🇬🇧work Visa

Youth Mobility Scheme

United Kingdom

Last updated: December 24, 2025

Duration

2 years

Visa Fee

$431

Time

3 weeks

Complexity

Medium

About this Visa

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme lets young people work and live in the UK for 2-3 years. It's designed for cultural exchange—you work, travel, and gain experience in the UK. You can work any job you want without needing an employer to sponsor you first. This is completely different from other UK work visas. The visa is only open to citizens of 12 countries plus British nationals.

Key Benefits

  • Work any job without employer sponsorship
  • Change jobs freely
  • Start small business
  • Study full-time or part-time
  • Travel in and out of UK
  • Access free NHS healthcare
  • Live anywhere in UK

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age 18-30 (or 18-35 for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea)
  • Citizen of eligible country
  • Have £2,530 in savings
  • No children under 18
  • No serious criminal record
  • Never used scheme before

Financial Requirement

Minimum £2,530 (~$3,414) held for 28 consecutive days within 31 days of application

Documents

  • Valid PassportMust have at least one blank page
  • Bank StatementProof of £2,530 held for 28 days
  • Biometric DataFingerprints and photo at visa office or app
  • TB Test CertificateOnly from certain countries, must use approved testing center
  • Country-Specific DocumentsVaries by nationality: Andorra (criminal records), Iceland (criminal certificate), San Marino (government letter), Uruguay (judicial records), Hong Kong/Taiwan (ballot win proof)

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.