Changes to the UK’s Youth Mobility schemes (YMS) came into effect on January 31, 2024.
Enhancements to the existing Youth Mobility schemes with Australia, Canada, Japan and South Korea have come into force.
- The age range for the Australia, Canada, and South Korea schemes has been expanded to 18-35.
- Australian and Canadian nationals in the UK on a Youth Mobility visa can also now apply for a one-year extension, taking the total amount of time they can be in Britain to three years.
- The reciprocal quota with Japan is being increased to 6,000, while the quota with South Korea is rising to 5,000. Citizens from both countries will now no longer be required to enter a ballot before applying.
New schemes with Andorra and Uruguay have also taken effect for individuals aged between 18 to 30, with 100 and 500 places available for Andorran and Uruguayan youth respectively to come to the UK for a maximum stay of up to two years.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
The UK now has YMS agreements in place with Andorra, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, South Korea, Taiwan and Uruguay.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.