Youth Mobility Scheme Eligible Countries 2026
What you need to know
- •20+ countries and territories are currently eligible.
- •Age limits: 18-30 for most, 18-35 for Australia, Canada, NZ, and South Korea.
- •Some countries use a ballot; others have uncapped places.
- •EU countries are joining through post-Brexit agreements.
- •The list is updated regularly — check GOV.UK for the latest.
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme is based on bilateral agreements with specific countries. The list has expanded significantly in recent years, with India and several EU countries joining. This guide provides the complete list with country-specific details.
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Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Full List of Eligible Countries (2026)
Uncapped, No Ballot (18-35 age limit)
Uncapped, No Ballot (18-30 age limit)
- Hong Kong SAR
- Iceland
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Taiwan
Capped or Ballot-Based
- Japan (ballot, capped at approximately 6,000 places per year)
- India (ballot, capped at approximately 3,000 places per year)
- Andorra (limited places)
- Uruguay (limited places)
EU Countries (Post-Brexit Agreements)
Several EU member states have signed bilateral agreements with the UK for youth mobility. The exact list continues to expand. Check GOV.UK for the most current information.
Age Limits by Country
- 18-35: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea
- 18-30: All other eligible countries
Your age is assessed at the date of application, not the date of travel. See our YMS requirements guide for full eligibility criteria.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Ballot System
Countries with capped places use a ballot (random draw) system. You register during the ballot window (usually early in the year) and are notified if selected. If selected, you receive an invitation to apply within a set deadline.
Countries without a ballot allow direct applications at any time, subject to meeting the requirements.
Recent Additions
The YMS list has expanded significantly in recent years:
- 2024: India was added (ballot-based, ~3,000 places/year)
- 2024-2025: Andorra, Uruguay, and several EU countries were added
The UK government has expressed interest in expanding the scheme further. Check GOV.UK for the latest additions.
Next Steps
If your country is on the list, check the requirements and costs to start your application.
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.