Youth Mobility Scheme visa
For young people from participating countries and territories who want to live and work in the UK.
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is a UK work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~£319 application; IHS ~£1,035/year) and processing time (~3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is for
For young people from participating countries and territories who want to live and work in the UK.
Does not lead to settlement; switch to another route to remain longer.
Youth Mobility Scheme visa - eligibility criteria
- Aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some nationalities) at application
- Citizen or national of a participating country or territory
- Have the required savings to support yourself
- Selected in the ballot where one applies
- No dependent children living with you or whom you support
Youth Mobility Scheme visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa (United Kingdom) is ~£319 application; IHS ~£1,035/year, with an indicative processing time of ~3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at GOV.UK.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Outside the UK |
| Length of stay | Up to 2 years (3 years for some nationalities) |
| Work rights | Work freely, including self-employment, no sponsor needed |
| Study rights | Study allowed |
| Government fee | ~£319 application; IHS ~£1,035/year |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Does not lead to settlement; switch to another route to remain longer. |
Pathway & next steps
Does not lead to settlement; switch to another route to remain longer.
Many applicants also compare Standard Visitor · Standard Visitor visa, Skilled Worker · Skilled Worker visa, UK Ancestry · UK Ancestry visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which UK route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Youth Mobility Scheme visa pitfalls we fix
Youth Mobility Scheme visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Youth Mobility Scheme visa cost?
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa government fee is ~£319 application; IHS ~£1,035/year. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at GOV.UK before applying.
How long does the Youth Mobility Scheme visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Youth Mobility Scheme visa lead to permanent residence?
Does not lead to settlement; switch to another route to remain longer.
Can I work on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
Work rights: Work freely, including self-employment, no sponsor needed.
Who can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
For young people from participating countries and territories who want to live and work in the UK.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Kingdom government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- GOV.UK - official United Kingdom immigration authority