Why Australians should get a UK working holiday visa
Meet new people, make friends and have the time of your life
This visa allows Australians to have a gap year (or two) before starting university, and this time is looked back on as a once in a lifetime opportunity to make friends, travel and have a unique work experience in the UK.
Europe on your doorstep
The Youth Mobility Scheme visa lets you leave and re-enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid. Australians don’t require a Schengen visa to enter the EU, and with its close proximity to the UK, this makes it easy to visit any European city and travel at the drop of a hat.
Earn Pounds while you travel
Travelling abroad can be expensive. One of the great benefits of this visa is that it allows you to work while you travel, so you can easily top-up your travel funds while you explore new places.
International work experience
Working overseas can greatly enhance your employability back home. Employers like the idea that you’ve been exposed to different work environments abroad. If you’ve opted to work in your field of study, it could prove to be an invaluable asset to your career.
Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa was previously known as the Tier 5 visa.
What are the Youth Mobility Scheme visa requirements?
To be eligible for a visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old (35 years old if you’re from New Zealand)
- Have citizenship from an eligible country*
- Not be responsible for any dependants
- Have not travelled to the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa before
- Have £2,530 in savings
*Countries eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa include:
- Australia
- Canada
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- San Marino
- Iceland
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
We can help you ensure a smooth visa application process
Youth Mobility Scheme visa supporting documents
When you apply for a YMS visa you will need to provide the following:
- A valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
- A bank statement showing you have at least £2,530 in savings
Upcoming changes to Australia’s working holiday agreement with the UK
In June 2021, the Australian and UK governments announced a new Free Trade Agreement which will include more flexibility for Australians travelling to the UK on working holiday visas. Australians will be able to stay in the UK on a Youth Mobility Scheme visa for up to three years. The scheme will also open to Australians aged 18 to 35.
These changes will come into effect on 31 January 2024. If you apply before then, you will be subject to the current Youth Mobility Scheme rules and will only be able to stay in the UK for two years.
How we can help
With our assistance, your visa application stands the greatest chance of success. We give you detailed instructions to follow, check all of your documents, set up your application forms, answer all of your questions and guide you throughout the application process. What’s more, we have a no visa, no fee guarantee. If your visa isn’t granted, you won’t pay a Dollar for our services.
Ready to apply? Complete the form below and one of our immigration advisers will guide you through the application process.
UK visa assessment
Answer a few questions and we'll let you know if you're eligible to live and work in the UK. It takes less than five minutes and it's free of charge or obligation.