensure you have enough savings when applying for your UK working holiday visa.

3. What is the age requirement for the UK working holiday visa?

For the UK Youth Mobility Scheme, you must be between 18 and 35 years old when you apply. If you turn 36 after your visa is granted, you can still complete your full stay.

4. How long is the YMS visa valid, and can I extend it?

The standard Youth Mobility Scheme visa is valid for up to two years from the date it becomes active. Citizens of Australia and New Zealand can extend this for an extra year, making your working holiday in the UK valid for up to three years in total.

You’re free to leave and re-enter the UK during this period as long as the visa is valid, giving you flexibility to travel around Europe.

5. Do I need a job offer before applying for the YMS visa?

No, you do not need a job offer to apply for this visa. One of the biggest advantages of the YMS visa is that you can arrive in the UK and then look for work – full time, part time or casual – without employer sponsorship.

6. Are there work restrictions under the UK Youth Mobility Scheme?

Yes, while the UK Youth Mobility Scheme lets you work in most jobs, some restrictions apply:

  • You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
  • Self-employment is allowed, but you cannot:
  • Rent or own business premises
  • Employ others
  • Hold equipment worth more than £5,000 for business use

For example, you could freelance as a graphic designer from home, but you couldn’t open a shop with staff.

7. What documents do I need for a YMS visa application?

For your Youth Mobility Scheme application, you will need:

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of funds (£2,530) shown via bank statements
  • Digital copies of all documents uploaded during the online application process

Make sure your bank statements are clear to prevent delays in processing your UK working holiday visa.

8. Can the YMS lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

No. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is temporary and does not lead to indefinite leave to remain or British citizenship. If you want to stay in the UK longer than your working holiday UK period, you must switch to another eligible visa route before your YMS expires.

9. What are the costs to apply for the UK working holiday visa?

The main YMS visa costs include:

  • Visa application fee: £319
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year (e.g., £1,552 for a two-year visa)
  • Biometrics appointment: £76.50 (no charge for Sydney/Melbourne applicants)
  • Optional priority service for faster processing: £500

These fees are paid when you submit your UK Youth Mobility Scheme application.

If you want to embark on your working holiday adventure in the UK, get in touch with our migration agents who will be able to assist you every step of the way. Get in touch with them at [email protected] or give them a call on +613 (0) 8651 4500.