Sterling Shore Solicitors provides specialist legal advice and representation to individuals applying for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa. Our experienced immigration lawyers, solicitors and barristers will assess your nationality, age, financial circumstances and immigration history to determine whether you may be eligible and advise you on the requirements that apply to your application.
The Youth Mobility Scheme is a temporary immigration route and the requirements can differ depending on your nationality. Some nationalities can apply directly, while others must first be selected through the relevant ballot process before making an application.
Expert legal representation for Youth Mobility Scheme applications
The Youth Mobility Scheme is available to eligible young people from participating countries and territories. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, this can include applicants from countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, India and other participating countries.
To qualify for the scheme, you generally need to:
- be aged between 18 and 30, or up to 35 if you are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand or South Korea
- hold an eligible nationality
- have at least £2,530 in savings
- not have dependent children under the age of 18 who live with you or for whom you are financially responsible
- meet the other requirements of the Immigration Rules
The funds requirement of £2,530 must generally be held for a continuous period of 28 days before the application is submitted, and the funds must be available for your use.
Our solicitors can advise you on the requirements that apply to your nationality and help you understand whether you are eligible to apply directly or whether you must first enter the relevant ballot.
Youth Mobility Scheme ballot
Applicants from certain countries and territories cannot apply directly for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa and must first be selected through the Home Office ballot.
The ballot currently applies to eligible applicants from Hong Kong and Taiwan.
If you are selected in the ballot, you will generally need to submit your visa application within the period specified in your invitation.
Our immigration specialists can advise you on the ballot process, the evidence you will need to prepare and the steps involved in making your application if you are selected.
Working and studying in the UK
The Youth Mobility Scheme provides successful applicants with considerable flexibility.
If your application is granted, you can generally:
- work in most jobs in the UK
- be self-employed or set up a company, subject to the conditions of the route
- study in the UK
- travel in and out of the UK during the period of your visa
There are some restrictions. For example, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, and there are conditions concerning self-employment.
Our solicitors can advise you on the conditions attached to a Youth Mobility Scheme visa and help you understand what you can and cannot do while in the UK.
How long can you stay in the UK?
The length of permission granted under the Youth Mobility Scheme depends on your nationality.
Most successful applicants are granted permission for up to two years. Eligible applicants from Australia, Canada and New Zealand may be able to extend their stay for one further year, subject to the requirements of the Immigration Rules.
The extension can generally only be made once and must be made from within the UK before the existing visa expires.
Our immigration specialists can advise you on the duration of your visa and, where relevant, whether you may be eligible for an extension.
Youth Mobility Scheme and settlement
Time spent in the UK under the Youth Mobility Scheme does not normally lead directly to indefinite leave to remain.
However, depending on your circumstances, you may later be able to switch into another immigration route from within the UK, subject to the requirements of that route and the Immigration Rules.
Possible future options can include routes such as the skilled worker route, certain family routes or the global talent route, depending on your circumstances and eligibility.
Our solicitors can advise you on your longer-term immigration options before or during your stay in the UK.
Dependants and family members
The Youth Mobility Scheme does not generally allow applicants to bring dependants to the UK under the route.
If you have a partner or children who also wish to come to the UK, they may need to consider whether they are eligible for their own visa under a different immigration route.
Our immigration solicitors can assess your family circumstances and advise you on the options that may be available.
Youth Mobility Scheme refusals
If your Youth Mobility Scheme application has been refused, our immigration solicitors can carefully review the Home Office decision and advise you on the options available.
We will examine the reasons for refusal, your application and the supporting evidence to determine why the application was refused and whether the decision has been made correctly.
Depending on the circumstances, it may be appropriate to make a fresh application addressing the concerns raised by the Home Office or consider whether there are other legal options available.
Complex Youth Mobility Scheme applications
Although the Youth Mobility Scheme is often viewed as a relatively straightforward route, applications can become more complicated where there are issues concerning nationality, previous immigration history, financial evidence, previous refusals or whether an applicant meets the age and eligibility requirements.
Our solicitors, lawyers and barristers have extensive experience dealing with UK immigration matters and can provide strategic legal representation tailored to the circumstances of your case.
We will carefully assess your eligibility, identify any potential issues and help you prepare an application that clearly addresses the relevant requirements.
We understand that applying to live and work in the UK can be an important step in your plans. Our role is to make the immigration process as straightforward as possible and provide clear, practical legal advice throughout your application.
Our fees are agreed with you from the outset, giving you clarity over the cost of your legal representation. We also offer a free, no-obligation initial assessment so that you can discuss your circumstances with our immigration specialists and understand your options before deciding how to proceed.
Speak to one of our UK Immigration Specialists today.
Call us on 0203 150 2122 for your free initial assessment or complete our contact form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Why clients choose us
- Leading immigration experts
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Our specialists are ready to help you
Speak with a UK immigration specialist today.
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Expert immigration solicitors with offices in Central London, Birmingham and Cardiff, providing specialist legal advice to individuals, families and businesses.
Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every case we undertake. Combining technical expertise with meticulous preparation and strategic representation, we deliver bespoke legal solutions, transparent fixed fees and an unwavering commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client.
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Our fees
All initial assessments are free and without obligation. We will take the time to understand your circumstances, assess your options and provide clear, practical legal guidance.
Our transparent fixed-fee pricing means you will know exactly what you will pay from the outset, with no hidden costs or unexpected fees.
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Can I apply without a solicitor?
UK immigration law is governed by complex legislation, detailed Immigration Rules and strict Home Office guidance. Every visa category has specific requirements that must be satisfied, and even minor errors or omissions can result in an application being delayed or refused.
Seeking specialist legal advice at the outset can significantly reduce the risk of avoidable mistakes. Applicants who prepare and submit their own applications often underestimate the complexity of the Immigration Rules, increasing the risk of refusal and the loss of substantial Home Office fees.
When you instruct Sterling Shore Solicitors, your matter will be handled by a specialist immigration solicitor with the expertise best suited to your individual circumstances. From initial instruction through to final decision, we will prepare your application, advise you on the evidence required, liaise with the Home Office where appropriate and provide comprehensive legal representation throughout your case.
Our bespoke end-to-end service, technical expertise, meticulous preparation and proven track record have earned us a reputation for delivering exceptional legal representation across all areas of UK immigration and nationality law.