There have been recent changes to the Youth Mobility Scheme and the Home Office has published guidance which outlines which Applicants need to apply for the ballot before submitting their application. The youth mobility scheme ballot system is only applicable to certain nationalities and only one ballot can be submitted per Applicant. The ballots are open for 48 hours in January and July each year. Each country will also have a certain number of ballot places that are available to them. Our immigration solicitors in London specialise in applications made under the youth mobility scheme and we are happy to arrange a consultation with one of our solicitors who can go through the requirements for the youth mobility scheme visa and requirement for a ballot in more detail.
What is the Youth Mobility Scheme?
The T5 youth mobility scheme has recently replaced the former Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) as part of the UK’s new points based system. Only Applicants from certain countries are eligible to apply and they must be between the ages of 18 and 30 on the date of the application. The purpose of the scheme is to allow people the opportunity to experience life in the UK. The following nationalities are able to apply under the youth mobility scheme without having to apply using the ballot system:
- Australia;
- Canada;
- Monaco;
- New Zealand; and
- San Marino.
All Applicants must have the specified level of funds in their bank account to support themselves in the UK and if applications will be automatically refused is an Applicant has previously been granted leave under the scheme or has child dependents that live with them or are financially responsible for.
Who needs to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot?
Applicants from the following countries will need to use the ballot system when applying under the youth mobility scheme:
- Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region passport holders) – 200 ballot places available in July 2021;
- Japan – 700 ballot places available in 2021;
- South Korea – 200 ballot places available in July 2021; and
- Taiwan – 200 ballot places available in July 2021.
To apply for the ballot, Applicants must send an email to the specific Home Office address for that country and include details such as their full name, date of birth, passport number and mobile number. Successful Applicants will receive an email by 16 July 2021 and will then have 30 days from that email to submit the visa application under the youth mobility scheme.
How much does a youth mobility visa cost?
The current Home Office application fee for the youth mobility scheme is £244 and applications must be made outside of the UK. Applicants will also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of the application process. Youth Mobility Scheme Applicants benefit from a reduced Immigration Health Surcharge rate of £470 per year of the visa validity instead of the usual £624 per year.
How long is a youth mobility visa valid for?
Once granted, the youth mobility scheme visa is valid for 2 years. Migrants on the youth mobility scheme are able to enter and return to the UK as many times as they wish. If a migrant turns 31 whilst in the UK under the youth mobility scheme then they are still allowed to remain for the duration of their visa. The youth mobility scheme visa cannot be extended and is therefore not a route to settlement.
Can I employ someone on a Youth Mobility Visa?
Yes, UK employers can hire migrants who are in the UK under the youth mobility scheme (except for work as a professional sportsperson or coach). And they are not required to sponsor them as they would with a T5 Temporary Worker or Skilled Worker. Youth mobility scheme migrants may also be self-employed and set up a company; however they are not allowed to hire any employees.
Using our Immigration Solicitors in London to apply to the Youth Mobility Scheme
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration and visa law firm, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct an immigration and visa legal representative to apply for a visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme in the United Kingdom.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared, for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your Youth Mobility Scheme visa has the best chance of success, all the necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your Youth Mobility Scheme visa meets the Immigration Rules.
Successfully apply under the Youth Mobility Scheme with our Immigration Solicitors in London
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your Youth Mobility Scheme application before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your Youth Mobility visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful Youth Mobility Scheme applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.
Contact our London immigration solicitors on 02030110276 or complete our contact form.