The first ballot of the 2025 Youth Mobility Scheme opens from 12:01am on Tuesday February 4, 2025, and closes at 12:01am on Thursday February 6, 2025.
Applicants for the Youth Mobility Scheme must enter the ballot if they are from Hong Kong, with an SAR passport, and Taiwan. Japanese or South Korean nationals no longer need to enter the ballot and can apply at any time on the UKVI website.
Applicants who are successful in the ballot process will be able to submit an application, and if issued a visa will be able to live, work and study in the UK for up to 2 years.
What to Expect
Participation in the ballot is initiated by sending an email. Only one ballot entry can be submitted per person. Any duplications will not be counted.
- Hong Kong: Email HongKongYMS@homeoffice.gov.uk between 12:01am (one minute past midnight) on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, and 12:01am on Thursday, February 6, 2025, (Hong Kong time) to enter the ballot.
- Taiwan: Email TaiwanYMS@homeoffice.gov.uk between 12:01am (one minute past midnight) on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, and 12:01am on Thursday, February 6, 2025 (Taipei time) to enter the ballot.
The header or subject line of your email must contain your name, date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY) and passport number as shown in your passport. The email must be written in English only.
The main body of the email should include the following information, written in English:
- name
- date of birth
- passport Number
- mobile phone number
The email account will only be open for 48 hours and all emails received within this timeframe will be sent an automated reply confirming receipt.
Once the ballot closes, allocations for the 800 places will be chosen at random by UKVI. Selected individuals will be notified by email by Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to confirm acceptance and provide further instructions on how to start the application, along with documentary evidence required to apply for entry clearance.
Successful applicants must complete an online application form for the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
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.