The UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa is an excellent opportunity for young people from certain countries to live and work in the UK for up to two or three years, depending on their nationality. However, for some applicants, securing a place requires participation in a ballot system. With the first ballot for the 2025 scheme now closed, here’s what you need to know about the process, eligibility and next steps to prepare you for the next one.
Who needs to enter the ballot?
The ballot system applies to applicants from Hong Kong (SAR passport holders) and Taiwan.
Japanese and South Korean nationals no longer need to enter a ballot and can apply for the visa at any time. British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens and British Nationals (Overseas) are also exempt from the ballot.
Additionally, applicants from India must follow a separate ballot system under the India Young Professionals Scheme.
How can I enter the ballot?
The Youth Mobility Scheme ballot is open for a limited 48-hour period. For 2025, the first ballot opened in February and a second is expected in the summer.
To enter, applicants must send an email containing:
- Subject line: Last name, First name – DD/MM/YYYY – passport number (e.g., last name, first name – 31/03/2000 – 123456789)
- Email body:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Mobile phone number
Applicants from Hong Kong must email HongKongYMS@homeoffice.gov.uk, while those from Taiwan must email TaiwanYMS@homeoffice.gov.uk. Each applicant may only submit one entry—duplicate entries will not be counted.
What happens If you are successful?
Successful applicants will be notified via email by 11 February 2025. Once received, they then have 90 days to:
- Submit a visa application
- Pay the visa fee
- Provide biometric information at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
A decision is typically made within three weeks, and successful applicants will receive a two-year visa. They must enter the UK within 90 days of receiving the visa.
What if you are unsuccessful?
If unsuccessful, applicants will be notified within two weeks after the ballot closes. They may re-enter future ballots, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
What should I keep in mind?
- Ballot required: Only for applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan.
- Application process: Email-based ballot entry, followed by a formal visa application for successful candidates.
- Two ballot rounds: One in February, another expected in the summer.
- Valid for two years: Visa holders can live and work in the UK but must enter within 90 days of approval.
Please contact us if you would like assistance in navigating the complexities of the Youth Mobility Scheme and other UK visa pathways.
Updated: 10 February 2025
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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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