Youth Mobility Visa UK Applications

You cannot extend your visa beyond the initially allocated period. If you want to extend your stay in the UK beyond this, then you will need to switch to another visa category before your current stay expires – to learn more about your options, get in touch with a solicitor with expert knowledge of the immigration rules.

You can apply for a new visa in various different categories. For example, you can apply for an Ancestry visa if you have a UK-born grandparent, or a Skilled Worker visa if you have been offered a job or sponsorship opportunity.

If you apply for one of these visas, you will need to return to your country and apply there. There is also the possibility of applying for an Ancestry dependant visa, if your partner already has an Ancestry visa.

A partner visa may be an option if your spouse or long-term partner is British, or has settled status (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK. Unmarried partners must be able to prove at least two years’ cohabitation in the UK, overseas, or a combination of the two. However, you will need to check that you can meet all the requirements in this category, including that you and your partner can meet the minimum income requirement of £18,600.

You can also apply for a visa if you are in a relationship with or married to an EU citizen with settled or pre-settled status.

If your application is refused, you may apply for an administrative review if you feel that the decision contains an error. You should get in touch with an expert immigration solicitor if this is the case.

This ballot is the selection process used by the UK government to allocate a limited number of Youth Mobility visas to eligible applicants from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan. Due to high demand for these visas and the limited number of spaces available, a ballot system was introduced to ensure a fair and transparent allocation process.

The ballot system works by inviting eligible applicants to submit their interest in the scheme. It opens in January and July each year; most applicants are usually chosen in the January ballot, with the remainder selected in July. The ballots are open for 48 hours at a time, and applicants must send an email to the relevant address to enter.

Once the application window closes, a random selection of applicants will be chosen to receive an invitation to apply for the Youth Mobility visa. Upon receiving an invitation, successful applicants have 30 days to submit their full visa application, providing all required documentation and evidence. It is crucial to act promptly once you receive an invitation, as failure to submit your application within the designated timeframe may result in the loss of your opportunity to apply.

The Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot operates on a country-by-country basis, with each participating country having a predetermined number of available visas. The UK government negotiates these allocations with the respective governments of participating countries.

It is essential to be aware that receiving an invitation to apply through the ballot system does not guarantee the approval of your visa application. Your application will still be subject to standard eligibility and documentation requirements, and you must meet all the necessary criteria to secure your visa.

If you are not successful in the ballot, you will be notified within two weeks of the ballot closing. You may be eligible to reapply during the next application window, but keep in mind that your eligibility may change depending on your age and other factors.

To learn more about how to apply, click here.

A number of countries involved in the scheme have their own country-specific rules:

India

In addition to the standard application requirements, Indian applicants must demonstrate the following:

• That they hold a qualification at degree level or above (minimum RQF level 6); or
• That they have at least three years of work experience in a professional role capable of being sponsored under the UK’s skilled worker rules

Indian citizens are also required to take part in a ballot-based invitational system, called the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot. Find out more about how to take part in the ballot here.

New Zealand

New Zealand citizens can benefit from expanded eligibility from June 29th 2023 onwards. From this date, you will be able to apply if you are aged between 18 and 35, and will also have the option of extending your visa by one year to a maximum of three years. To be eligible, New Zealand nationals will need to be in the UK and have a valid Youth Mobility Scheme visa when applying.

San Marino

San Marino nationals will need to provide a letter from the Directorate of Political and Diplomatic Affairs of the Republic of San Marino Department of Foreign Affairs as part of their applications. The letter must:

• Confirm your suitability for the scheme
• Be issued less than six months before you apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa

Iceland

If you are from Iceland, you will need to provide an Icelandic Criminal Certificate for Private Use (called a Sakavottorð) when applying. This must have been issued less than six months before you apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa