UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) Calculator & Rules Guide 2026
2026 YMS calculator and rules guide: nationality and age eligibility, £2,530 maintenance funds, 28-day/31-day financial test, £340 application fee, £776/year IHS, two-year and third-year cost calculations, and switching to Skilled Worker.
1. Executive Summary & Financial Calculation
Calculating your readiness for the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) requires verifying age boundaries, 28-day bank savings, and upfront Home Office fees.
2. YMS Financial & Fee Calculation Breakdown
The table below details total upfront costs for YMS applicants:
| Expense Item | Amount Required (GBP) | Payment Timing / Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Funds | £2,530.00 | Entry-clearance evidence: held for 28 consecutive days; day 28 must be within 31 days of application |
| YMS Application Fee | £340.00 | Paid during the visa application |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (2 years) | £1,552.00 (£776 × 2) | Paid during the application |
| Initial Government Cost | £1,892.00 | £340 application fee + £1,552 IHS |
| Illustrative Funds + Government Cost | £4,422.00 | £2,530 maintenance evidence + £1,892 government charges; not two separate mandatory cash pots |
3. The 28-Day Bank Statement Rule
For entry clearance, you must show at least £2,530 held for 28 consecutive days. Day 28 must be within 31 days of the application date. The relevant financial evidence must meet the requirements in Appendix Finance. The financial requirement does not apply in the same way to an in-country YMS extension.
4. Switching to Skilled Worker Before YMS Expiry
YMS holders may be able to switch in-country to Skilled Worker before their YMS permission expires if they satisfy the Skilled Worker eligibility and switching rules, including the sponsored-job, occupation, salary and English requirements. They must not leave the Common Travel Area while the switching application is pending.
5. YMS Third-Year Extension Calculation
Only Australian, Canadian and New Zealand nationals can use the one-year YMS extension. The extension fee is £340 and the additional IHS is £776, so the extension adds £1,116 in government charges. The extension can be used once, requires the applicant to be living in the UK with valid YMS permission and should be applied for no more than 28 days before the current visa expires.
6. What the £2,530 Maintenance Figure Actually Means
The £2,530 figure is a financial eligibility requirement, not a government fee. For entry clearance it must normally be held for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying. The applicant may use those funds for their living costs after arrival; the rule is about demonstrating sufficient resources at the application stage rather than creating a separate locked account.
7. Calculator Inputs: Nationality and Age
A YMS calculator should first identify nationality because the maximum age and application process depend on it. Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea have an 18-to-35 age limit. Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino and Uruguay have an 18-to-30 age limit. Hong Kong and Taiwan use the YMS ballot. Indian nationals use the separate India Young Professionals Scheme.
8. Country-Specific Documents and Ballot Requirements
Some YMS nationalities have additional evidence requirements. Hong Kong and Taiwan applicants need successful ballot confirmation. Andorra, Iceland and Uruguay have criminal-record requirements, while San Marino applicants need a specified government letter. Additional TB requirements can also apply depending on country of residence and travel history.
9. Application, Decision and Refusal
YMS applications are made online. GOV.UK says applicants usually receive a decision within 3 weeks after applying, proving identity and providing documents. If refused, the Immigration Rules provide for Administrative Review. Applicants should also confirm they have not previously been granted YMS permission, because YMS cannot normally be used twice.
Essential Summary & 2026 Checklist
- Initial 2-year YMS government cost is £1,892 (£340 application fee + £1,552 IHS), alongside the separate £2,530 maintenance-funds requirement for entry clearance.
- For entry clearance, the required £2,530 must be held for the required 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying.
- Apply while within the applicable age limit: 30 or under for most YMS nationalities, or 35 or under for Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea.
- Work and study are permitted, with specific restrictions on self-employment, professional sport and certain courses requiring ATAS.
- In-country switching to Skilled Worker can be permitted where all Skilled Worker switching requirements are met and the application is made before YMS permission expires.
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
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