Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Work and travel in the UK with confidence. We guide eligible applicants through the Youth Mobility Scheme, checking requirements, preparing your documents and submitting a clean, accurate application, carrying out the legal work listed in this package. Fixed fee per person. No paralegals.
- Full eligibility review
- Your application documents prepared and checked by your lawyer
- Application drafted and submitted to the Home Office
- Routine Home Office correspondence about your application
- Direct lawyer contact at every stage of the package, no paralegals
"I'm glad I contacted Alexander; he did everything quickly and professionally. I even got my visa on short notice. I'd highly recommend him!"
What your fixed fee does and doesn't cover
The advertised fixed fee is per person and covers the standard legal work specifically described in this package. It does not include third-party costs, translations, interpreters, expert reports, counsel/advocate/barrister fees or substantial additional work outside the agreed scope unless expressly stated.
Additional work arising after submission, including correspondence or complaints concerning Home Office delays, is not automatically included in the fixed fee. We may undertake such work without additional charge at our discretion, but where substantial additional work is required a separate fee may apply.
This fixed fee is for standard applications. If you've had a previous refusal, entered the UK illegally, claimed asylum, had any immigration law breaches, prior convictions or any other adverse immigration history, please book a consultation first. These cases may need additional work and a separate quotation, and we'll recommend the right route.
Book a consultation →A qualified lawyer handles your application from eligibility check to submission
Fixed pricing, fast appointments, and Home Office representation covering everything listed in your package. No paralegals.
Pay online
Fixed prices.
Book in
Meet your lawyer, often within 48 hours.
We prepare
Documents reviewed, application drafted.
We submit
Filed with the Home Office. You stay informed.
Prefer to start with a consultation?
Talk through your case with a qualified lawyer. Clear route, expected timeline, fixed quote.
"Spouse visa done in 25 days, after 5 prior rejections. My family is now together."
Visa guidance for young people aged 18 to 35
If you’re between 18 and 30—or 35 in some cases—and want to spend time living and working in the UK, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa could be the right route. This visa lets eligible applicants work, study, and travel freely in the UK for up to two or three years. There’s no requirement for employer sponsorship or a job offer before applying.
At Alexander Boyd Solicitors, we help individuals prepare and submit Youth Mobility Scheme visa applications correctly. Whether you’re applying from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, or another eligible country, we guide you through each step of the process.
What is the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa is a temporary visa for young people from specific countries to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months. Some nationalities—Australia, Canada and New Zealand—can stay up to 36 months. The visa is often referred to as a “working holiday visa” and is based on cultural exchange agreements between the UK and other countries.
Applicants don’t need a job lined up before applying. Once in the UK, visa holders can work in most jobs, study, or be self-employed with some restrictions.
Who Can Apply for the Youth Mobility Visa?
To apply, you must:
Be aged 18–30, or 18–35 depending on your country
Be from one of the eligible countries or hold certain British nationalities
Have £2,530 in savings held for 28 consecutive days
Not have children under 18 who live with you or who you support
Not have used the scheme before
Eligible countries include:
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Iceland, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, Uruguay.
British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, and British Nationals (Overseas) may also qualify.
Applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan must enter a ballot system before applying due to annual caps.
What You Can Do on a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Work in the UK: In any job except professional sports roles and certain medical training positions
Be self-employed: If you don’t have employees, don’t own business premises, and have less than £5,000 in equipment
Study: ATAS clearance may be needed for some subjects
Travel in and out: You can leave and re-enter the UK freely while your visa is valid
What You Can Do on a Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Access public funds or welfare
Apply to extend your stay (unless you’re from Australia, Canada or New Zealand)
Bring family members on your application
Work as a professional sportsperson, coach, doctor or dentist in training (unless exempt)
How Long Does the Youth Mobility Visa Last?
Standard duration: 24 months
Extension: Up to 36 months for citizens of Australia, Canada or New Zealand
One-time use only: You can only use this route once in your lifetime
How to Apply for the Youth Mobility Visa
You must apply online from outside the UK.
Steps include:
Confirm eligibility – including nationality, age, and financial requirements
Prepare documents – passport, bank statements, ballot confirmation (if required)
Complete the online form
Pay the visa fee and immigration health surcharge
Book and attend a biometric appointment
Wait for a decision – usually within 3 weeks
Applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan must first enter the Youth Mobility ballot. The ballot typically opens twice a year and successful entrants are then invited to apply.
Youth Mobility Visa UK Fees and Costs
Application fee: £319
Healthcare surcharge: £776 per year
Biometrics: £19.20
Priority services: Optional, at additional cost
Common Problems with Youth Mobility Visa Applications
We frequently assist applicants with:
Errors in financial evidence or insufficient savings period
Missing documentation
Mistakes in the online form
Missed deadlines after winning the ballot
Unclear travel plans or job intentions
Visa refusals are often preventable with the right preparation. That’s where we come in.
Why Use a Solicitor for Your Youth Mobility Visa?
Navigating UK immigration rules can be confusing. We remove the uncertainty.
At Alexander Boyd Solicitors, we:
Confirm your eligibility before you apply
Help collect and review the correct documents
Check you meet all the financial and timing rules
Support you through the online application and biometric stages
Act quickly if there’s a problem or delay
Thinking of Applying for a UK Working Holiday Visa?
Get started with expert legal support from our team. We’ve helped individuals from around the world move to the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme, with a focus on getting things right the first time.
Book a consultation today
Let’s check your eligibility and plan your Youth Mobility Scheme visa application.
Visa Success Story
Our clients’ feedback is a testament to our commitment, expertise, and success.
Highlighted Review
Alexander Boyd Solicitors are committed to helping you navigate you Youth Mobility application process. Contact Us and start your journey with us today.