Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (YMS)

Live, Work and Experience Life in the UK


The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa allows young people from eligible countries and territories to live, work and travel in the UK for up to two years. Designed as a cultural exchange and work-experience route, the YMS visa offers flexibility, freedom and an excellent opportunity to gain international exposure without requiring employer sponsorship. Our team can assist you throughout the application process and help you plan your next steps in the UK.

 

What is the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa enables eligible young adults to come to the UK on a temporary basis to work, travel, and experience life in the UK. It is an unsponsored visa route, meaning you do not need a job offer or employer sponsor before applying.

This visa is particularly popular among graduates and young professionals who wish to gain UK work experience or explore longer-term visa options in the future.

 

Key Benefits of the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa

  • No Job Offer Required: You can apply without securing employment in advance.
  • Work in Most Roles: You are free to work for almost any employer, in most occupations and sectors.
  • Flexible Lifestyle: Combine work, travel and study during your stay in the UK.
  • No Sponsorship Needed: Unlike employer-sponsored visas, no Certificate of Sponsorship is required.
  • Gateway to Other Routes: While the YMS visa itself does not lead to settlement, many applicants later switch to Skilled Worker or other long-term visa categories if eligible.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa, you must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Age Requirement:

You must be aged 18 to 30 at the time of application

(for some nationalities, the upper age limit may be 35, subject to bilateral agreements).

2. Nationality:

You must be a citizen or national of an eligible country or territory under the Youth Mobility Scheme. Eligible nationalities are determined by the UK Home Office and may change over time.

3. Maintenance Funds:

You must show that you have at least £2,530 in personal savings, which must have been held continuously for at least 28 days, with the final day of the 28-day period falling within 31 days before the date of application.

4. No Dependants:

You cannot apply if you have dependent children under 18 living with you.

5. No Previous YMS Visa:

You can only apply once under the Youth Mobility Scheme. Previous participation makes you ineligible.

Important Notes:

The Youth Mobility Scheme is quota-based for some nationalities, and places may be limited each year.

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval if annual allocations are reached.

Careful preparation of financial evidence is essential to avoid refusal.

 

How Long Can You Stay?

  • The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is granted for up to 2 years.
  • The visa cannot be extended.
  • You may, however, switch to another eligible visa route (such as Skilled Worker) from within the UK if you meet the requirements.

 

What You Can Do on a YMS Visa

  • Work in the UK in most roles

You may take up employment in a wide range of sectors and occupations, including full-time, part-time, temporary, or casual work. There is no restriction on skill level and no requirement for employer sponsorship.

  • Change jobs freely

You are not tied to a single employer and may change jobs as often as you wish during the validity of your visa, provided the work itself is permitted under the YMS route.

  • Be self-employed (with certain restrictions)

You may be self-employed or undertake freelance work, as long as you do not:

Own business premises (other than working from home),

Employ other workers, or

Invest in fixed assets exceeding £5,000.

  • Study in the UK (subject to conditions)

You may undertake short-term or part-time study while in the UK. Longer courses may be permitted depending on the institution and course type, but the YMS visa is not primarily a study route.

  • Travel freely in and out of the UK

You may enter and leave the UK multiple times during the validity of your visa, allowing you to travel internationally while living and working in the UK.

  • Gain professional and cultural experience

The YMS visa is designed to allow young people to gain UK work experience, improve English language skills, and experience British culture and lifestyle.

Important: YMS visa holders cannot claim public funds in the UK.

 

Youth Mobility Scheme vs Other UK Visas

  • Compared to the Graduate Visa: YMS does not require UK study history and is open to eligible overseas applicants.
  • Compared to the Skilled Worker Visa: YMS offers greater short-term flexibility but does not lead directly to settlement.
  • Compared to HPI / Global Talent: YMS is a cultural and experience-focused route rather than a talent-assessment route.

 

Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Confirm your age, nationality, financial requirement and that you have not previously held a YMS visa.

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Submit the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa application via the UK government website.

Step 3: Submit Biometrics

Attend a visa application centre or use the UK Immigration ID Check app, depending on your location and passport type.

Step 4: Pay Fees

Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Most applications are decided within a few weeks, depending on location and application volume.

 

Visa Fees & Costs

  • Visa Application Fee: £298
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year (usually £2,070 total for 2 years)
  • Maintenance Funds: £2,530 (not a fee, but required savings)

 

Speak to LNvisa

Every Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Visa application is assessed on its own facts.

Eligibility issues such as nationality quotas, age limits, financial evidence and prior immigration history can have a significant impact on the outcome.

LNvisa offers tailored immigration advice to young applicants, helping them plan their stay in the UK and explore future visa options beyond the YMS route.

If you would like guidance on a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa application or wish to plan your next steps in the UK, our team would be pleased to assist.