UK Youth Mobility Scheme 2025: A great opportunity to work and live abroad Are you a young person who wants to go abroad and have a new experience? Do you dream of international work experience, an understanding of a different culture, and self-reliance? If yes, then UK Youth Mobility Scheme 2025 could be a golden opportunity for you. The purpose of this visa scheme is to allow youth from selected countries around the world to live and work in the United Kingdom (UK) for up to two years. This scheme is not just a work visa, but an experience which can give a new dimension to both your career and life.
What is UK Youth Mobility Scheme?
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme, formerly called TIER 5 Youth Mobility, is a type of visa given to young people aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries) so that they can live in the UK, work, study and experience the British lifestyle. This scheme is for two years, but for some countries like Australia and Canada it has been extended to three years.
Know the eligibility conditions
- To apply for this scheme you must fulfill the following conditions:
- Age Limit: You must be between 18 to 30 years of age at the time of application (up to 35 is acceptable for Australia, Canada and South Korea).
- Citizenship: You must be a citizen of only one of the countries that participate in this scheme.
- Financial status: You must have savings of at least £2,530 (approximately ₹2.7 lakh).
- Dependency: You cannot bring children or any other dependent person with you under this visa.
What is the ballot system?
Citizens of some countries like Taiwan and Hong Kong have to first go through a ballot (lottery) system for visa application. This ballot is held twice a year—in February and summer.
- 2025 Ballot Information:
- First Ballot: 4 February 2025 (12:01 AM) to 6 February 2025 (12:01 AM)
- Second Ballot: In the summer (date to be announced later)
- If you are selected, you must complete the visa application, fee payment and biometric process.

How to apply?
- Pass the ballot (if required)
- Fill in the online visa application
- Pay the £298 fee
- Make an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Provide biometric details
- Wait for a decision (about 3 weeks)
- If your visa is approved, you must enter the UK within 90 days.
2024–2025 updates
- The scheme has recently undergone some major changes:
- Age limit increased: up to 35 years for Australia, Canada, and Korea
- Duration increased: now 3 years of stay
- Quota increased: Japan’s quota increased from 1,500 to 6,000
- New countries added: Uruguay (500 seats) and Andorra (100 seats)
What can you do in the UK?
- Permitted activities:
- Working in any field (except sports or medical training)
- Studying
- Travelling and participating in UK culture
- Prohibited activities:
- Receiving any government assistance
- Bringing children or a spouse
- Working as a professional athlete or doctor
Why is this scheme special?
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme is not just a visa—it’s an opportunity to establish yourself globally. It not only provides new employment opportunities but also broadens your thinking, understanding and lifestyle. If you are from India, Australia, Canada, Japan, or any participating country and are between the ages of 18–30 (or 35), this scheme could be the perfect way to make your dreams come true.
Conclusion:
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme 2025 is not just a visa, but an opportunity for young people to fill their lives with new experiences, take their careers to international heights and develop themselves as a global citizen. This scheme is ideal for those who want to learn, work and make a mark beyond borders. If you are a citizen of a country that participates in this scheme, and you are looking to do something new in life this scheme could be the new beginning for you. Not only can you be a part of the great culture, diversity and work culture of the UK, but you can also expand your confidence, skills and network globally. The UK Government has made the scheme more flexible and inclusive, improving the age limits, number of countries and duration so that it can reach more young people.So now is the time to start preparing not thinking.Get your documents organised, keep an eye on ballot dates (if necessary), and take each step with confidence and a plan.
FAQs
Q.1 What is the UK Youth Mobility Scheme 2025?
A. t is a visa scheme that allows young people aged 18 to 30 (35 for some countries) to live, work and study in the UK for up to 2 years (sometimes 3 years). It aims to promote cultural exchange and global experience.
Q.2 Who is eligible for this scheme?
A. You must be aged between 18 and 30 (up to 35 for Australia, Canada, South Korea), hold a passport from an eligible country, and have savings of at least £2,530. Also, you must not have any dependents (children etc.).
Q.3 Citizens of which countries can apply for this scheme?
A. Some of the major countries participating in this scheme are:
Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Iceland, Uruguay, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, India (under a separate Young Professionals Scheme).
Q.4 How can Indian citizens apply under this scheme?
A. There is a separate scheme for India called the India Young Professionals Scheme. It also has a ballot system, and selected applicants get 90 days to apply for a visa.
Q.5 What is the ballot system and which countries does it apply to?
A. The ballot system is a lottery system applicable to countries like Hong Kong and Taiwan. In this, interested persons enter by sending emails and can apply only after being selected.