Youth Mobility Scheme July Ballots And New Rules For New Zealand Nationals

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme allows certain young people from overseas to come to the UK for 2 years to live and work.

Nationals who can apply directly

Those between the ages of 18 and 30, and who are either a British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, or British national (overseas), or are nationals of Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino and Iceland, can apply directly to the UK authorities for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

The UK authorities recently announced that New Zealand nationals would soon benefit from extended rules that will only apply to them. The eligible age for the scheme will be extended to 35 years and the length of visa will be extended to 3 years. The changes are expected to come into effect sometime in 2023.

Nationals who have to enter a ballot before they can apply

Those between 18 and 30 from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Taiwan need to apply for a place on the visa scheme before they can submit an application.

These visa ballots are held in January and July each year. The July dates are from midday 25 July to midday Wednesday 27 July local time. The applicant must send an email to a specific address, and the email must contain specific information.

Ballots will only be open for 48 hours. All emails received by the UK authorities within this period will be entered into the ballot.

You will receive an email telling you if you have secured permission to apply for the visa shortly after the ballot closes. You then have 30 days to submit and pay for your actual visa application.

India Young Professionals Scheme

There will be a different ballot system for the India Young Professionals Scheme. The system is not currently operational, but information regarding its commencement is expected soon.

How Can Gherson Help

Gherson’s Immigration Team has extensive experience advising on applications under the Youth Mobility Scheme. Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, 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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