India and Iceland to be added to the Youth Mobility Scheme
The Youth Mobility Scheme enables young people to experience life in the UK for up to 2 years. It is designed adults under 30 to live and work in the UK without the need for an employer to sponsor a visa.
The participating countries are currently Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Monaco, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea and San Marino. British Overseas citizen, British Overseas Territories citizen and British Nationals (overseas) are also eligible. From 1 January onward India and Iceland will join this list.
Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 to apply for the visa, have £2,530 in savings and hold an eligible passport – as listed above.
Applicants will not be eligible if they care for or, are financially responsible for children under 18 or have been granted a visa under the scheme previously.
Allotted places:
Each year places are allotted to the participating countries. For 2022 the allotted places are:
- Australia – 30,000 places
- New Zealand – 13,000 places
- Canada – 6,000 places
- Japan – 1,500 places
- Monaco – 1,000 places
- Taiwan – 1,000 places
- Hong Kong – 1,000 places
- Republic of Korea – 1,000 places
- San Marino – 1,000 places
- Iceland – 1,000 places
- India – 3,000 places
The Lottery
Applicants from five out of the eleven countries must apply using the ballot before making a visa application. One ballot per person can be submitted. The ballots usually open in January and July each year and are open for 48 yours. The five countries are:
- Hong Kong, if you have a SAR passport
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- India
Before entering the ballot the applicant must ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements.
Additional requirements for India
Applicants from India will have to meet the additional requirements. They can either hold a qualification of RQF level 6 or above or have a minimum of three years’ work experience in a professional role equivalent to an eligible occupation listed in the Appendix Skilled Occupations. Evidence of the work experience and qualification level must be provided.
Applications may be submitted 6 months before travelling to the UK. Payment of the £244.00 application fee in addition to the health surcharge at £470.00 must be made. Decisions will take around 3 weeks after the submission of all supporting evidence and biometrics.
Successful applicants will be able to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. They will be able to work in most jobs, study and even be self-employed and set up a company under certain circumstances. They will not be able to work as a professional sportsperson, get public funds or bring their family members.
The Visa cannot be extended and does not lead to settlement.
FSP can advise you on all aspects of immigration and will keep you up to date with the latest developments as they are released from the Home Office.
If you require our assistance, please contact our Head of Immigration, [email protected].
