If you’re between 18 and 30 (or 35, depending on your country) and dream of working, studying, or simply living in the UK for a few years, the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) might just be the opportunity you didn’t know you were eligible for. With the UK and EU reportedly in talks to extend similar mobility to European youth, the existing YMS is already transforming how young professionals experience global mobility.
This article is based on the recent findings from the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, a leading research body that informs debates on international migration and public policy in the UK. Their work sheds light on how the YMS operates and what impact it has on migration flows, job sectors, and long-term stay patterns.
What Is the Youth Mobility Scheme?
The Youth Mobility Scheme is a temporary visa program that enables young adults from select countries to live and work in the UK for up to two or three years, depending on nationality. Often called the “working holiday” or “backpacker visa,” the scheme is reciprocal—so just as UK youth gain access to global experiences, partner countries host British nationals too.
While it’s not a pathway to permanent residency, this visa serves as a stepping stone for personal development, cultural exchange, and sometimes—unexpectedly—a long-term stay.
The Features of the UK’s YMS
- Eligibility by Nationality: Open to citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Uruguay, Iceland, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, and via a separate scheme for India (Young Professionals Scheme).
- Age Range: 18–30 years (extended to 35 for some countries).
- Visa Duration: 2–3 years (depending on your country’s agreement).
- Freedom to Work & Study: No job sponsorship required; applicants can take up any employment or enroll in education.
- Self-Employment: Permitted if there are no employees or commercial premises.
- Restrictions: Cannot bring dependents or access UK public benefits.
How Big is the YMS Program?
In 2024, over 24,000 YMS visas were issued—around 2.5% of the UK’s total residence visas that year. According to data analyzed by the Migration Observatory at Oxford, the YMS program operates under annual country-specific caps, but most countries do not reach their cap limits.
| Country | Visas Issued (2024) | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| India (YPS) | 2,260 | 3,000 |
| Canada | 3,060 | 8,000 |
| Iceland | 23 | 1,000 |
| Monaco | 1 | 1,000 |
| Australia | 9,750 | 45,000 |
| South Korea | 1,700 | 5,000 |
| Andorra | 4 | 100 |
| Taiwan | 660 | 1,000 |
| Uruguay | 140 | 500 |
| Japan | 2,280 | 6,000 |
| Hong Kong | 140 | 1,000 |
| New Zealand | 4,300 | 8,500 |
| San Marino | 3 | 1,000 |
| Total | 24,400 | 81,100 |
Note: Data sourced from the UK Home Office and presented in Oxford’s Migration Observatory findings.
What Kind of Jobs Can You Do on a YMS Visa?
As the University of Oxford’s researchers highlight, the UK does not require YMS visa applicants to have a job offer, so there’s limited official data on employment outcomes. Still, holders of this visa commonly find work across hospitality, customer service, tourism, media, education, and the gig economy.
This open-ended nature of the visa encourages flexibility, allowing young people to explore different career paths without restrictions on job types or employers.
Can You Stay in the UK After the YMS Visa?
While the YMS is designed as a non-renewable, one-time visa, findings from the Migration Observatory reveal a growing trend: more participants are transitioning to long-term UK residence.
The Migration Insights from Oxford:
- 2014 cohort: 84% of Australians, Canadians, and New Zealanders had left the UK within 5 years.
- 2019 cohort: Only 25% had left by 2023.
- 2019 cohort stats: 15% moved to skilled work visas, and 6% transitioned to family visas (partners of UK or EU citizens).
These figures suggest that for some, the YMS opens doors to deeper UK integration through employment or personal relationships.
Will the EU Be Next?
According to the Oxford analysis, talks are reportedly underway between the UK and EU to develop a reciprocal youth mobility deal. However, any such agreement would differ from the free movement rules that existed pre-Brexit. A future EU–UK YMS might be age-restricted, capped, and limited in duration—unlike the unrestricted rights once enjoyed under EU free movement.
Why Should You Consider the Youth Mobility Scheme?
- Travel and work freely in the UK without employer sponsorship
- Study or pursue short-term courses while gaining UK experience
- Test the waters in the UK job market
- Form connections that may lead to long-term opportunities.
Whether you’re aiming for adventure, career growth, or cultural immersion, the YMS could be your launchpad to global experience.