Youth Mobility Scheme for Canadians 2026
What you need to know
- •Age limit: up to 35 for Canadians.
- •No ballot — apply directly.
- •Uncapped places.
- •2 years of unrestricted work (except professional sport).
- •Can switch to Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK.
Canada is one of the most popular countries for the UK YMS. Canadians benefit from an age limit of 35, uncapped places, and no ballot requirement. This guide covers the application process, costs, work rights, and options for staying in the UK long-term.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Eligibility for Canadians
Canadian citizens can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme if they are aged 18 to 35, hold a valid Canadian passport, have £2,530 in savings, have no dependants on this visa, and have not used the YMS before. There is no ballot and no cap.
Costs
- Visa fee: £298
- IHS: £2,070 (2 years)
- Total: approximately £2,368
- Savings: £2,530 required
See our YMS cost guide and UK visa fees guide.
Work Rights
Canadians on the YMS can work for any employer in almost any job. See our YMS work rights guide. Many Canadians work in professional roles, hospitality, or combine work with travel across Europe.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
How to Apply
Apply online on GOV.UK, pay the fees, and book biometrics at a VFS centre in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax, and other cities). Processing takes approximately 3 weeks. See our biometrics guide.
Staying Beyond 2 Years
If you want to stay in the UK beyond your 2-year YMS:
- Switch to Skilled Worker visa with employer sponsorship
- Ancestry visa if you have a UK-born grandparent
- Other visa routes depending on your circumstances
Start planning early. See our YMS to Skilled Worker guide for details on the switching process.
Next Steps
Related guides:
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.