2026 YMS Statutory Requirements
Application fee is £340. Annual IHS rate is £776. Maintenance savings of £2,530 must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying.
Youth Mobility Visa Checker
Calculates age eligibility, financial maintenance, ballot rules, and total upfront fees
2026 YMS Country & Age Eligibility Table
| Country / Group | Age Limit | Initial Visa | Extension | Ballot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia, Canada, New Zealand | 18–35 | 2 Years | +1 Year | No |
| South Korea | 18–35 | 2 Years | No | No |
| Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay | 18–30 | 2 Years | No | No |
| Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan | 18–30 | 2 Years | No | Yes (Ballot) |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
The Youth Mobility Scheme allows eligible young people from participating countries to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for Australia, Canada, New Zealand).
Applicants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea qualify at ages 18 to 35. Other participating countries use the 18 to 30 age range.
You must show at least £2,530 in personal savings held for 28 consecutive days, with day 28 within 31 days of applying.
Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan require selection through the YMS ballot before applying. Japan and South Korea no longer require a ballot.
The application fee is £340. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776/year (£1,552 for a 2-year visa).
Work is generally permitted in most jobs. 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
Live Expat FX Tool 0% Hidden Spread
International Money Transfer & FX Rates
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High-Street Banks:~3.5% Hidden Markup
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Healthcare Gap Plan 180+ Countries
Newcomer & Expat Emergency Health Cover
Waiting for NHS, OHIP, or state healthcare to activate? Protect against uninsured hospital bills before your official health card arrives.
Starting Cost:From $1.60 / day (~$45/mo)
Flexibility: Cancel anytime
⚡ Instant online setup • No medical exam required
2026 Key Benchmarks
Application Fee£340
Annual IHS Rate£776 / yr
Maintenance Savings£2,530
Holding Period28 Days