Youth Mobility Scheme Costs 2026
What you need to know
- •Visa fee: £298.
- •IHS: £2,070 (£1,035 x 2 years), paid upfront.
- •Total fees: approximately £2,368.
- •Savings requirement: £2,530 (not a fee — stays in your account).
- •IHS refund available if you leave early.
The Youth Mobility Scheme costs approximately £2,368 in fees (visa fee plus IHS), and you need £2,530 in savings. This guide breaks down every cost so you can budget accurately.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Fee Breakdown
The Youth Mobility Scheme costs in 2026 are:
- Visa application fee: £298
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year x 2 years = £2,070
- Total fees: £2,368
Both the visa fee and IHS are paid online when you submit your application. They are non-refundable if your application is refused (except the IHS, which is refunded if the visa is refused).
Savings Requirement
You must have at least £2,530 in your bank account at the time of application. This is not a fee — it is a savings requirement to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK. The money must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before your application.
See our YMS requirements guide for full eligibility details.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Total Budget
In total, you need approximately:
- £2,368 in fees
- £2,530 in savings (available but not spent on fees)
- Flight costs to the UK
- Initial accommodation costs until you start earning
Budget conservatively. It may take a few weeks to find work after arriving, so understanding your YMS work rights is important. For comparison with other visa costs, see our UK visa fees guide.
IHS Refund
If you leave the UK before your YMS visa expires, you can apply for a partial IHS refund for the unused period. You need to notify the Home Office and provide evidence of your departure.
Next Steps
Related guides:
- Youth Mobility Scheme: Complete Guide
- YMS Requirements
- YMS Work Rights
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- UK Visa Fees Guide
For official information, see the GOV.UK Youth Mobility Scheme page and the GOV.UK visa fees table.
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.