Full list of countries eligible for UK’s 2-year work and living visa

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The UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows eligible young people from certain countries and territories to live and work in the UK for up to two years.

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Applicants can also study and, subject to certain conditions, work for themselves or set up a business.

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However, eligibility depends on the applicant’s nationality and age, with some countries having a higher age limit than others.

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Here are the countries whose citizens can apply and the key requirements.

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1. Australia

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Australian citizens can apply if they are aged between 18 and 35.

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They can live and work in the UK for up to two years and may be able to extend their visa for another year.

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2. Canada

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Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35 are eligible to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

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Canadians can also extend their stay by one year after the initial two-year visa period.

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3. New Zealand

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New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply.

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Like Australians and Canadians, New Zealanders can extend their visa by one additional year after the initial two-year period.

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4. South Korea

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South Korean citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the visa.

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Applicants must meet the other eligibility requirements, including the financial requirement.

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5. Andorra

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Citizens of Andorra aged between 18 and 30 can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

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6. Iceland

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Icelandic citizens aged 18 to 30 are eligible to apply under the scheme.

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7. Japan

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Japanese citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply for the visa, provided they meet the other requirements.

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8. Monaco

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Citizens of Monaco aged between 18 and 30 can apply.

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9. San Marino

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San Marino citizens aged 18 to 30 are eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.

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10. Uruguay

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Uruguayan citizens aged between 18 and 30 can apply under the scheme.

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What are the main UK Youth Mobility Scheme requirements?

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Applicants must generally:

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• Be aged 18 to 30 or 18 to 35, depending on their nationality.
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• Have at least £2,530 in personal savings.
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• Have an eligible nationality or British nationality covered by the scheme.
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• Prove their identity and provide the required documents.
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The visa allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.

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Applicants can enter the UK at any time while their visa is valid and can leave and return during their stay.

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How much does the UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa cost?

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The application fee is £340.

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Applicants must also pay the immigration health surcharge, which is usually £776 per year, in addition to meeting the savings requirement.

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How long does the UK visa application take?

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Applicants can apply up to six months before they plan to travel to the UK.

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After submitting the online application, proving their identity and providing the required documents, applicants will usually receive a decision within three weeks.

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What can Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders do?

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Successful applicants can:

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• Work in most jobs.
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• Study in the UK.
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• Be self-employed under certain conditions.
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• Set up a company if they meet the scheme’s restrictions.
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However, they cannot work as professional sportspersons, claim public funds or bring family members to the UK as dependants under their application.

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The visa generally cannot be extended, except for eligible citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand, who can apply for an additional year.

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