Why Australians and New Zealanders should get a UK working holiday visa
Meet new people, make friends and have the time of your life
This visa allows Australians and New Zealanders to have a gap year (or two) before starting university, and this time is looked back on as a once in a lifetime opportunity to make friends, travel and have a unique work experience in the UK.
Europe on your doorstep
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa lets you leave and re-enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid. Australians and New Zealanders don’t require a Schengen visa to enter the EU, and with its close proximity to the UK, this makes it easy to visit any European city and travel at the drop of a hat.
Earn Pounds while you travel
Travelling abroad can be expensive. One of the great benefits of this visa is that it allows you to work while you travel, so you can easily top-up your travel funds while you explore new places.
International work experience
Working overseas can greatly enhance your employability back home. Employers like the idea that you’ve been exposed to different work environments abroad. If you’ve opted to work in your field of study, it could prove to be an invaluable asset to your career.
Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa was previously known as the Tier 5 visa.
What are the Youth Mobility Scheme visa requirements?
To be eligible for a visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be a citizen of Australia or New Zealand
- Have no dependents living with you or financially reliant on you
- Have not travelled to the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa before
- Have £2,530 in savings which you have held for 28 consecutive days. The funds must be in the applicant’s account.
*Countries eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa include:
- Australia
- Canada
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- San Marino
- Iceland
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
We can help you ensure a smooth visa application process
Youth Mobility Scheme visa supporting documents
When you apply for a YMS visa you will need to provide the following:
- A valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
- A bank statement showing you have at least £2,530 in savings
What can you do on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
- Work unrestricted, unless you are a professional sports person or coach
- Study: You are able to study in the UK – some may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate.
- Travel: Leave and re-enter the UK freely allowing you to explore Europe
- Extend: Stay for a third year, exclusive to Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Youth Mobility Scheme visa
1. How much does the Youth Mobility visa application cost?
The application fee is £319 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year, totalling £1,552 for two years.
2. Can I pay part of the Immigration Health Surcharge if I am not staying for the full two years?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is charge according to the amount of time you are granted, not the amount of time you will be in the UK for. A shorter visa is not available under this scheme.
3. Is it possible to extend the UK Youth Mobility visa?
Yes, it can be extended for another year whilst in the UK.
4. Am I allowed to work on a UK Youth Mobility visa?
Yes, you can take most jobs besides being a professional sportsperson or coach. There are also some restrictions on working as self-employed.
5. Can I study while on a UK Youth Mobility visa?
Yes, studying is permitted, though some courses may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.
How do I submit an application for the UK Youth Mobility visa?
Applications are made online via the official UK government website, where you’ll need to provide biometric information and the required documents.
7. Can I bring family members on the UK Youth Mobility visa?
No, dependents or family members are not permitted to join you on this visa.
8. What should I do if my Youth Mobility visa application is refused?
If you think there’s been an error, you can request an administrative review. Otherwise, it’s easier to apply again, making sure the requirements are met this time.
9. Can I change to a different visa type while on a UK Youth Mobility visa?
Yes.
How we can help
With our assistance, your visa application stands the greatest chance of success. We give you detailed instructions to follow, check all of your documents, set up your application forms, answer all of your questions and guide you throughout the application process. What’s more, we have a no visa, no fee guarantee. If your visa isn’t granted, you won’t pay a Dollar for our services.
Ready to apply? Complete the form below and one of our immigration advisers will guide you through the application process.
UK visa assessment
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