UK Youth Mobility Scheme: Work and travel in the UK for up to two years

Participating countries

If you are a citizen or passport holder of a country or territory listed above, and that country or territory has not filled all its places for the year, you may be eligible to come to the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme.

Citizens of Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan may also be able to apply if they've been selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot.

If you are a British overseas citizen, a British national or a British overseas territories citizen, you are also eligible to apply under the scheme. In these cases, you will not need a sponsor and the number of places available is not limited.

Staying in the UK after your Youth Mobility Scheme expires

The Youth Mobility Scheme is valid for two years and is only renewable by two years if you are from New Zealand, Australia, or Canada.

There are various routes available, depending on your family relationships and what you might qualify for. You might need to leave the UK and apply for a new immigration route in your home country.

Terms and conditions for the Youth Mobility Scheme

To be eligible to enter the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme, you must meet the general criteria mentioned above.

The Youth Mobility Scheme is issued for two years, during which time you may study and/or take employment in the UK. However, you may not get public funds or work as a professional sportsperson, doctor or dentist in training – unless you can show that you qualified for this position in the UK.

You may not have family members attached to this route; spouses and children must apply separately.

To qualify you must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 30, or 18 and 35 if you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, South Korea or New Zealand
• Be a passport holder of a participating country
• Have sufficient funds at your disposal (at least £2,530)
• Not have been granted this route previously
• Intend to return home after living and working in the UK for two years