The United Kingdom has listed countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, which allows young people to live and work in the UK for up to two years.
The scheme also allows successful applicants to study and, under certain conditions, become self-employed or establish a business.
However, eligibility depends on nationality and age, with different age limits applying to citizens of different countries.
Countries Eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme
1. Australia
Australian citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply. They can stay and work in the UK for up to two years and may qualify for an additional one-year extension.
2. Canada
Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35 are eligible and may also extend their stay by one additional year after the initial two-year period.
3. New Zealand
New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply and may qualify for a further one-year extension.
4. South Korea
South Korean citizens between 18 and 35 can apply, provided they meet the other requirements.
5. Andorra
Citizens aged 18 to 30 are eligible to apply.
6. Iceland
Icelandic citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply under the scheme.
7. Japan
Japanese citizens aged 18 to 30 are eligible, subject to meeting the scheme's requirements.
8. Monaco
Citizens of Monaco aged 18 to 30 can apply.
9. San Marino
San Marino citizens aged 18 to 30 are eligible.
10. Uruguay
Uruguayan citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply under the scheme.
Key Requirements
Applicants must generally:
- Be aged between 18 and 30 or 18 and 35, depending on their nationality.
- Have at least £2,530 in personal savings.
- Hold an eligible nationality.
- Prove their identity and submit the required documents.
Successful applicants can live and work in the UK for up to 24 months. They can enter the country at any time during the validity of their visa and are allowed to leave and return to the UK during their stay.
Visa Cost and Processing Time
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa application fee is £340. Applicants must also pay the immigration health surcharge, which is usually £776 per year, in addition to meeting the required savings threshold.
Applications can be submitted up to six months before the planned date of travel. Applicants who have completed the online application, identity verification and document requirements will usually receive a decision within three weeks.
What Visa Holders Can Do
Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders can:
- Work in most jobs.
- Study in the UK.
- Become self-employed under certain conditions.
- Establish a company, subject to the scheme's restrictions.
However, visa holders cannot work as professional sportspersons, claim most public funds or bring family members as dependants under their application.
The visa generally cannot be extended, except for eligible citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who may qualify for an additional year.
Notably, Nigeria is not included among the countries listed as eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme in this list.
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