The Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa allows young people aged 18 to 30 from certain countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. This visa is ideal for those looking to travel, work, and experience life in the UK before returning to their home country. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, including the application process, work opportunities, and tips for settling in the UK.
The Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa is designed for young people aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for certain countries) from specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to two years. This visa allows participants to experience life in the UK while engaging in temporary work.
Application Process
- Application Submission: Applicants must apply from outside the UK and cannot switch to this visa type from within the UK.
- Ballot System: Nationals from India, Hong Kong (SAR passport holders), and Taiwan must enter a ballot system before applying. Successful applicants will receive an invitation to apply within a specified timeframe.
- Processing Time: Applicants typically receive a decision within three weeks of submitting their application online and providing the necessary documents.
Visa Duration and Conditions
- The YMS visa is valid for up to two years, with an option for citizens of Australia, Canada, or New Zealand to extend it for an additional year.
- Visa holders can work in most jobs but cannot work as professional sportspeople or coaches. They may also engage in self-employment under certain conditions.
- Visa holders cannot access public funds or bring dependents with them; family members must apply separately.
Who Can Apply for the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa?
You can apply for this visa if you are from one of the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- Hong Kong
- Republic of Korea
- Taiwan
Additionally, young people who are British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, or British Nationals (Overseas) can also apply for the visa.
How to Get a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa
To apply for the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, you must meet a few basic requirements:
- Age: You must be between 18 and 30 years old.
- Nationality: You must be from one of the countries listed above.
- Financial Requirements: You must show that you have at least £1,890 in savings to support yourself.
- Healthcare Surcharge: You’ll need to pay the £400 healthcare surcharge for the two years of your stay.
Important: If you have children or have previously been in the UK under other work schemes, you may not be eligible for this visa.
Along with your application, you’ll need to submit the following documents:
- Your passport or travel document.
- Proof of the required savings (usually via bank statements).
- TB test results (if needed).
Can I Open a UK Bank Account?
Opening a UK bank account is easier now than it was in the past, and most employers in the UK will require you to have a bank account to pay you. Here’s what you need to open one:
- Proof of identity (passport, driver’s license).
- Proof of address (a letter from your employer or place of study, dated within the last three months).
Many banks will also let you open an account online or over the phone, so it’s worth checking the requirements before you arrive.
How to Find Work in the UK
The Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa allows you to work in the UK, which is great if you want to fund your travels and experiences. Many young people find jobs in pubs, hotels, or restaurants, which are common entry-level jobs. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to hospitality jobs—there are plenty of opportunities in fields like:
- Sales and marketing
- Accounting
- Administration
- Telemarketing
Most newcomers find work through agencies. It’s a good idea to research job opportunities before you arrive and try to line up interviews for the first couple of weeks. It may take some time to find the right job, so be prepared for the search to take up to 12 weeks.
Tip: Make sure you budget for a few weeks without income, just in case.
Can I Stay in the UK After My Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa Expires?
The Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa is a temporary visa, that allows you to stay in the UK for up to two years. However, if you want to stay longer, you will need to switch to a different visa.
The most common way to stay in the UK is to find an employer who is willing to sponsor you for a Tier 2 General Visa. The employer must apply for a Tier 2 Sponsor Licence and then issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for you. Once you have the sponsorship, you can apply for the Tier 2 General Visa, which allows you to stay in the UK longer. After five years, you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), which means you can live and work in the UK permanently.
Important: It’s essential not to stay in the UK after your visa expires. If you do, you could face deportation, your employer could be fined, and you may be banned from returning to the UK for many years.
The Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is a great opportunity for young people to experience life in the UK, travel, and gain work experience. If you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application process, you can enjoy two years in the UK with the freedom to work and explore.
If you’re ready to apply for the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, Law and Visas can help guide you through the process. Our team has extensive experience in assisting young people with their visa applications and helping them start their UK adventure.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the UK straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a UK Spouse Visa, Tier 2 Work Visa, Tier 4 General Student Visa, or a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our immigration lawyer consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process, coordinating with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas and permits they need for international travel. Call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can assist you.
