The Youth Mobility Visa UK (also known as the UK working holiday visa) allows young people aged 18-35 from 13 eligible countries to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to 2 years—or 3 years for Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand citizens. This comprehensive guide covers the 2026 requirements, £319 visa fee, country-specific quotas, ballot dates, and everything you need to successfully apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Youth Mobility Visa UK Overview 2026
The Youth Mobility Visa UK is part of the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), a government programme enabling young people from participating countries to experience life in the UK through work, travel, and study. Unlike work visas such as the Skilled Worker visa, the Youth Mobility Visa does not require employer sponsorship, making it one of the most flexible routes for young people to come to the UK.
What is the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
The Youth Mobility Visa UK (working holiday visa) allows citizens aged 18-35 from 13 eligible countries to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without employer sponsorship. Citizens from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can extend their stay to 3 years. The visa costs £319 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year.
The Youth Mobility Visa offers significant flexibility. You can work in almost any job, be self-employed (with restrictions), study, and travel freely within the UK. There's no requirement to find a job before applying, making it ideal for young people who want to explore opportunities after arriving.
What Can You Do on a Youth Mobility Visa?
- Work: Most employment allowed (except professional sportsperson/coach)
- Self-employment: Permitted with no employees, equipment under £5,000, and working from home only
- Study: Any course allowed (ATAS may be required for some subjects)
- Volunteer: Unpaid voluntary work permitted
- Travel: Free to travel within and outside the UK
Eligible Countries and 2026 Quotas
Only citizens of specific countries can apply for the Youth Mobility Visa UK. Each country has an annual quota, and some require entering a ballot before applying. The age limit is 18-30 for most countries, but Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea have an extended age limit of 18-35.
British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, and British National (Overseas) citizens are also eligible with no quota limit. For Indian applicants, see the dedicated India Young Professionals Scheme guide.
How Does the Youth Mobility Ballot Work?
Citizens from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India must enter a ballot before applying. Ballots typically open twice yearly (January/July for Hong Kong and Taiwan; February/July for India) for 48 hours. If selected, you have 30 days to apply for the visa and 90 days to book a biometrics appointment. Selection is random with no appeals process.
To enter the ballot, send an email during the open window with your full name, date of birth, and passport number in the subject line. Exact dates are announced on the official gov.uk Youth Mobility page before each ballot opens.
Youth Mobility Visa UK Requirements
To qualify for the Youth Mobility Visa UK, you must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.
What Are the Age Requirements for Youth Mobility Visa UK?
You must be aged 18-30 at the time of application for most countries. Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea can apply up to age 35. If you turn 31 (or 36 for extended age countries) while in the UK, you can still stay for the full visa duration.
- Age: 18-30 (or 18-35 for AU, CA, NZ, South Korea)
- Nationality: Citizen of an eligible country
- Savings: £2,530 held for 28 consecutive days
- No dependants: Must not have children under 18 living with you
- First-time applicant: Never held a Youth Mobility Visa before
- Ballot (if required): Selected in ballot for Hong Kong, Taiwan, or India
- India only: Hold a degree (RQF level 6) or 3 years' skilled work experience
How to Apply for a Youth Mobility Visa UK
The Youth Mobility Visa application is made online through the gov.uk portal. You can apply up to 6 months before your intended travel date.
- Step 1: Win ballot (if required for your country)
- Step 2: Complete online visa application form
- Step 3: Pay visa fee (£319) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year)
- Step 4: Book biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre
- Step 5: Submit passport and supporting documents
- Step 6: Wait for decision (typically 3 weeks)
- Step 7: Receive passport with vignette and travel to UK
Youth Mobility Visa Fees 2026
Can I Extend My Youth Mobility Visa UK?
Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can extend their Youth Mobility Visa by 12 months from within the UK, allowing a total stay of 3 years. The extension costs £319 plus IHS. You must apply before your current visa expires. Citizens of other countries cannot extend and must leave after 2 years.
The 3-year extension for Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand citizens reflects the enhanced bilateral mobility agreements between these countries and the UK. To extend, you apply online and pay the same fees as the original application.
Can I Switch to Another Visa from Youth Mobility?
Yes, you can switch to most other visa categories from within the UK while on a Youth Mobility Visa, including:
- Skilled Worker visa: If you find a sponsoring employer
- Family visas: Spouse, partner, or parent of British citizen/settled person
- Student visa: For courses requiring a student visa
- Other work visas: With appropriate sponsorship
You cannot apply for another Youth Mobility Visa—this is a one-time opportunity. Many visa holders use the 2-3 years to gain UK work experience and then switch to a Skilled Worker visa if their employer sponsors them.
- Visa fee: £319 + £776/year IHS (total £1,871 for 2 years)
- Duration: 2 years (3 years for Australia, Canada, New Zealand)
- Age: 18-30 (18-35 for AU, CA, NZ, South Korea)
- Savings: £2,530 for 28 consecutive days before applying
- No employer sponsorship required—work freely in most jobs
- Can switch to other visa categories from within the UK
For the official guidance and to start your application, visit the gov.uk Youth Mobility Scheme page. For detailed eligibility rules and quotas, see Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme in the Immigration Rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Youth Mobility Visa UK?
The Youth Mobility Visa UK (also known as a working holiday visa) is a temporary visa allowing young people aged 18-35 from 13 eligible countries to live and work in the UK for up to 2-3 years. It does not require employer sponsorship, and holders can work in most jobs, study, and travel freely.
Who is eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme?
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Monaco, Iceland, San Marino, Andorra, and Uruguay aged 18-30 (18-35 for AU, CA, NZ, South Korea). You must have £2,530 in savings for 28 days, no dependants, and never have held this visa before. Indian applicants need a degree or skilled work experience.
Can I extend my Youth Mobility Visa UK?
Citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can extend their visa by 12 months from within the UK, allowing a total stay of 3 years. The extension costs £319 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. Citizens of other countries cannot extend beyond 2 years but can switch to other visa categories.
How much does the Youth Mobility Visa cost?
The visa application fee is £319. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at the discounted rate of £776 per year (£1,552 for 2 years). The total cost for a standard 2-year visa is £1,871. Priority service adds £500, and Super Priority adds £1,000 for faster processing.
What is the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot?
Citizens of Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India must win a place in a random ballot before they can apply. Ballots typically open twice yearly for 48 hours. You enter by emailing with your name, date of birth, and passport number. If selected, you have 30 days to submit your visa application. Selection is random with no appeals.
Can I switch from Youth Mobility to Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, you can switch from a Youth Mobility Visa to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK if you have a job offer from a licensed sponsor. You can also switch to family visas, student visas, and other work visas. Many visa holders use the 2-3 years to build UK work experience before switching to a longer-term visa.
Can I bring my family on a Youth Mobility Visa?
No, the Youth Mobility Visa does not allow dependants. You cannot bring your spouse, partner, or children. If your partner or spouse is also eligible, they could apply separately for their own Youth Mobility Visa, but each person must meet all requirements individually.
What is the age limit for Youth Mobility Visa UK?
The age limit is 18-30 for most countries, but Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea have an extended age limit of 18-35. You must be within the age limit at the time you apply. If you turn 31 (or 36 for extended age countries) while in the UK, you can stay for the full duration of your visa.