Youth Mobility visa: Frequently asked questions
⚡️ The Youth Mobility visa is one of the UK's most popular, here are answers to this visa's FAQs.
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The Youth Mobility visa is an incredibly popular visa which allows young and adventurous people to live and work in the UK. Here is a list of FAQs which Migrate has helped movers with.
Eligibility: Youth Mobility visa FAQs
Who is eligible for the Youth Mobility visa?
The Youth Mobility visa is open to young people (18-30/35) who intend to work or study in the UK and have enough money to complete the application.
Eligible countries for the Youth Mobility visa include:
- 🇦🇩 Andorra
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
- 🇮🇸 Iceland
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇲🇨 Monaco
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- 🇰🇷 Republic of Korea
- 🇸🇲 San Marino
- 🇹🇼 Taiwan
- 🇺🇾 Uruguay
How long is a Youth Mobility visa valid for?
If you're from Australia, Canada or New Zealand... A Youth Mobility visa is valid for three years.
If you're from one of the other eligible countries... A Youth Mobility visa is valid for two years.
I've heard the visa has been expanded for Australians and New Zealanders, what are the changes?
You can read more about the changes here:
Can I apply for the Youth Mobility visa if I've already held a UK visa?
You can apply for the Youth Mobility visa if you've held a Student visa.
Do I have to be within the age limits to hold the Youth Mobility visa?
No, you only have to be within the age limits when applying. For example, if you turn 31 after your visa is issued, you can stay in the UK for as long as your visa is valid. Applying when you are at the edge of the age limit will not affect the validity.
What would disqualify me from being eligible?
- You have been found guilty of a criminal offence within the last 12 months (eg. drink driving)
- You have children under 18-years-old who are dependent on you
- You have previously overstayed your time in the UK or meet another grounds of refusal reason
Application process: Youth Mobility visa FAQs
How do I apply for a Youth Mobility visa?
To apply for a UK Ancestry visa, you must complete an online application form and pay the application fee. You'll also need to provide various documents, including your passport, evidence of your grandparent's birth in the UK, proof of your relationship to your grandparent, and evidence of your ability to support yourself in the UK.
What are the most common mistakes when applying for the Youth Mobility visa?
Here are the most common mistakes we've seen from London movers when applying for the Youth Mobility visa.
- Not showing sufficient funds for 28 days
- Not arriving within the stated arrival window
- Passports expiring during application
- Applying for a new passport
- Choosing a start date before your European travel
- Not collecting the BRP within the 30-day window
- Missing biometrics appointment
- Not using a UK address near your initial accommodation
- Not paying for the full years of NHS surcharge
- Applying from a country where you aren't a resident
You can read more about these mistakes, Youth Mobility visa: Top 10 mistakes to avoid.
When can I apply for the Youth Mobility visa?
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you travel to the UK.
Do I need a job before applying for a Youth Mobility visa?
No, you do not need to have a job offer before applying for a Youth Mobility visa. However, you will need to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your stay in the UK.
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Can I apply for the Youth Mobility visa while in another country that isn't my home country (country of nationality)?
Ideally, you should apply for the Youth Mobility visa from your home country but it's not a requirement.
You can apply for the Youth Mobility visa from the country you are a resident in (eg. Kiwi living in Australia) so long as you have the legal rights to live there for at least 6 months.
If you're travelling and not a resident when applying, it's no guarantee that your Youth Mobility visa application will be approved.
Can I switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Youth Mobility visa?
If you want to stay longer, yes, you may be able to switch to a different visa category while in the UK on a Youth Mobility visa, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for the new visa. The most common switch from the Youth mobility visa is to a Skilled worker visa with a company you may be working for in the UK.
How does the 28 days proof of maintenance funds requirement work?
You can read more about showing sufficient proof of maintenance funds here.
Arrival times and start dates: Youth Mobility visa FAQs
Can I arrive before the start date on my visa?
You can, but you will need to leave and re-enter. The requirements here are very specific, you must arrive in the UK and pass through UK immigration during the window stated on your visa, not before or after.
What happens if I do not enter within the 90 days shown on the visa vignette?
If you fail to enter the UK within the 90-day window, you will be required to go through the Biometrics process again. This involves applying for a new vignette, which comes with at a cost of approximately £154. The processing time for this application is the same as the original process, which is 3 weeks for the standard turnaround service or 5-7 days for the priority service (with an additional cost of £212).
I'm planning on travelling around other countries before arriving in London, is this wise?
Yes, this is a sensible plan to make so long as your travels end and you arrive in the UK during the specified 90-day window start dates.
Fees and charges: Youth Mobility visa FAQs
Things have changed, can I get a refund on my Youth Mobility visa application?
If you have not yet attended the Biometrics appointment, you may be eligible for a full refund of the application fee and the International Health Surcharge Fee. However, if you have already attended the Biometrics appointment, you can only receive a refund for those specific fees. It's important to note that as long as you have not entered the UK and activated your Youth Mobility visa, you can apply for another visa in the future.
I've travelled to the UK but need to move home, can I get a refund for my Youth Mobility visa?
Unfortunately not. Once you enter the UK and activate your Youth Mobility visa you can no longer get a refund of any part of the visa costs including the healthcare surcharge. Additionally, the Youth Mobility visa is a one-time visa meaning you won't be able to apply for it again.
I only plan on staying for 1 year, do I need to pay for every year of the NHS surcharge?
Yes, the NHS surcharge is non-negotiable and must be paid in full for the number of years your Youth Mobility visa is valid for.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): Youth Mobility visa FAQs
How do I get a BRP as part of my application?
A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an identification card issued by the UK government for anyone that comes to live in the UK. You do not have to apply separately for a BRP as you’ll get one automatically if your visa or immigration application is approved.
How and where do I collect my BRP?
Your BRP will be sent to a Post Office near the location you added during your visa application. You can read more about Post Office collection for BRPs here.
When do I need to collect my BRP by?
As soon as possible. You must collect your BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK, or before your vignette sticker expires, whichever comes later. Prioritise this once you've arrived in the UK.
Working and studying: Youth Mobility visa FAQs
Does the Youth Mobility visa allow me to work and study?
Yes, a Youth Mobility visa allows the holder to work and study in the UK. In fact, the visa is designed for those who wish to come to the UK to work, so it is expected that the visa holder will find employment while in the country. Additionally, holders of this visa can also pursue study opportunities in the UK.
Can I be self employed on the YMS Visa?
Yes, you can be self employed on the Youth Mobility visa but you can't have any employees. Many Londoners who work on the Youth Mobility visa do so as private contractors.
Are there any jobs I can't work in while living in the UK on the Youth Mobility visa?
The Youth Mobility visa allows you to work anywhere
If I lose my job, can I apply for unemployment benefits?
No, you won't be able to claim unemployment benefits if you lose your job whilst on the Youth Mobility visa. As part of the application process you need to have proof of funds to support your stay.
Entering and exiting the UK: Youth Mobility visa FAQs
Is there a limit to how many times I can enter or exit the UK?
There is no limit to how many times you enter or exit the country when living in the UK on the Youth Mobility visa.
What do I need to show when entering or exiting the UK?
When living in the UK on the Youth Mobility visa you will need to use your BRP as proof of your right to live in the country. This means carrying your BRP with you when travelling in or out of the country. Airlines (RyanAir) will even ask to check your BRP before boarding a flight.
