Youth mobility visa expanded for Aussies
🪃 Good news for Aussies! The popular Youth Mobility visa is set to expand meaning more Australians will be able to live and work in the UK.
Following the announcement of a free trade agreement between Australia and the UK back in 2021, changes to expand access to the Youth Mobility visa has been confirmed by Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
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 Aussies.
What has changed about the Youth Mobility visa for Aussies?
The Youth Mobility visa allowances have been expanded across multiple categories under a new trade agreement between the UK and Australian 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 👆
Aussies 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, Aussies can expect to pay £1,410 to cover 3 years of NHS access.
What about Aussies already on the Youth Mobility visa?
Aussies 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 Aussie Youth Mobility visa holders will be contacted by the UK Home Office.
When do the changes come into effect?
Whilst visiting London for the coronation of King Charles, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the changes will come into effect soon now that the free trade agreement has worked its way through both the Australian and British parliaments. Then on the 31st of May, 2023, Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell, announced that change will start on 31st of January, 2024.
Why have the changes taken place?
The changes that were agreed back in 2021 as part of a post-Brexit free trade agreement between Australia and the UK.
Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese 🇦🇺
"There are obvious benefits where people can get that experience here in the British economy and then I hope go back to Australia and make a greater contribution as a result of that experience,” said Anthony Albanese.
UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak 🇬🇧
“These landmark deals squarely deliver on my priorities to drive economic growth, boost innovation and increase highly skilled jobs across the UK,” said Rishi Sunak.
Will other countries follow?
New Zealand has already announced a similar agreement expanding the Youth Mobility Visa for Kiwis. Canada is expected to be the next country to strike a similar free trade agreement and expand visa access.
