For eligible nationals aged 18 to 30, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and the India ballot.
Start the eligibility checkContact usThe government has announced a new Earned Settlement system. Under the proposals the default wait for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would be 10 years, with shorter or longer pathways depending on your route, earnings, record and use of public funds. Time on a Youth Mobility visa would not count towards settlement. No start date has been published, and the current rules apply until the new rules are in force. Contact us to look at your position.
ILR and settlement helpCheck your positionWhat the Youth Mobility Scheme is
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS), sometimes called the UK working holiday visa, is for young people from participating countries and territories. It allows you to live, work and study in the UK for a set period, without a job offer or sponsor. It is not a route to settlement, and time on the scheme does not count towards ILR.
The rules are in Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme of the Immigration Rules.
Who can apply
Eligibility depends on your nationality and age.
Eligible nationality. Citizens of listed countries and territories can apply, which include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Iceland, and others that have been added over time. Some countries restrict the scheme by quota. India has a separate Young Professionals Scheme, with places allocated by ballot.
Age. You must normally be aged 18 to 30 when you apply.
Funds. You must show you have savings of at least £2,530 held for 28 days.
No dependent children. You cannot have children living with you or be financially responsible for them.
Not used the scheme before in most cases.
Citizens of the United States are not eligible. A number of people search for this visa from the US; unless you also hold a qualifying nationality, you will need a different route.
How long you can stay
The standard permission is two years. Citizens of some countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand, can be granted up to three years under the current arrangements. You can work in most jobs, be self-employed within limits, and study, but you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or coach, and you cannot claim public funds.
The ballot for Indian applicants
For Indian nationals the scheme is the India Young Professionals Scheme. Places are limited, and applicants enter a ballot before they can apply for the visa. If you are selected, you receive an invitation and have a limited time to submit your visa application. Entry to the ballot and the visa application have separate requirements: for example, a degree-level qualification and the same financial requirement. We help selected applicants prepare their documents and avoid mistakes in the short window after selection.
Fees and costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Youth Mobility visa application fee | See GOV.UK for the current fee |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Check GOV.UK for the rate and length |
| Funds to show | £2,530 held for 28 days |
| Tuberculosis test (if needed) | Varies by country |
Our own fees are separate:
| Service | Our fee |
|---|---|
| Initial advice | £60 to £125 |
| Document check | £200 to £500 |
| Application support | £300 to £500 |
We agree scope and price in writing before work begins.
Why applications are refused
Funds not held for the full 28 days, or held in an account the Home Office does not accept.
Age or nationality requirements not met on the date of application.
Undeclared children or previous immigration issues.
Missing documents or a failed tuberculosis test requirement.
For India, applying after the ballot window has closed.
We check your funds, dates and documents before you pay the fee.
What you can and cannot do on the scheme
You can work in most jobs, travel in and out of the UK, study and run a small business. You cannot extend the visa in the UK in most cases, or switch to many other routes from inside the UK. Time on the visa does not count towards ILR now, and the government's proposals would not change that. If you want to stay longer, you may need to apply for another visa such as Skilled Worker or Global Talent. See Skilled Worker visa help and Global Talent. Contact us before your visa ends to discuss your options.
Other routes if you are not eligible
If you are not eligible for the scheme, other options may fit:
The UK Ancestry visa, if you are a Commonwealth citizen with a UK-born grandparent;
The Student visa, if you plan to study;
The Skilled Worker visa, if you have a job offer;
The partner visa, if you have a UK partner.
How we help
Initial advice. We confirm your eligibility, quota position and timing.
Document check. We review your funds, passport and supporting documents.
Application support. We prepare the application and explain biometrics.
After the decision.We help with arrival, work and next-step planning.
Two minutes online.
Nationality, age and funds.
Gaps and fixes.
Prepared and submitted with you.
Arrival and what comes next.
Applying from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India and elsewhere
You apply for a Youth Mobility visa from outside the UK. We advise and represent clients wherever they live, by video call and email, in a time zone that suits you. You normally apply online, pay the fee and surcharge, and give biometrics at a visa application centre. Check your country's quota rules and application windows, because some are limited.
What we do not do
We do not find jobs or accommodation. We do not guarantee outcomes. If your application is refused, we explain the reasons and your options.
Who can get a UK Youth Mobility visa?
Citizens of eligible countries aged 18 to 30 with the required savings and no dependent children.
Can Americans apply?
No, US citizens are not eligible.
How long does it last?
Two years, or up to three for some nationalities.
How much money do I need?
£2,530 held for 28 days.
Is there a ballot?
Yes, for Indian applicants under the India Young Professionals Scheme.
Can I extend or switch?
Rarely from inside the UK. Plan your next route early.
Can you help from outside the UK?
Yes, we advise clients worldwide.
Does a Youth Mobility visa count towards ILR?
No. Time on a Youth Mobility visa does not count towards ILR, and the government's proposals would not change that. To settle, you would need to switch to a route that counts.
This page is general information, not advice on your case. Rules and fees change; always check GOV.UK.
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Bill Zahr
Principal Lawyer & Managing Director
Bill Zahr (LLB Hons) leads Noble Rose Immigration Service with a methodical, "law-first" approach. Guided by the ethos ‘Navigare per Legem’, Bill combines rigorous legal expertise with genuine empathy to navigate complex UK immigration cases. Formerly of a top-tier UK firm, he ensures every client receives transparent, elite, and personalised care.
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Client Relations Manager & Immigration Paralegal
Renzel Carlos (LLB Hons, First Class) is the primary liaison at Noble Rose Immigration Service. Currently undertaking the Bar Vocational Studies (BVS) programme, she combines a meticulous legal foundation with deep frontline experience. Renzel is dedicated to guiding clients through the emotional complexities of immigration with high-level professionalism, precision, and compassionate care.
