Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
What is the Youth Mobility Scheme visa? Understand work rights, eligible countries, and employer requirements.
Last updated: 30 January 2025
The Youth Mobility Scheme allows young people from certain countries to work in the UK.
What Is Youth Mobility?
Overview
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Working holiday | Style visa |
| Young people | 18-30/35 |
| Specific countries | Eligible only |
| Full work rights | No restrictions |
Purpose
| Designed For | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cultural exchange | Experience UK |
| Travel and work | Combined |
| Temporary stay | Fixed period |
Duration
Standard Length
| Country | Duration |
|---|---|
| Most countries | 2 years |
| Australia | 3 years |
| New Zealand | 3 years |
| Canada | 3 years |
Cannot Extend
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| One grant only | Per lifetime |
| No extension | Cannot renew |
| Must switch | To stay longer |
Eligible Countries
Current List
| Country | Eligible |
|---|---|
| Australia | Yes |
| New Zealand | Yes |
| Canada | Yes |
| Japan | Yes |
| South Korea | Yes |
| Hong Kong | Yes |
| Taiwan | Yes |
| Monaco | Yes |
Additional Countries
| Country | Notes |
|---|---|
| India | Newer addition |
| Iceland | Available |
| Others | List changes |
Age Limits
| Country | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Most | 18-30 |
| Some | 18-35 |
| At application | Not arrival |
Work Rights
Full Rights
| Allowed | Detail |
|---|---|
| Any job | No restrictions |
| Any hours | Full-time fine |
| Any sector | Including restricted |
| Self-employment | Permitted |
No Restrictions
| Freedom | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No sponsor needed | Work freely |
| No employer tied | Change jobs |
| No skill level | Any role |
| No salary minimum | Any pay |
For Employers
Simple Process
| Benefit | Detail |
|---|---|
| No sponsorship | Required |
| No compliance | Beyond RTW |
| Full flexibility | Role changes ok |
Checking Right to Work
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Share code | From employee |
| Online check | gov.uk service |
| Verify status | Youth Mobility |
| Note expiry | Track end date |
What You'll See
| Information | Shown |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Youth Mobility |
| Work rights | No restrictions |
| Valid until | Expiry date |
| Conditions | Usually none |
Hiring Considerations
Benefits
| Advantage | Detail |
|---|---|
| No admin | Beyond RTW check |
| Flexibility | Can do any role |
| Motivated | Often enthusiastic |
| Cultural diversity | International staff |
Considerations
| Factor | Think About |
|---|---|
| Time limited | 2-3 years max |
| Cannot extend | This visa |
| May leave | Travel plans |
| Future options | If want to keep |
After Youth Mobility
Options to Stay
| Route | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | Sponsorship needed |
| Graduate | If studying |
| Other visa | Various routes |
Switching Visas
| If Want to Keep Employee | Action |
|---|---|
| Get sponsor licence | If not have |
| Issue CoS | For them |
| Apply before | Visa expires |
| Eligible role | Must meet criteria |
Returning Home
| If Leaving | Position |
|---|---|
| Normal departure | No issues |
| Can return | On different visa |
| No reapplication | For YMS |
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: Hiring YMS Worker
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Check online | Via share code |
| Confirm YMS | Visa type |
| Note expiry | 2-3 years |
| Hire normally | No special process |
Scenario 2: YMS Expiring
| If Want to Keep | Options |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | If eligible role |
| Must apply early | Before expiry |
| Can stay | While pending |
Scenario 3: Second YMS Application
| Not Possible | Rule |
|---|---|
| One per lifetime | No repeat |
| Different country | No |
| After gap | No |
Restrictions That Apply
What They Cannot Do
| Restriction | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access public funds | Benefits limited |
| Vote | In elections |
| Apply for ILR | Via this route |
Work Restrictions
| Actually None | For Work |
|---|---|
| No hour limit | Work full-time |
| No job type | Any role |
| No sector limit | Any industry |
Record Keeping
For Employers
| Record | Keep |
|---|---|
| Online confirmation | Screenshot |
| Expiry date | Noted |
| Date checked | For records |
| Duration | Employment + 2 years |
Why Track Expiry
| Reason | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cannot work after | Visa ends |
| Plan ahead | If want to keep |
| Sponsorship | Takes time |
Compared to Other Visas
vs Student Visa
| Feature | YMS | Student |
|---|---|---|
| Work hours | Unlimited | 20/term |
| Any job | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employed | Yes | No |
| Duration | 2-3 years | Course length |
vs Skilled Worker
| Feature | YMS | Skilled Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor needed | No | Yes |
| Any job | Yes | Specific role |
| Salary minimum | No | Yes |
| Can extend | No | Yes |
Tips for Employers
Best Practices
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Check visa type | Confirm YMS |
| Note expiry | Plan ahead |
| Discuss plans | Travel intentions |
| Consider sponsorship | If want long-term |
Questions to Ask
| Ask | Why |
|---|---|
| Travel plans | May leave mid-role |
| Length of stay | Their intentions |
| Future visa plans | If want to stay |
Summary
Key Points
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full work rights | No restrictions |
| 2-3 years | Cannot extend |
| No sponsorship | Required |
| Specific countries | Only |
| Check online | Via share code |
For Employers
| Action | Detail |
|---|---|
| Check right to work | Online |
| Track expiry | 2-3 year limit |
| No special duties | Beyond RTW |
| Consider future | If want to keep |
Related answers
Right to Work Checks: UK Employer Guide
UK employers must verify every employee's right to work before they start. Learn the 3 methods, required documents, and penalties for non-compliance.
Online Right to Work Check
How do you conduct an online right to work check? Step-by-step guide to using the Home Office checking service with share codes.
Skilled Worker Visa
What is a Skilled Worker visa and what are the work rights? Understand employer sponsorship, restrictions, and checking requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can Youth Mobility visa holders work in the UK?
- Yes. Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders have full work rights - they can work in any job without restrictions. No sponsorship is required, and there are no hour limits.
- How long does a Youth Mobility visa last?
- The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is granted for 2 years (or 3 years for some nationalities). It cannot be extended, but holders may be able to switch to another visa type before it expires.
- Which countries are eligible for Youth Mobility Scheme?
- Eligible countries include Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and several others. The full list and any annual quotas are set by the UK government.