This is a collaborative post: This 2-year ‘working vacation’ visa has been accessible to Aussies, Kiwis, and Canadians for years. Its purpose was and is to introduce young would-be travelers to the benefits of working/living abroad. These reciprocal agreements between governments make it easier for people of one nation to get visas to the other partner countries, enabling young travelers like you to explore new and fascinating locations!
These 10 YMS Tier 5 visa facts are seldom known
- Previously dubbed the ‘Working Holiday’ visa
Why not name it the ‘Working Holiday’ visa? This was the visa’s original name. In 2008, the visa became Tier 5 (UK Youth Mobility Visa). The visa is mostly the same, but renamed!
- It was once a 1-year visa.
The ‘Working Holiday’ visa used to allow you to remain in the UK for up to 2 years, but you could only work for 12 months. Today, you have 2 years to work and travel in the UK! Some good change!
- Only 8 countries allow Youth Mobility visas.
The Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme visa is only for nationals of these countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Monaco, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea (some have extra criteria).
- Australia, New Zealand, and Canada have straightforward qualifying criteria.
You just need three things to get a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa in these countries:
- Applicants must be 18–30.
- Your passport must be from Australia, New Zealand, or Canada.
- The maintenance funds required is £1890 in savings.
Other disqualifiers include having dependent children or having visited the UK on a Youth Mobility Visa. Serious criminal offenses may also disqualify you.
- You can only acquire the Youth Mobility Visa once.
It is. Once only. After traveling to the UK on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, you can never apply again. Non-renewable. No retries! It’s crucial to make the most of your time abroad, therefore you may want to seek job/accommodation aid to start your stay in the UK well! Visit our UK Jobs section for information!
- Aussies like this visa
There were only 376 Tier 5 visas granted to international applicants seeking to work or reside in the UK in 2008. BUT, the number of Youth Mobility visas issued in 2022 stood at 381,459. What an increase! Of those issued in 2022, more than 50% were issued to Australians! This working holiday concept seems to be gaining significant traction.
- UK is not Monaco
One Youth Mobility Visa was awarded in Monaco in 2016. However, can you blame them? Monaco is lovely.
- Most rejections are due to ‘Maintenance Funds’ requirements.
This is the only one you can’t confirm with your Aussie passport, thus the UKVI is picky. Most denied applications are due to inadequate or inaccurate maintenance fund documents. Approval of your application requires more than merely £1890 in your account (or equivalent in your local currency). Your bank documents must include all relevant facts.
- IHS fee equals NHS healthcare
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) was added to the Youth Mobility Visa in 2016. This project raises funding for the UK’s NHS to treat all Aussies on working holidays. At the time of application, you must pay £150 each year for your visa, however this surcharge guarantees you NHS health care in the UK!
- Formerly eligible South Africans. Not anymore…
This reciprocal visa arrangement no longer includes South Africa. Our South African friends can still get the UK Ancestry Visa if they have a UK-born grandmother!
Remember…
For assistance in applying for a Youth Mobility Visa, you can reach out to QC Immigration. They offer expert guidance and support throughout the application process.