Working in the UK as a young adult

Historically, many young adults have relied on the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa to grant them the flexibility to reside, work, travel in the UK and experience its cultural diversity. Following the introduction of various changes to the Skilled Worker visa route, including increased Home Office fees and a raised minimum threshold for salaries, the Youth Mobility Scheme may become a preferred work route for young jobseekers.

What does the Youth Mobility visa permit?

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa permits young adults from eligible countries to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months without the educational qualifications required under the Graduate visa or a UK-based sponsor as required under the Skilled Worker visa. It also provides applicants with the ability to leave and re-enter the UK without restrictions within the period of their visa’s validity.

Additionally, applicants may be eligible to study in the UK, although generally speaking, if your main purpose for coming to the UK is to study, you should apply for a Student visa instead, provided your course corresponds to the visa criteria.

Eligibility requirements

The eligibility requirements differ depending on your nationality. If you are an applicant from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea, you are eligible to apply if you are:

• Between 18 and 35 years of age; and
• Have held a minimum of £2,530 in your bank account for at least 28 days.

If you are a national of Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay, a British overseas citizen or a British Overseas Territories citizen, you are eligible to apply if you are:

• Between 18 and 30 years of age; and
• Have held a minimum of £2,530 in your bank account for at least 28 days.

Individuals who have spent the last six months in certain countries may also be required to provide a negative tuberculosis test result.

There is a separate scheme for Indian nationals, called the India Young Professionals Scheme, where a visa application slot must first be secured by participating in a ballot.

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa does not allow you to bring dependants to the UK, and it is not open to those who have children under 18 years of age or any other dependants relying on their financial support.

Can you extend your Youth Mobility Scheme visa?

Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible to extend your visa for an additional year, up to a maximum of three years in the UK.

To extend your Youth Mobility Scheme visa you must:

• Be a national of Australia, Canada or New Zealand;
• Have a valid Youth Mobility Scheme visa;
• Be living in the UK;
• Pay the application fee (£319);
• Pay the immigration health surcharge (£776); and
• Apply no more than 28 days prior to the expiration of your current visa.

Youth Mobility Scheme post-Brexit

In April 2024, the UK and EU reached an agreement which should, in principle, open up an opportunity for young adults similar to that offered by the Youth Mobility programme. At the time of writing, however, this proposal has not yet been implemented.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on all UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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