Youth Mobility Scheme
The Youth Mobility Scheme (sometimes called the Working Holiday visa) allows young people from participating countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. It is a temporary route — it does not lead to settlement — but gives holders almost complete freedom to work and travel during their stay.
Important
Key points
- Open to nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and a small number of other countries.
- Applicants must be aged 18–30 (some nationalities up to 35).
- You can work in almost any job but cannot work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
- The route does not lead to settlement — it is a one-off temporary permission.
Eligibility and Participating Countries
The Youth Mobility Scheme is available only to nationals of countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with the UK. As of 2025, these include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong (BN(O) passport holders), Taiwan, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay, and India (subject to a quota).
The age limit is 18–30 for most nationalities, though some countries (currently Australia and New Zealand) allow applicants up to age 35. You must not have dependants living with you in the UK, must have at least £2,530 in savings, and must not have previously been granted leave under the Youth Mobility Scheme (it is available once only per person).
Some nationalities are subject to an annual quota — once the quota is filled, no further applications can be accepted for that calendar year. Applicants from quota countries should apply early in the year.
What You Can and Cannot Do
Youth Mobility Scheme holders can work in almost any employment in the UK. This includes full-time or part-time employed work, casual work, and self-employment (with some limitations). There are no restrictions on the type of job you can take — you can work in hospitality, retail, offices, agriculture, healthcare, or any other sector.
However, there are restrictions: you cannot work as a professional sportsperson (including a sports coach) or as an entertainer. You can study but must not spend more than 50% of your total leave studying at a publicly funded institution. You may not access most public funds.
The visa is valid for two years from the date of entry. It cannot be extended and there is no pathway from the Youth Mobility Scheme to settlement. If you wish to remain in the UK after your Youth Mobility leave expires, you must qualify for and switch to a different immigration route — such as a Skilled Worker Visa — before your leave expires.
How to Apply
Applications must be made from outside the UK (you cannot apply for or switch to the Youth Mobility Scheme from within the UK). Applications are submitted online through the UKVI portal. The visa fee is £298. You will need to book and attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre in your home country.
You must apply for entry clearance before travelling. The visa gives you permission to enter the UK for up to two years from the date of entry. Processing times vary but are usually a few weeks.
Because the scheme has no employer sponsor requirement, there is no Certificate of Sponsorship and no employer involvement in the application. You simply apply as an individual, demonstrate you meet the requirements, and, if approved, travel to the UK.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from the Youth Mobility Scheme to a Skilled Worker Visa?
Can I bring a partner or children?
Does time on the Youth Mobility Scheme count towards settlement?
What to do next
- 1Apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme
Full guidance and application on GOV.UK.
- 2Read about the Skilled Worker Visa
If you find a sponsor during your stay, this may be your next step.
- 3
Official bodies and resources
Home Office
GovernmentThe lead government department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, fire, counter-terrorism, and police.
UK Visas and Immigration
GovernmentResponsible for making millions of decisions every year about who has the right to visit or stay in the UK.
Citizens Advice
CharityProvides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.
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