UK Youth Mobility Scheme 2026: Ballot, Countries, and What You Can Do
For most eligible nationalities the Youth Mobility Scheme is first-come, first-served; for India and a few others it runs as a ballot. Here is how it works in 2026 and what the visa lets you do.
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is one of the few ways to live and work in the UK for two years without a job offer or a sponsor. It is open to young people from a set list of countries and territories, and how you apply depends on which one you are from.
Who can apply
The scheme is for citizens aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for some nationalities) from participating countries and territories — which include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and a number of others — plus India, which has its own version called the India Young Professionals Scheme.
Two things to know:
- For most nationalities, places are allocated first-come, first-served and you apply directly when you meet the criteria.
- For India (and a small number of others), there are far more applicants than places, so entry is run as a ballot.
The India Young Professionals Scheme ballot
For 2026 the UK made 3,000 places available to Indian citizens, split across ballot windows during the year. The process:
- You enter the ballot for free during a short window (typically 2–3 days).
- Winners are drawn at random and notified by email within about two weeks.
- If you are selected, you then have a limited time to submit the actual visa application, pay the £340 fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, and provide your documents.
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The India scheme requires a bachelor's degree or higher and you must be 18–30. Entering the ballot costs nothing, but there is no way to improve your odds — it is random.
Financial and other requirements
Whichever route you use, you generally need to show around £2,530 in personal savings, held for at least 28 consecutive days, and meet standard suitability and health requirements. You do not need a job offer, an English test (for most nationalities), or a sponsor.
What the visa lets you do — and what it does not
You can: work almost any job (employed or self-employed within limits), study, travel in and out, and change employers freely.
You cannot: extend the visa (it is a one-time two years), bring dependants who are also on a YMS, access most public funds, or work as a professional sportsperson. It also does not lead directly to settlement — though time spent in the UK and skills gained can set up a later switch to a work route.
If you want to compare the YMS against sponsored work routes like the [Skilled Worker visa](/blog/uk-skilled-worker-visa-2026) or the [High Potential Individual visa](/blog/uk-high-potential-individual-visa-2026), run a free [Evaluation](/evaluation) — it scores every UK route against your profile.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UK Youth Mobility Scheme a ballot for everyone?+
No. Only some nationalities — India most notably — use a ballot. For countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada, you apply directly when eligible, subject to annual place limits.
How many times can I enter the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot?+
Once per ballot window. There are usually a small number of windows per year. Entering more than once in the same window can get your entries voided.
Does the Youth Mobility Scheme lead to permanent residence?+
Not on its own — you cannot extend it and it does not count toward settlement directly. Many people use the two years to gain UK experience and then switch to a sponsored work visa, which can lead to settlement.
Can I switch from the Youth Mobility Scheme to a Skilled Worker visa?+
Yes, if you find a job with a licensed sponsor that meets the [Skilled Worker requirements](/blog/uk-skilled-worker-visa-2026). You can usually switch from inside the UK.
What is the age limit for the Youth Mobility Scheme?+
18–30 for most nationalities including India; 18–35 for a few (such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada). You must meet the age limit on the date you apply. --- *ImmigraPath is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. Rules and fees change — confirm everything against the official government page for your visa, or with a licensed adviser, before you apply.*
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