The Youth Mobility Scheme for Indian Nationals will start on 1st January 2022.
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS for short) falls under Tier 5 of the UK’s points-based immigration system. A YMS visa allows certain nationals aged 18 to 30 to live and work in the UK for a two-year period. The route does not require sponsorship from an employer or individual.
Currently, nationals of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Monaco, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Republic of Korea, and San Marino. British Overseas citizen, British Overseas Territories citizen and British Nationals (overseas) can avail the YMS visa. As of the 1st January 2022, India and Iceland will be added to the list. Indian nationals wishing to apply will be subject to a ballot process with just 3,000 placed being allotted to the country for 2022.
Applicants will only be eligible between the ages of 18 to 30 who are single and have no dependent children or other finally dependent persons. They should also have funds of £2,350 held for a 28-day period as specified in Appendix Finance.
Allotted places:
For the year 2022, the allotted places are:
- Australia – 30,000 places
- New Zealand – 13,000 places
- Canada – 6,000 places
- Japan – 1,500 places
- Monaco – 1,000 places
- Taiwan – 1,000 places
- Hong Kong – 1,000 places
- Republic of Korea – 1,000 places
- San Marino – 1,000 places
- Iceland – 1,000 places
- India – 3,000 places
Applicants from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and India must apply using the ballot before making a visa application.
What is the ballot?
A ballot is much like a lottery system in which places are allocated at random by the Home Office from a pool of applicants. Ballots are open in January & July each year with a 48-hour window to register.
Eligible Indian nationals will need to submit an application for “expression of interest” within the 48-hour window. The Home Office will then select 3,000 individuals at random who will be invited to apply for the visa. Any unused allocation will be subject to a further ballot in July.
Applicants must be living outside of the UK when applying. There is no provision to apply from within the UK nor any provision to “switch” whilst inside the UK. However, an interested applicant may register for the ballot whilst outside his or her country of nationality or usual residence.
Additional requirements for Indian nationals
In addition to the age & financial requirements, Indian nationals must also meet other eligibility requirements. They must also:
- Hold a qualification equivalent to RQF Level 6 or above (i.e. equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or above) OR;
- Have at least three years’ work experience in a professional role – i.e. in occupations listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations
Benefits of a YMS visa
A YMS visa allows successful applicants to live and work in the UK for 2 years. Holders of a YMS visa are able to work in most jobs, study, and even be self-employed or set up a company. It is important to note however that YMS visa holders cannot work as professional sportspeople, get public funds or bring their family members.
It is also important to keep in mind that a YMS visa is not a route to permanent residence and cannot be extended or be applied for more than once. YMS visa holders can switch to a different visa category such as Skilled Worker if eligible.
To summarise the requirements for a Youth Mobility Scheme for Indian Nationals are as follows:
- Age group between 18 to 30 years
- Have funds of £2,350 held for a 28-day period
- An applicant may need to provide a tuberculosis certificate, depending on where they have resided in the six months prior to their application.
- Hold a qualification equal to RQF Level 6 or above (i.e. equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or above) OR
- Have at least three years’ work experience in a professional role (i.e. (in occupations listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations)