Moving Abroad

UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Eligibility, Cost and Rules

2 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. Who is eligible?
  3. What does it cost?
  4. Can you extend or bring family?
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Can I switch to another visa?
    2. Is there a ballot for every country?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa lets young people from eligible countries live and work in the UK for up to two years. This guide covers who can apply, what it costs and the rules that catch people out, based on GOV.UK.

Quick answer

  • Stay: up to 24 months.
  • Age: 18 to 30, or 18 to 35 for Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea.
  • Fee: £340, plus the health surcharge, usually £776 per year.
  • Savings: £2,530, held for 28 days.
  • Apply up to 6 months before you travel. Decisions usually take about 3 weeks.

Who is eligible?

You must be from a country on the GOV.UK list, within the age limit and have the required savings. You cannot have children under 18 living with you. Hong Kong and Taiwan applicants enter through a ballot rather than applying directly.

What does it cost?

Item Amount
Visa fee £340
Immigration health surcharge Usually £776 per year
Savings to show £2,530 for 28 days

Can you extend or bring family?

In general you cannot extend. The exception is Australia, Canada and New Zealand, where GOV.UK says you can extend by 1 year. You also cannot bring dependants on your application.

Common mistakes

  • Not holding the savings for the full 28 days.
  • Assuming the age limit is 30 when your country allows 35, or the reverse.
  • Applying too early, before the 6-month window.
  • Planning to bring a partner or child on your application.

FAQ

Can I switch to another visa?

Check GOV.UK for current switching rules before you count on it.

Is there a ballot for every country?

No. GOV.UK describes a ballot for Hong Kong and Taiwan applicants.

Key takeaways

  • Confirm your country and age band before anything else.
  • Start the 28-day savings clock early.
  • Do not plan around extensions or dependants.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm details with the official source before applying.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Youth Mobility Scheme visa

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