South Korean applicants · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Youth Mobility Scheme visa for South Korean citizens
Unsponsored 2-year visa for 18–30 or 18–35 year olds from participating countries and territories.
This page covers the Youth Mobility Scheme visa specifically for South Korean applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to South Korea. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2 weeks – 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.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
- UK Youth Mobility Scheme
Consular processing: Seoul
Tourist entry vs. this route
South Korean 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.
Key figures for South Korean applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
2 weeks – 3 weeks
Applied from outside the UK in the applicant’s country of citizenship: 3 weeks after biometrics.
Verified 1 June 2026 · GOV.UK — Youth Mobility Scheme visa →
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.
Not sure United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer youth mobility routes that South Korean nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are South Korean 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 South Korean applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: UK Youth Mobility Scheme. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do South Korean applicants typically file the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?+
Seoul. 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 South Korean applicants need a tourist visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well?+
South Korean 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.
How long does the Youth Mobility Scheme visa take to process from South Korea?+
The typical published decision window is 2 weeks – 3 weeks. South Korean applicants usually file via Seoul, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: GOV.UK — Youth Mobility Scheme visa, verified 1 June 2026.
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.