Youth Mobility Scheme Visa | Temporary Work Visa

The youth mobility visa scheme is an evolution of the working holiday maker visa which was abolished by the Home Office. The newly created category also referred as the youth mobility scheme is now part of the points based system and allows young people from certain countries to enter the UK on this working visa category.

The visa category has an annual quota and if the country has exceeded this at the time of your application, it is likely your application may be placed on hold or rejected.

Due to the increasing fraudulent applications, the Home Office are undertaking checks on all applications especially on the national passports. Expect delays on these applications when applying.

The requirements of the youth mobility visa

The visa category under the youth mobility scheme requires an application to score 50 points and the following will make up the points:

1. To score 30 points, you must meet from the specified list of countries or hold a certain type of nationality.

2. You will score 10 points for the age requirement.

3. You will score 10 points for meeting the financial maintenance as specified by the immigration rules.

Neither those who have held previous stay under the youth mobility visa cannot re-apply nor a person who have been in the UK on a working holiday visa. You must not also have children under the ages of 18 years who are either living with you or are financially dependent on you.

Finally, those who fall for refusal under the general grounds of refusal will have their application refused, even if you score the specified 50 points of the visa requirements.  

Nationalities that qualify for the youth mobility visa

The Home Office time to time updates their list of countries who can qualify and these are subject to changes. The immigration rules sets out the countries which can apply on the youth mobility visa scheme. This updated list is available on the Home Office website.

Quotas set for the youth mobility visa

The Home Office have set an annual allocation for each country or territories. An application is likely to be refused if it is above the quota.

Maintenance requirements of the youth mobility visa scheme

The immigration rules set out that you must be able to support yourself when you first enter the UK. You will need to meet a specified amount for the maintenance and be able to demonstrate through specified documents. Your visa application under the youth mobility visa scheme is likely to be refused if you do not meet the maintenance threshold as set out by the immigration rules.

Conditions of the youth mobility visa scheme

The conditions of the visa allow you to do certain activities in the UK and here at what is set out:

1. You will be able to work in the UK however there are some exceptions to positions that you can hold.

2. Will not be able to claim any public funds.

3. You can be self-employed however you cannot have any employees and cannot own a business premise.

Frequently asked questions about the youth mobility visa scheme

You will find some useful information below regarding the youth mobility visa scheme and its process.

How to lodge an application for a youth mobility visa

The visa application under the youth mobility visa is lodged online unless the country you apply from does not permit online applications.

How long does a youth mobility visa take to be decided by the Home Office

The visa decision for a youth mobility visa takes around 15 working days.

Periods granted under the youth mobility visa scheme

If you meet the requirements of the visa, you will be granted a 2 years. You cannot extend that visa in the UK.

If a youth mobility visa is refused, can the decision be appealed?

An application that is refused under the youth mobility visa scheme cannot be appealed at the First Tier Tribunal. You can lodge a request for a review of the decision. You must set out the case working errors on the grounds of reconsideration.  

Taking legal advice on the youth mobility visa scheme

We at ICS Legal will provide guidance and correct advice on how to apply under the youth mobility visa and we find this is essential when considering working in the UK. You can speak to one of our UK Immigration Lawyers on 0207 237 3388 or you can email us at info@icslegal.com.