Applying for the Youth Mobility visa from outside your home country

Travel and living abroad is more accessible than ever these days, we're obviously big fans of doing just that here at Migrate. For many London movers you may already be living outside your home country or country of nationality when you make the decision to move to the UK on the Youth Mobility visa. In this article we will explore what differences there are when applying for the Youth Mobility visa from outside your home country.

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The Youth Mobility visa application

For over a decade now, the Youth Mobility visa has been providing a pathway for young people to come and live and work in the UK. Although this visa is popular with young people, it isn't open to everyone as there are certain eligibility factors that need to be met.

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Eligibility

To be eligible for the Youth Mobility visa you must be a citizen of (holding a passport for) of a country that has a reciprocal youth visa arrangement with the UK. Those countries include:

• 🇦🇩 Andorra
• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
• 🇮🇸 Iceland
• 🇯🇵 Japan
• 🇲🇨 Monaco
• 🇳🇿 New Zealand
• 🇰🇷 Republic of Korea
• 🇸🇲 San Marino
• 🇹🇼 Taiwan
• 🇺🇾 Uruguay

Another requirement is that to apply you must be aged 18-30 when applying, or 18-35 if you hold a passport from; Australia, Canada or New Zealand.

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Application process

When applying for the Youth Mobility visa the general process involves:

1. Gathering all the documents required
2. Saving £2,530 for a minimum of 28 days within 31 days of your application
3. Completing the online application on GOV.UK
4. Attending a biometrics appointment
5. Sending away your passport and documents
6. Having your passport returned with visa vignette attached
7. Entering the UK within the specified arrival dates
8. Collecting your BRP from a UK post office

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Applying for the Youth Mobility visa from outside your home country

If you're living outside your home country you can still apply for the Youth Mobility visa. In addition to meeting all the eligibility criteria there are a few things that need to be taken into account if you're applying from outside your home country.

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For example, if you're looking to apply for the Youth Mobility visa and you're an Australian living in Germany you can apply without returning to your home country of Australia. This is fantastic news for those already living abroad as it means you don't have to spend money travelling to your home country just for theYouth Mobility visa application.

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Meet residency requirements for at least six months

When applying for the Youth Mobility Visa from outside your home country, you must have permission to be within that foreign country for at least six months.

The reason for this requirement is because you need to have more time where you may stay longer than the UK visa processing time because your visa application might get delayed for many reasons and you may need to wait hear back from the UK Home office.

You may have to wait longer for your visa application to be processed for a number of reasons, including:

• The information in your application is not accurate or requires further consideration
• You need to provide further evidence, for example evidence of funds
• Your supporting documents need to be verified
• You need to attend an interview
• Further information is required on your personal circumstances (for example if you have a criminal conviction)
• UKVI is experiencing increased visa demand

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Attend a biometrics appointment at a visa application centre

Once you've confirmed your eligibility based on the residence requirement, the next crucial step is to attend an appointment at a visa application centre. These centres are designated locations where you can submit your visa application, provide biometric information such as fingerprints and a digital photograph, and attend an interview if necessary.

You need to ensure you are applying from a country where there is a visa application centre available. Most countries have a visa application centre available but there are some that don't. To find a visa application centre, visit GOV.UK.

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Applying for the Youth Mobility visa from within the UK

If you're currently living in the UK on a valid visa and wish to switch to a Youth Mobility visa, you'll need to exit the UK and return to your home country to complete the application process. While this stipulation was temporarily relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has now been reinstated.

Although it may seem inconvenient to return home to initiate the application, it's a mandatory requirement set by UK Visas and Immigration. However, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for the Youth Mobility visa, you can still apply, even if you're already living in the UK. For instance, if you're currently in the UK on a Student visa and intend to transition to a Youth Mobility visa upon completing your studies to work in the UK.

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