2026 YMS & YPS Statutory Rules
Application Fee: £340. IHS: £776/year (£1,552 for 2 years). Financial Maintenance: £2,530 held for 28 consecutive days.
Youth Mobility & YPS Eligibility Evaluator
Evaluates age limits, maintenance savings, and upfront UKVI application fees
2026 Participating Country Rules
| Country | Age Limit | Duration | Ballot Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia, Canada, New Zealand | 18–35 | 2 Years (+ 1 Yr Extension) | No |
| South Korea | 18–35 | 2 Years | No |
| Japan, Andorra, Iceland, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay | 18–30 | 2 Years | No |
| Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan | 18–30 | 2 Years | Yes (YMS Ballot) |
| India (Young Professionals) | 18–30 | 2 Years | Yes (Degree + YPS Ballot) |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is a temporary UK immigration route for eligible nationals aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for select countries) allowing up to 2 years (or 3 years for Australia, Canada, New Zealand) of living and working in the UK.
You need at least £2,530 in personal savings held for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of applying.
Applicants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea can apply under the 18-to-35 age rule.
Yes. Applicants from Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan must be selected in the Home Office YMS ballot before applying.
Indian nationals use the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot, must be 18-30, hold an eligible degree-level qualification, and have £2,530 in savings.
Yes, most work is permitted. Self-employment is permitted if equipment value is under £5,000, there are no employees, and it is not run from owned commercial premises.
Official 2026 Home Office Sources
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2026 Key Benchmarks
Application Fee£340
Annual IHS Rate£776 / yr
2-Yr IHS Total£1,552
Maintenance Savings£2,530