New Zealander applicants · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Youth Mobility Scheme visa for New Zealander citizens
Unsponsored 2-year visa for 18–30 or 18–35 year olds from participating countries and territories.
- Processing time
- Typically within 3 weeks.
- Government fees
- Application fee plus IHS £1,035/year. Ballot fees apply for some partner countries.
- Typical duration
- 2 years (3 years for specified partners such as New Zealand). Non-extendable.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- No
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
- UK Youth Mobility Scheme
Consular processing: London
Tourist entry vs. this route
New Zealander nationals enter United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is required separately for the activity it covers.
Visa overview
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) allows nationals of participating countries to live, work, and study in the UK for up to 2 years (3 for some partners). Age limits and annual quotas differ by partner country. No sponsor required, no employer restrictions.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Nationality of a participating country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong BN(O), Iceland, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay, and selected others).
- ✓Age in the qualifying range (18–30 for most; 18–35 for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea).
- ✓Savings of £2,530 held for 28 days.
- ✓No dependent children who live with you or for whom you are financially responsible.
Common blockers
- !Nationality not on the participating list — the UK's YMS partners are fewer than commonly assumed.
- !Ballot quota exhausted (Hong Kong, India, and some other countries allocate places by ballot).
Typical evidence
- ·Passport.
- ·Bank statement showing £2,530 savings.
- ·Ballot invitation for ballot-based partners.
Application pathway
Confirm participation and quota
Check whether your country of nationality participates and whether a ballot applies.
Apply or enter ballot
Apply directly if eligible, or submit ballot registration during the published window for ballot countries.
Biometrics and decision
Attend biometrics; standard decisions within 3 weeks.
Travel and settle for up to 2 years
Work, study, or travel; the visa imposes no employer or occupation restrictions.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are New Zealander citizens eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?+
Eligibility for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa is set by UK Home Office and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though New Zealander applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth, UK Youth Mobility Scheme. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do New Zealander applicants typically file the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?+
London. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by UK Home Office — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do New Zealander applicants need a tourist visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well?+
New Zealander nationals enter United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is required separately for the activity it covers.
Can YMS lead to settlement?+
No. The YMS is a temporary route that does not count toward ILR. Many participants switch to Skilled Worker or Global Talent before expiry.
Can I bring dependants on YMS?+
No. YMS applicants cannot bring dependent partners or children.