The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) visa is available to young people who wish to live and work in the United Kingdom for a period of up to two years. This section contains all of the information you need to know about this visa.
What is the Youth Mobility Scheme and how does it work?
The Youth Mobility Scheme (commonly abbreviated as YMS) is a Points-Based Visa that allows young travelers (aged 18-30) to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to two years.
Visas are available to citizens of a limited number of countries and can be applied for only once.
Who is eligible to apply for work holiday visa?
To be eligible for this visa, you must earn a minimum of 50 points using the following system.
Nationality Requirement
If you are a citizen of one of the following nations, you will earn 30 points.
- Australia
- The United Kingdom
- Hong Kong SAR
- Japan
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Saint-Marin
- South Korea
- Taiwanese
Requirement for a Minimum Age
You can earn ten points in this category if you meet the following criteria:
- You must be over the age of 18 when your visa becomes valid for use.
- You are under the age of 31 on the day your online visa application is submitted.
- You have until your 31st birthday to submit your online visa application.
Requirements for Maintenance
You will earn the final ten points if you can demonstrate that you will have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK (£2,530 in 2021).
Who is ineligible to apply for this visa?
Even if you meet the major conditions outlined above, you may still be denied a visa if you match the following criteria:
- You previously visited the United Kingdom on the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme.
- You have children under the age of 18 who live with you or are financially reliant on you.
- You have appeared in court within the last 12 months and been found guilty of an offense.
How long is this visa valid for living and working in the United Kingdom?
Visas are valid for a period of two years. Your two-year period will commence on the visa start date specified in your application.
Is it necessary for me to have a job offer in order to apply for this visa?
No. You should be informed that the online application includes a section that inquiries about your work in the United Kingdom. However, you can just mention here that you intend to seek employment upon your arrival in the United Kingdom.
Can I apply for any job in the United Kingdom while on YMS visa?
No, you are not permitted to work as a:
- Professional sportsperson (including coaching)
- Doctor or dentist in training, unless you hold a degree in medicine or dentistry from a UK institution
Finally, self-employment is legal in the UK if you rent your facilities, own no more than £5,000 in equipment, and have no workers.
My passport will expire shortly. Is it necessary for me to obtain a new passport before applying for this visa?
When entering the UK, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months. Therefore, if you do not have this, you should apply for a new passport prior to beginning your application. Your visa will be issued in conjunction with the passport used to submit your application.
How long does the application process take for this visa?
YMS visa applications are normally processed within 15 days of submission.
If you apply with Henleaze Law, you may rest assured that your application will be processed efficiently. The staff will assist you throughout the procedure, increasing your chances of success.
Why should I apply with Henleaze Law?
Our service is prompt and dependable. Our experienced team has been processing applications for UK working holiday visas. We will make sure that your application has no errors and it is accepted in the least possible time.