UK WORK VISA

per person

18-31 years + Age

UK YOUTH MOBILITY SCHEME VISA

Working holiday visas are a rite of passage for many young Australians, and New Zealanders and the UK is a very popular destination. With 35,000 of these visas available each year, There are a few things to think about before travelling halfway around the world, so before booking a flight and saying your goodbyes, take a look at this guide for the Working Holiday visa (UK Youth Mobility Scheme as it is also known) for the UK.

Applicants who are granted residence The UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (previously known as the Tier 5 UK Working Holiday visa) are allowed to live and work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

This visa is granted for two (2) years and no further or subsequent grant can be made under this category. Successful applicants will be free to undertake any type of employment. Jobs to look out for, are flexible terms by way of taking time off for travel. Try bar work, waiting in restaurants in central London, Visa holders may also engage in some privately funded studies au pair placements.

Our services take care of everything from the get-go! Once you apply for the program, we will be in touch to make sure your UK visa application runs smoothly and stress-free!

WHAT DO I GET?

UK work visa guarantee

Money back guarantee

National insurance number

Guided walking tour

UK bank account

UK tax return assistance

Meet & greet pub crawl

10% hostel discount

In country support

UK arrival guide

HOW DOES THE VISA GUARANTEE WORK?

UK work visa application

Our licensed visa migration agents will call you to go through the steps of the application process and answer any questions you may have. They will be available throughout your entire application to assist you to step by step.
The process starts with filling out our online visa questionnaire.
We will provide you with the correct format to gather your supporting documents which can be uploaded to our online system (this can be done on your smartphone as well).
We will help coordinate your Visa start dates, around your departure, travel and arrival dates.
We will review your schedule to ensure you are booking flights and organised tours to align correctly with your visa start date.
Once you’ve completed our visa questionnaire we will book your biometric appointment with you. This appointment is required by law to submit a copy of your fingerprints and is part of the application process.
Before you attend your biometrics appointment, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge and the Visa Application Fee to the British High Commission.
Your passport will then be sent away for processing along with your visa application – do not plan to travel during the application process.
You will receive your passport back within approximately 4-6 weeks with your visa application approved!
Once you arrive in the UK you will need to pick up your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP card) for your visa. When you get your passport back you will also receive a letter advising you of where (and when) to collect this.
We will book you in for an arrival services appointment with our London Office to set up your UK SIM card, UK Bank Account and assist in applying for your National Insurance Number (see more details about this below).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Be aged between 18 and 31 years
Hold a passport from an eligible, partnered country (Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Republic of Korea or Taiwan)
Have access to the equivalent of £2530 (i.e. in your bank account for at least 28 days)
Have no dependants (children or other) under the age of 18
Not previously taken part in the Youth Mobility Scheme or travelled on a UK Working Holiday Visa
Have not had any criminal convictions in the last 12 months

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

Mandatory charges by the British High Commission include;

Immigration health surcharge £940
Visa application Fee £259
Applications from Brisbane, Canberra or Perth will also incur an appointment fee of $105 AUD.

Our professional service charges include:

A one of fee of $299AUD for our licensed migration agents to assist with your application start to finish and ensure it is approved first time round.
You will also receive an arrival services appointment and ongoing support from our London office once in the UK.

The arrival services appointment includes:

UK SIM card
UK bank account
National Insurance Number application assistance (see F.A.Q’s below)
Guided walking tour of the London sites
A ticket on our meet & greet pub crawl
Invites to ongoing social events and access to our ‘meet a travel buddy’ network

Additional costs include:

Optional passport courier fee of $24AUD (or you can opt to pick up your passport from the location of your Biometrics appointment)

WHAT WILL I NEED TO COMPLETE MY VISA APPLICATION?

Applications from Australia, New Zealand and Canada will require:

A valid passport
A passport sized colour photo that adheres to the requirements.
The evidence you can support yourself for the duration of your stay.
Completion of the application.
A blank page in your passport.
An appointment to be fingerprinted.

Whilst most applications are processed in 4 weeks it can sometimes take up to 8 weeks, so it’s a good idea to give plenty of time, even if you’re itching to book a flight. All visas will require you to follow the laws of the country for the duration of your stay, though the laws in the UK are very similar to that of Australia.

PLEASE NOTE

Any applicants wishing to lodge their biometrics in Adelaide, Hobart, or New Zealand will be required to post their own applications after they have attended their biometrics appointment. You will have 5 days to post the application to Sydney, and once it is returned it will be posted to your home address from there. Please factor in extra postage time when applying for your visa.

APPLICANTS IN PERTH

Perth Biometrics Centre is only open 3 days a week and does not always have biometrics appointments available. If there are no appointments available for your chosen dates then you may have to pay an extra $120 surcharge (on top of the $120 you already have to pay to apply in Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra) for a walk in appointment. You would then book your appointment in Perth for the next available date (or Brisbane for approx. 3 weeks time) and put the visa payment through and download and print your supporting documents as normal. However, you will then have to walk into the Perth application centre with all your documents as early as possible on a Thursday morning and ask for a walk in appointment. They will then charge you the extra $120 which will need to be paid then. Alternatively, you can book your biometrics in Sydney or Melbourne where they do not charge any extra fees on top of the usual visa fee.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

THE TIER 5 YOUTH MOBILITY VISA

Requirements for the Working Holiday Visa

18-30 years of age (at time of application)
Hold a valid Australian, New Zealand or Canadian passport
No criminal convictions in the last twelve months
Must have no children in your care
Be planning to arrive in the UK in the next 6 months
Latest date to start application is six weeks before departure (fast track options available in some cases for 3-4 week applications)
You will require 10 working days in the UK to collected Biometric Card
Processing time 4-6 weeks
Proof of funds £2530 available (these funds need to have been in your account for at least 28 days consecutively at the time of application

What will I need to complete my visa application?

A valid passport or other travel ID.
A passport sized colour photo that adheres to the requirements.
The evidence you can support yourself for the duration of your stay.
Completion of the application.
A blank page in your passport.
An appointment to be fingerprinted.

Most applications are processed in 15 days, but it can take up to 30, so it’s a good idea to give plenty of time, even if you’re itching to book a flight. All visas will require you to follow the laws of the country for the duration of your stay, though the laws in the UK are very similar to that of Australia.

Noteworthy visa conditions

The Working Holiday visa doesn’t ‘pause’ when you leave the country, and the leave date cannot be changed regardless of how long you were in the UK.
It is a multiple-entry visa so you can enter and exit the country as much as you like, so long as the visa is valid.
Even if you turn 31 during your stay, the exit time does not change.

UK work visa cost

UK WORK VISA COST

Your visa fees are payable to the British High Commission.
Immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) – £944
Work Visa application fee – £244
Applications from Brisbane, Canberra or Perth, will incur an additional fee of $105AUD to book your biometrics appointment
If you choose to have your passport couriered then this will cost $24AUD. You can, however, opt to pick this up from your biometric appointment location centre
These fees are non-refundable (even if your application is unsuccessful).

In 2017 over 40% of first-time visa applications were rejected because of simple omissions and commonly made mistakes. Because the visa application is entirely computer processed, applications can be rejected for errors as small as an incorrect date on a bank statement.

Use our visa service and take this stress away!

Our professional licensed migration agents will help you every step of the way to ensure your application is approved first time around.

100% first-time approval guaranteed, or you will receive a full refund.

UK work visa processing time

The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you travel.
You should get a decision on your visa within 6 -8 weeks.

To apply for a National Insurance number, you’ll need to apply by phone.

If you’re moving to the UK

You may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your biometric residence permit (BRP). You don’t need to apply for a National Insurance number if you already have one, or one is printed on your BRP.
You may have a National Insurance (NI) number printed on the back of your BRP. Not all BRPs have this – it depends on factors like the date it was issued and your visa status.

If you don’t have a National Insurance number, you must apply. You can only apply for a National Insurance number once you are in the UK. You must have the right to work or study in the UK to get a National Insurance number.

When you phone, you will need to give the operator the following:
• Your full name
• Date of Birth
• Date you arrived in the UK
• Full UK address including postcode
• UK contact number

National Insurance number interview

As part of the NIN application, you’ll be required to attend an Evidence of Identity (EOI) interview at your closest job centre.
Date, time and location details for this interview will be given over the phone when you’re applying for your National Insurance number, you’ll also be sent a letter in the post from Job Centre Plus, confirming your appointment details, within 3-5 days of the call. You’ll be given a reference number which you’ll need to take to your appointment.

At the interview you’ll be asked about your circumstances and why you need a National Insurance number.

Your appointment letter will also tell you which documents to bring to prove your identity.

If you’re travelling on an Australian or New Zealand Passport this will be:
• Proof of address (signed tenancy agreement)
• Proof of employment (signed employment contract), if you’ve already started work.
• Valid NZ or AUS passport
• Residence permit (BRP card)
• Along with any documents you’ve received from the home office

If your travelling on a British or EU passport this will be:
• Proof of address (signed tenancy agreement)
• Proof of employment (signed employment contract), if you’ve started work
• Your valid passport/s or national identity card/s

You’ll be told at the interview how long it’ll take to receive your National Insurance number, this is usually 3-5 weeks dependent on processing times.

5 Issues this may cause if you are arriving in the UK without pre-arranged housing or employment

No proof of address or employment can lead to your NIN application being declined or put on hold, until you can provide the required documentation.
Delays to your NIN application may cause prospective employers to put you right to the back of the interview cue.
While still waiting to interview for a job, Banks will be reluctant to open the UK account for you without proof of employment
Without a UK Bank Account, Property Managers will be reluctant to accept any tenancy applications to get you into accommodation.
The circle repeats, wasting your time and money when you should be out exploring your new city, London!

Can I extend my UK youth mobility visa?

You must apply for a UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa in your country of residence. … You cannot extend this visa beyond 24 months. This visa category is in a temporary worker category and therefore does not permit you to settle in the UK.

Can you study on a UK Youth Mobility Visa?

Overview. You can apply for a UK Youth mobility visa if you: want to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. are aged 18 to 30.

What is The UK's Youth Mobility Scheme Visa?

The Youth mobility (Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange) visa For workers coming to the UK through an approved government authorised exchange scheme. This visa allows the worker to do work experience, training, academic research or a fellowship, and to take part in an Overseas Government Language Programme.

How many days can I stay in UK after my visa expires?

The ‘grace period’ for an overstayer was reduced from 28 days to 14 days. If you have “overstayed your welcome” (i.e. remained in the UK after the expiry of your UK visa for more than 14 days), you will be subject to a 1-year re-entry ban

Can you work in Europe on a UK visa?

You‘ll need a work permit to work in most non- EU countries if you‘re a UK citizen. In most cases, you‘ll need a job offer from your chosen country so that you can get a visa to move there. Check with the UK-based embassy of the country you want to work in to see what you need to do. https://www.gov.uk/working-abroad

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Application Process

PRE PLACEMENT - COST: £0

Interested in moving to the UK for a working holiday or gap year? Have loads of questions about what, where, when, how to do stuff? We get it, our team are one click for a free no obligation chat! Ask away!

You are welcome to ask for advice on

Moving to the UK
Financial obligations and costs
Checking your passport’s ok
Working visa qualification & time frames
Best time to arrive
Best jobs by month of arrival
Best jobs by travel bucket list
Best jobs by hourly rate
Advice - on renting in the UK and rates
Compare pro and cons all job options
Compare cost of living with pro and cons
Overview of wages in UK wide
Basic must-haves to get working
What you need for a UK bank account
What’s the process getting NI numbers
Must know info for biometric cards
Why do working holiday programs exit
Who are they good for
How does actually help your situation
Free flow email with helpful links and guides

Right from the start of your experience we want you to make sure you know what to expect and make sure it's really clear the costs and process involved what you are getting. There are no surprises or hidden fees along the way and we'll keep you updated with what you need to do next.

REGISTER ONLINE - COST: £0

All you need to do to get going is tell us a few basic details about yourself, what your after and estimated travel dated It's free to register and apply so what have you got to lose!?

VISA APPLICATION FEE £299

Processing times for the Visa can vary from 4-6 weeks so you will need to leave sufficient time to apply before your intend travel dates. We recommend you leave at minimum 2 months. There is a fast-track service however the British High Commission charges an additional fee for this.

VISA APPLICATION APPROVAL

Once your Visa is granted, your passport will be returned to you with an entry clearance stamp for a 30 day duration, from the date you have chosen in your application. You will then be required to enter the UK within this period and pick up what is called your Biometrics Residency Permit.

GETTING A NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER

(often called NIN) is similar to your Tax File Number in Australia, IRD in New Zealand or SIN number in Canada. In the UK the NI number is also used as a form of identification by many departments including the free NHS healthcare system. Everyone who works in the UK requires a NIN. You can only apply for a NIN once you are in the UK.

NATIONAL INSURANCE NUMBER APPLICATION PROCESS

As part of the NIN application, you’ll be required to attend an Evidence of Identity (EOI) interview at your closest job centre. Date, time and location details for this interview will be given over the phone when you’re applying for your National Insurance number, you’ll also be sent a letter in the post from Job Centre Plus, confirming your appointment details, within 3-5 days of the call. You’ll be given a reference number which you’ll need to take to your appointment. Your appointment letter will also tell you which documents to bring to prove your identity. If you’re travelling on an Australian or New Zealand Passport this will be:

Proof of address (signed tenancy agreement)
Proof of employment (signed employment contract), if you’ve already started work.
Valid NZ or AUS passport
Residence permit (BRP card)
Along with any documents you’ve received from the home office

If your travelling on a British or EU passport this will be:

Proof of address (signed tenancy agreement)
Proof of employment (signed employment contract), if you’ve started work
Your valid passport/s or national identity card/s

You’ll be told at the interview how long it’ll take to receive your National Insurance number, this is usually 4-6 weeks dependent on proc

COMMON PROBLEMS

5 Issues this may cause if you are arriving in the UK without pre-arranged housing or employment

No proof of address or employment can lead to your NIN application being declined or put on hold, until you can provide the required documentation.
Delays to your NIN application may cause prospective employers to put you right to the back of the interview cue.
While still waiting to interview for a job, Banks will be reluctant to open the UK account for you without proof of employment
Without a UK Bank Account, Property Managers will be reluctant to accept any tenancy applications to get you into accommodation.
The circle repeats, wasting your time and money when you should be out exploring your new city, London!

OUR SOLUTION

5 ways we can help you get set up

With the Jumpstart London Program, we will have your accommodation and employment arranged for you before you leave your home country. So when you arrive in London you are ready to move straight into suitable housing and start your job.
Leading up to your trip our Australian based team (who have all lived in London before) will help you with your job and program applications. Once approved by our London Head Office, you will be sent your job contract and a preview list of our accommodation options.
Week 1: On arrival in London you will attend a group Orientation Session in our Head Office in South Bank Central. We will run through all the details for the available house listings and your job induction. In the following days, you will see all the property options, decide on your favourite, sign a lease and move in!
Week 2: Once you’ve moved into your shared housing and attended your job induction you’ll come back into our Head Office for a 1 on 1 session with our UK Programs Coordinator. Now ready with your Signed Tenancy Agreement and Signed Employment Contract, we will be able to set up your UK Bank Account and arrange your EOI interview at your closest job centre. With all the necessary documents in hand, you’ll be able to successfully apply for your NIN.
3-5 weeks later you will receive in the mail your NIN to pass on to your employer. Now all set up with a job, housing, NIN, and Bank Account you’ll be free to explore!

For more info on how it all works, see our Jumpstart London Program page