Youth mobility visa expanded for Kiwis
🥝 Good news for Kiwis! The popular Youth Mobility visa is set to expand meaning more New Zealanders will be able to live and work in the UK.
In July of 2022 then New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and then UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson agreed an expansion of the countries reciprocal visa agreement that will allow more younger people to live and work in both countries for longer. In March of 2023, it was announced that the agreement would be moved forward and delivered earlier than expected.
What is the Youth Mobility visa?
The Youth Mobility visa is a UK visa that allows young people aged 18 to 30 from certain countries to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. The visa is designed to facilitate cultural exchange and provide young people with the opportunity to experience life in the UK while working and traveling.
This visa has proved to be so popular that moving to London on a Youth Mobility visa has become a right of passage many adventurous movers.
What has changed about the Youth Mobility visa for Kiwis?
The Youth Mobility visa allowances have been expanded across multiple categories under a new agreement between the UK and New Zealand governments.
Duration ⏱
The duration of the Youth Mobility visa is increasing from 2 years to 3 years.
Age limit 🪪
The age limit for Youth Mobility visa applications is expanding from 30 years-old to 35 years-old.
Visa extensions 👆
Kiwis already living and working in the UK on the Youth Mobility visa will be eligible to apply for a 1 year extension to their existing visa so that they can also take advantage of the 3 year duration.
Costs 💸
Although this hasn't been confirmed by the UK Government, it is likely the costs for the visa application cost will increase to cover the additional 1 year duration. The current cost for the application is £259.
The costs will increase for the NHS surcharge. The NHS surcharge is paid for per year and at a rate of £470 per year. Under the new agreement, Kiwis can expect to pay £1,410 to cover 3 years of NHS access.
What about Kiwis already on the Youth Mobility visa?
Kiwis who are currently living in the UK on the Youth Mobility visa may be able to apply for a 1 year extension taking the duration of their visa up from 2 years to 3. It has not yet been announced the process to apply for the extension but it is expected that existing Kiwi Youth Mobility visa holders will be contacted.
When do the changes come into effect?
Changes are scheduled to start on the 29th of June, 2023.
Why have the changes taken place?
The changes that were agreed back in 2022 have been shifted forward to support businesses through the global labour shortages.
New Zealand Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins 🇳🇿
“Securing an implementation date for this new scheme sooner than expected means those who are already in country will now be eligible to remain here longer, adding to the pool of labour available to businesses,” said Chris Hipkins.
“The changes to the scheme reflect the depth of our relationship with the United Kingdom. They are one of our closest partners, and we share a long standing relationship based on shared history, strong people to people links, and common values and interests. The improvements to this scheme are testament to this; it is great to provide young people in both our countries with more opportunities to work and live alongside one another,” said Chris Hipkins.
UK Immigration Minister, Robert Jenrick 🇬🇧
“More young Brits and New Zealanders will have the opportunity to make lasting connections, develop their skills and make a significant contribution to their host country’s society," said Robert Jenrick.
“The changes we are announcing today will further strengthen the close ties between the UK and NZ, and benefit both countries economically, socially and culturally,” said Robert Jenrick.
Will other countries follow?
It is expected that the expansion to the Youth Mobility visa will also apply to other countries in the near future.
Australia is expected to be the next country to expand their arrangement with the UK under a new Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, although exact details and changes have yet to be confirmed
