The Youth Mobility Visa UK — also known as the working holiday visa UK — 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 system, extension options, and the upcoming EU Youth Mobility Scheme negotiations.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
- What Is the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
- Eligible Countries and 2026 Quotas
- How Does the Youth Mobility Ballot Work?
- Youth Mobility Visa UK Requirements
- How Much Does the Youth Mobility Visa Cost?
- How to Apply for a Youth Mobility Visa
- Can I Extend My Youth Mobility Visa?
- EU Youth Mobility Scheme: What's Happening in 2026?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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. The scheme issued 79,546 grants in the year ending September 2025, with a 91% overall grant rate.
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 compared to most UK immigration routes. You can work in almost any job, be self-employed (with restrictions), study, and travel freely within the UK. There is 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 or coach)
- Self-employment: Permitted with no employees, equipment under £5,000, and rented premises only
- Study: Any course allowed (ATAS certificate may be required for some subjects)
- Volunteer: Unpaid voluntary work permitted
- Travel: Free to travel within and outside the UK throughout your visa
What You Cannot Do on a Youth Mobility Visa
Despite its flexibility, there are important restrictions. You cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach, access public funds (benefits), or bring family members as dependants on your application — they must apply separately if eligible. You also cannot extend your stay beyond 2 years unless you are from Australia, Canada, or New Zealand.
Which Countries Are Eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
Citizens from 13 countries and territories can apply: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India (separate Young Professionals Scheme), Monaco, Iceland, San Marino, Andorra, and Uruguay. British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, and British National (Overseas) citizens are also eligible.
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.
| Country | 2026 Quota | Age Limit | Ballot Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 45,000 | 18–35 | No — apply anytime |
| New Zealand | No limit | 18–35 | No — apply anytime |
| Canada | 8,000 | 18–35 | No — apply anytime |
| South Korea | 5,000 | 18–35 | No — apply anytime |
| Japan | 6,000 | 18–30 | No — apply anytime |
| Hong Kong | 1,000 | 18–30 | Yes — email ballot (Feb/summer) |
| Taiwan | 2,000 | 18–30 | Yes — email ballot (Feb/summer) |
| India | 3,000 | 18–30 | Separate scheme — India YPS |
| Monaco | 1,000 | 18–30 | No — apply anytime |
| Iceland | 1,000 | 18–30 | No — apply anytime |
| San Marino | 1,000 | 18–30 | No — apply anytime |
| Andorra | 100 | 18–30 | No — apply anytime |
| Uruguay | 500 | 18–30 | No — apply anytime |
British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, and British National (Overseas) citizens are also eligible with no quota limit and no ballot requirement.
Indian nationals apply under the separate India Young Professionals Scheme, which falls within the YMS visa category but has additional requirements: a bachelor's degree (or 3 years' skilled work experience), CEFR B1 English proficiency, a TB test, and a separate online ballot system. The India YPS ballot runs twice yearly — the first 2026 ballot was held 17–19 February, with a second expected in summer 2026.
Youth Mobility Visa Grant Rates by Country
Home Office data for the year ending September 2025 shows Youth Mobility Scheme countries enjoy high grant rates. The figures below cover the broader Temporary Worker category (which includes YMS alongside Seasonal Worker visas), but the YMS-specific nationalities demonstrate near-perfect approval rates.
| Country | Applications | Granted | Grant Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 8,758 | 8,564 | 97% |
| New Zealand | 3,424 | 3,379 | 97% |
| Canada | 3,350 | 3,283 | 98% |
| Japan | 2,253 | 2,219 | 99% |
| South Korea | 1,619 | 1,603 | 99% |
| India (YPS) | 5,671 | 4,293 | 75% |
Australia accounts for the largest share of YMS visa holders — over 8,500 grants annually — reflecting the close bilateral relationship and high demand for the UK working holiday experience. India's lower grant rate (75%) reflects the additional eligibility criteria under the Young Professionals Scheme, including degree requirements and English proficiency.
How Does the Youth Mobility Ballot Work?
Citizens from Hong Kong and Taiwan must enter an email-based ballot before applying. Ballots open twice yearly for 48 hours. You enter by sending an email with your details. If selected, you receive confirmation and can then apply for the visa. Indian nationals use a separate online ballot under the India Young Professionals Scheme.
The ballot system applies when annual demand exceeds the quota for a particular nationality. For 2026, the ballot applies to Hong Kong SAR and Taiwanese nationals. Japanese and South Korean nationals no longer need to enter a ballot — they can apply directly at any time.
2026 Ballot Dates
The first YMS ballot for 2026 (Hong Kong and Taiwan) opened at 00:01 Hong Kong time on 10 February 2026 and closed at 00:01 on 12 February 2026. A second ballot is expected in summer 2026, with dates to be confirmed by the Home Office.
- Send one email during the 48-hour ballot window
- Include your full name, date of birth, and passport number
- Only one entry per person — duplicates are discarded
- If selected, you'll receive confirmation by email within 2 weeks
- Selection is random — there is no appeals process
- Unsuccessful applicants can enter future ballots if still eligible
What Are the Youth Mobility Visa UK Requirements?
You must be aged 18–30 (or 18–35 for Australia, Canada, NZ, South Korea), hold citizenship of an eligible country, have £2,530 in savings for 28 consecutive days, have no dependants, and never have held a YMS visa before. Indian applicants have additional degree and English requirements.
What Is the Age Limit for Youth Mobility Visa UK?
The standard age limit is 18–30 at the time of application. 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) after your visa is issued, you can stay for the full visa duration.
You must be aged 18 or over when your visa starts, and 30 or under (or 35 for AU/CA/NZ/SK) when you apply. You can apply before you turn 18, and you can be over 30 when the visa starts — the age is assessed at the date of application, not the date of travel.
- Age: 18–30 (or 18–35 for Australia, Canada, NZ, South Korea)
- Nationality: Citizen of an eligible country (see table above)
- Savings: £2,530 held for 28 consecutive days before applying
- No dependants: No children under 18 living with you or financially dependent
- First-time applicant: Never held a Youth Mobility Visa before
- Ballot (if required): Selected in ballot for Hong Kong or Taiwan
- India only: Hold a degree (RQF level 6) or 3 years' skilled work + CEFR B1 English
How Much Does the Youth Mobility Visa Cost?
The Youth Mobility Visa costs £319 for the application fee, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge at a discounted rate of £776 per year (£1,552 for a 2-year visa). The total minimum cost is £1,871. Optional priority processing adds £500–£1,000.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application | £319 | Non-refundable |
| IHS (2 years) | £1,552 | £776/year — discounted rate |
| IHS (3rd year extension) | £776 | AU/CA/NZ only |
| Priority service | +£500 | Decision in 5 working days |
| Super Priority | +£1,000 | Decision next working day |
| Total (standard 2-year) | £1,871 | Application + IHS |
| Total (3-year with extension) | £2,966 | Initial visa + extension + all IHS |
Fees must be paid online at the time of application. The visa application fee and IHS are both non-refundable if your application is refused, although the IHS is refunded if you leave the UK before your visa expires. For local currency equivalents, see our UK visa fees in Indian Rupees guide.
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. Once granted, you'll receive an eVisa linked to your passport — no physical vignette is issued for ballot applicants.
- Step 1: Win ballot (if required — HK/Taiwan/India only)
- Step 2: Complete the online visa application form
- Step 3: Pay visa fee (£319) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year)
- Step 4: Prove your identity — either via the UK Immigration: ID Check app (smartphone) or by attending a Visa Application Centre for biometrics
- Step 5: Upload or submit your supporting documents
- Step 6: Wait for decision (usually 3 weeks)
- Step 7: Create your UKVI account, access your eVisa, and travel to the UK
What Documents Do I Need for a Youth Mobility Visa?
You'll need to provide your current passport, bank statements showing £2,530 held for 28 consecutive days, and proof of your nationality. If selected in a ballot, you'll need your confirmation email. Indian applicants need additional documents including their degree certificate (or evidence of 3 years' skilled work), English language test results, and a TB test certificate. For a comprehensive guide to evidence requirements, see our UK visa supporting documents guide.
How Long Does the Youth Mobility Visa Take to Process?
Standard processing takes approximately 3 weeks from application. Priority service (£500) gives a decision within 5 working days. Super Priority (£1,000) delivers a decision by the next working day. Availability of priority services varies by country — check with your local Visa Application Centre.
Can I Extend My Youth Mobility Visa UK?
Only 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 £776 IHS. You must apply before your current visa expires. Citizens of all other countries cannot extend beyond 2 years.
The 3-year extension option for Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand citizens reflects enhanced bilateral mobility agreements between these countries and the UK. To extend, you apply online through gov.uk and pay the same visa fee (£319) plus the IHS for the additional year (£776). Your application must be submitted before your current visa expires — you cannot apply after it has ended.
Can I Switch from Youth Mobility to Another Visa?
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 visa, partner, or parent route
- Student visa: For courses requiring a Student visa
- Other work visas: Global Talent, Innovator Founder, or other sponsored routes
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. Time spent on a YMS visa does not count towards settlement (ILR), so planning your next visa step early is important if you intend to stay long-term.
Unlike the Skilled Worker or Family visa routes, time spent on a Youth Mobility Visa does not count towards the 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). If you switch to a Skilled Worker visa, the ILR clock starts from your Skilled Worker visa grant date, not your original YMS entry date.
EU Youth Mobility Scheme: What's Happening in 2026?
The UK and EU agreed in principle (May 2025) to develop a new Youth Mobility Scheme covering all 27 EU member states. Negotiations are ongoing, with both sides aiming to conclude a deal by the Spring-Summer 2026 UK-EU Summit. If agreed, applications could open in 2027. EU citizens are not currently eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Visa.
One of the most significant developments in UK youth mobility is the proposed EU-UK Youth Experience Scheme. At the May 2025 UK-EU summit, both sides committed to negotiate a reciprocal scheme that would allow young people aged 18–30 (or potentially 18–35) to live, work, study, and travel in each other's territories for a limited period.
Key details still under negotiation include whether the scheme will be capped or uncapped, the duration of stay (the EU has pushed for up to 3 years), whether participants would receive tuition fee concessions, and how the IHS would apply. The UK Government has proposed a two-year pilot with a numerical cap, while the EU has advocated for an open-ended arrangement.
In December 2025, the UK Government and European Commission jointly announced that the UK will associate to Erasmus+ for the 2027–28 academic year, alongside continued negotiations on the youth experience scheme. Both parties expect to conclude negotiations before the next EU-UK Summit, anticipated in Spring-Summer 2026.
- Visa fee: £319 + £776/year IHS (total £1,871 for 2 years)
- Duration: 2 years standard (3 years for Australia, Canada, New Zealand)
- Age: 18–30 for most countries (18–35 for AU, CA, NZ, South Korea)
- Savings: £2,530 for 28 consecutive days — most common refusal reason
- No employer sponsorship required — work freely in most jobs
- Can switch to Skilled Worker, Family, or Student visa from within the UK
- YMS time does not count towards settlement (ILR)
- EU Youth Mobility Scheme under negotiation — expected deal by mid-2026
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. For information on the ballot system, see the ballot system guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Youth Mobility Visa UK?
The Youth Mobility Visa UK — also known as the 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. The visa costs £319 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Which countries are eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme?
The 13 eligible countries and territories are: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India (via the separate India Young Professionals Scheme), Monaco, Iceland, San Marino, Andorra, and Uruguay. British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Territories citizens, and British National (Overseas) citizens are also eligible with no quota limit.
What is the age limit for the Youth Mobility Visa UK?
The age limit is 18–30 for most countries (Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Monaco, Iceland, San Marino, Andorra, Uruguay). Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea have an extended age limit of 18–35. You must be within the age limit when you apply — if you turn 31 (or 36) after your visa is issued, you can stay for the full duration.
How much does the Youth Mobility Visa cost in 2026?
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 a 2-year visa). The total cost for a standard 2-year visa is £1,871. Priority processing adds £500, and Super Priority adds £1,000 for faster decisions.
Can I extend my Youth Mobility Visa UK?
Only citizens of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand can extend by 12 months (total 3 years). The extension costs £319 plus £776 IHS and must be applied for before your current visa expires. Citizens of all other countries cannot extend — they must leave after 2 years or switch to a different visa category if eligible.
How does the Youth Mobility ballot work?
Hong Kong and Taiwan nationals must enter an email ballot held twice yearly for 48 hours. You enter by emailing your name, date of birth, and passport number. Selection is random with no appeals. Indian nationals use a separate online ballot system under the India Young Professionals Scheme. Japanese and South Korean nationals no longer need a ballot and can apply at any time.
Can I switch from Youth Mobility to a 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 visa routes. However, time on the YMS does not count towards settlement — the 5-year ILR clock starts from your Skilled Worker visa grant date.
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 on your application. If your partner is also from an eligible country and meets the age and other requirements, they could apply separately for their own Youth Mobility Visa — but each person must qualify individually.
Will EU citizens be eligible for the Youth Mobility Visa?
Not yet. The UK and EU agreed in principle (May 2025) to develop a Youth Mobility Scheme covering all 27 EU member states. Negotiations are ongoing, with a deal expected by mid-2026. If agreed, applications could open in 2027. Until then, EU citizens cannot apply for the Youth Mobility Visa and must use other immigration routes to work or study in the UK.
What happens if I overstay my Youth Mobility Visa?
Overstaying is a serious immigration offence. You could face removal from the UK, a re-entry ban of up to 10 years, and it may affect future visa applications to the UK or other countries. If you wish to remain in the UK beyond your visa, apply to switch to another visa category before your Youth Mobility Visa expires.