What are the basic requirements for the YMS?

You must be a citizen of an eligible country, aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries), have £2,530 in savings, have no dependants on this visa, have no unspent criminal convictions, and not have previously held a YMS visa.

How much savings do I need?

You need at least £2,530 in your bank account. This must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before your application. The money is proof of funds, not a fee — it stays in your account.

Can I apply if I have a criminal record?

You can apply if your criminal convictions are spent (expired under your country's law). Unspent convictions may result in refusal. You must declare any criminal history in your application.

Do I need a job offer?

No. You do not need a job offer or sponsor to apply for the YMS. Once in the UK, you can work for any employer, be self-employed, or study.

Youth Mobility Scheme Requirements 2026

The Youth Mobility Scheme has specific eligibility requirements covering age, nationality, savings, criminal record, and dependants. This guide explains each requirement in detail so you can confirm your eligibility before applying.

Nationality

You must be a citizen of an eligible country. The list includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, and others. Check our eligible countries page for the full list.

Age

You must be within the age range at the time of your application:

Most countries: 18 to 30 (inclusive)
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea: 18 to 35 (inclusive)

Your age is assessed on the date you apply, not the date you travel. If you turn 31 (or 36 for extended-age countries) before applying, you are too old.

Savings

You need at least £2,530 in your bank account. This must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the 28-day period ending within 31 days of your application. The money does not need to be spent on anything — it is proof that you can support yourself on arrival.

Bank statements must be official documents from your bank, showing your name and the balance over the 28-day period. See our financial documents guide for tips.

No Dependants

The YMS does not allow dependants. You cannot bring a partner or children on this visa. If your partner wants to come to the UK, they need their own visa. See our YMS complete guide for more.

Criminal Record

You must not have any unspent criminal convictions. You must declare your full criminal history on the application form. Having a spent conviction does not automatically disqualify you, but it may be considered.

One-Time Use

You can only use the YMS once. If you have previously held a YMS (or the former Tier 5 Youth Mobility) visa, you cannot apply again. This applies even if you did not use the full 2 years.

Ballot Requirement

Some countries require you to be selected in a ballot before you can apply. If your country uses a ballot, you must register during the ballot window and be selected. See our eligible countries guide for details on which countries use a ballot.

Next Steps

If you meet all the requirements, check the costs and apply on GOV.UK.

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