UK Youth Mobility Visa: Your Complete Guide

Posted on: Jan 28, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

UK Youth Mobility Visa: Your Complete Guide

Travelling to another country and spending a considerable amount of time during your youth can help you with cultural experiences, work experience, exploring the country, personal development at several levels and much more. For individuals aspiring to travel to the UK, there is a much easier way now, thanks to the UK youth mobility visa. Here is everything that you need to know about it.

What's the UK Youth Mobility Visa?

UK Youth Mobility Visa is a mobility scheme that allows youth from a list of countries to visit the United Kingdom and stay for a while. The mobility scheme is aimed at individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 years and get work exposure, cultural exposure and explore the UK as a whole. Youth can use this opportunity to even travel to the UK and its stunning countryside.

Eligibility Youth Mobility Visa UK

To get your hands on a UK youth mobility visa, you will need to meet the following criteria.

1. You must be above 18 and below 30 years of age while applying for the visa.

2. You should not have any children or dependents who live with you or intend to travel to the UK.

3. Individuals who have already availed of the scheme, cannot apply again.

4. The visa is currently limited to the nationals of Australia, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand. Though India is not yet included in the youth mobility visa UK, India will be a part of it soon.

5. Lastly, the youth need to prove that they have adequate funds to suffice them during their stay. The minimum requirement for the same is £2,530.

Indian Citizens and UK Youth Mobility Visa

At present Indian youth cannot apply for the UK youth mobility visa, as the scheme is not yet available for Indians. However, it must be noted that the government of the UK is working on extending this system to a few more countries apart from Australia, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand. When the scheme is introduced, the youth of India can benefit from the same.

Currently, there are only two ways for Indians to travel to the UK under this scheme. They either need to have dual nationality for any one of the countries mentioned above, for whom the scheme is available. Alternatively, they should fall into any other country, where they are eligible to participate under the youth mobility visa scheme.

When the scheme is eventually available for Indians, the youth will be subject to the same eligibility criteria before they are issued the visa. This will allow youth to explore the UK and its various cities and terrains.

Steps for Application for the Youth Mobility Visa UK?

Unlike some of the other visa programs across the globe, the UK youth mobility visa isn’t all that complicated. The applicant must first meet all the eligibility criteria mentioned above. Once they do, they can visit the UK government website and fill out the online application form. Applicants will also need to submit all the supporting documents to prove their eligibility and select a date for an appointment.

On the selected date, they will need to visit a visa application centre and record their biometrics. Choosing international travel insurance is highly recommended prior to travelling. It will ensure a hassle-free stay.

Documents and fees for Youth Mobility Visa UK

Here are all the documents that you will need to submit to get your hands on the youth mobility visa UK.

1. The applicant must have a valid passport with a validity of at least 6 months.

2. The applicant must submit proof of having a minimum of £2,530 in their funds. It can either be in their savings account or investments.

3. The applicant must fill out the application form online for youth mobility visa UK.

4. Once the application process is complete, you will need to schedule an appointment to provide your biometrics and photograph for the visa.

5. You will also need to pay the immigration health surcharge. Britain’s Home Office levies the charge to provide applicants access to NHS in the United Kingdom.

What Can You Do Under the UK Youth Mobility Visa?

Following are all the activities that you can do under the UK youth mobility visa.

1. The visa allows you to gain professional work experience in almost all fields apart from coaching and being a sportsperson.

2. The visa allows you to travel to the UK as many times as you want to. It also allows you to visit other countries in Europe.

3. The visa allows you to undertake any courses that you want to. It can be certifications, higher education, courses leading to higher education or courses to further your qualifications. Based on the courses that you seek to be a part of, you might have to take the ATAS certification.

Youth Mobility Visa UK Application Processing Time

It doesn’t take all that long for the UK youth mobility application to process. Once the application is submitted, it usually takes about three weeks for the entire process. In the meantime, applicants can also check the status of their application online. Applicants can also submit any other supporting documents online if required. The duration for processing the application can vary a bit if the same is made from outside of the country and it needs additional processing time for the documents if they are not found to be acceptable.

Conclusion

The UK youth mobility visa is a great initiative that allows young individuals from certain countries to visit the UK for various purposes. If you belong to the countries mentioned above and meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the visa. It is recommended that you opt for travel insurance online. Buying travel insurance online will help you save money on the premium and secure your travel to the UK.

FAQ

1. What is the validity of the UK youth mobility visa?

The UK youth mobility visa is valid for a duration of 2 years and you can visit the UK and return to your country without any restrictions.

2. What is the earliest that I can apply for the visa?

You can apply for the visa 6 months in advance, prior to your travel dates.

3. How much does the healthcare surcharge cost?

The healthcare surcharge for a UK youth mobility visa is usually £776. However, it is subject to changes and must be verified prior to payment.

4. What is the application fee for the UK youth mobility visa?

You will need to pay £298 to apply for the UK youth mobility visa.

5. What are the restrictions under the UK youth mobility visa?

You cannot bring your family members under the visa, you cannot extend your stay unless you are from Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you cannot get public funds.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

What is a Tourist Visa?

What is the Difference Between Passport and Visa?

Understanding Schengen Visa Fees: Tips and Insights for Indian Applicants

Essential Malta Visa Interview Questions & Tips

Types of Visas Available in India