Improved Youth Mobility Visas for New Zealanders

As it stands, the Youth Mobility visa allows individuals aged 18 to 30 from Australia, Canada, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Iceland and various British territories to live and work in the UK for up to two years, provided they have at least £2,530 in savings. Individuals from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan can also apply for the visa, although they must be selected from the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot first.

However, the Home Office has confirmed that more generous rules are in the pipeline for New Zealanders, who will be eligible up to age 35, and may remain in the UK for up to three years instead of two. This gesture is being reciprocated by the New Zealand government, who are increasing the maximum age for their Working Holiday visa from 30 to 35 for Brits.

It remains to be seen when these new Youth Mobility visa rules will be introduced. The Home Office have said that further information will be provided in 2023, so New Zealanders may have to wait some time before they can take advantage of the new visa rules.