UK Working Holiday Visa or Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS): How to Apply Easily
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular Working Holiday destinations for Australians. A shared language, strong cultural ties and a dynamic job market make it an attractive choice for those wishing to work, travel and live abroad while gaining international experience.
In recent years, the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) has evolved to become even more accessible for Australians. In particular, eligible applicants can now stay in the UK for up to three years, and there is no annual quota limiting the number of Australian visas issued. As immigration rules may change, these conditions should always be confirmed with the UK authorities at the time of application.
This guide explains how the UK Working Holiday Visa works in practice. It helps Australian applicants understand who can apply, how much the visa costs, which documents are required, how long the process takes and why insurance remains an important consideration before and during the stay in the UK.
- Australians aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- The visa allows a stay of up to 3 years in the UK, with no annual quota
- A job offer is not required and most jobs are permitted
- Applicants must show £2,530 in personal savings at the time of application
- Standard processing takes around 3 weeks after biometrics
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is mandatory but does not cover all risks
- Travel insurance is not required, but strongly recommended for long stays and travel outside the UK
- The visa cannot be extended, but switching to another visa may be possible
What Is the UK Working Holiday Visa for Australians?
The UK Working Holiday Visa for Australians, officially known as the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa, allows young Australians to live and work in the United Kingdom without employer sponsorship.
💡 Key points to know:
- Official name: Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa
- Who it’s for: Australian citizens aged 18 to 35 at the time of application
- Length of stay: Up to 3 years in the UK
✅ What you can do:
- Work in most jobs, full-time or part-time
- Change employers freely
- Study for a limited period
- Travel in and out of the UK
❌ Limitations:
- Freelance and self-employment only under specific conditions
- No access to public funds
- No professional sport or coaching roles
- No dependants allowed
As visa conditions may evolve, applicants should always confirm the latest rules with the UK authorities before applying.
Who Can Apply for the UK Working Holiday Visa?
To apply for the UK Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme), Australian citizens must meet all of the following criteria at the time of application, as defined by UK immigration authorities. These are the eligibility criteria:
- 🛂 Be an Australian citizen holding a valid Australian passport
- 🎂 Be aged between 18 and 35 on the date of application
- ⏱️ Intend to live and work in the United Kingdom temporarily
- 👤 Have no dependants, including children under 18 who live with or rely on the applicant
- ✅ Have a clean immigration history, with no serious breaches of UK or other immigration rules
- 💵 Be able to support oneself financially upon arrival in the UK: hold at least £2,530 in personal savings, available for a continuous period as required by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
To prove you are able to support yourself financially, you must hold at least £2,530 in personal savings, available for a continuous period as required by UKVI. You must:
- Provide acceptable proof of funds, usually in the form of recent bank statements showing the required balance.
- Ensure the funds are held in an account under the applicant’s name and are immediately accessible.
- Not rely on loans, credit cards or third-party guarantees to meet the financial requirement.
⚠️ UK Visas and Immigration checks financial evidence carefully. Applications are commonly refused due to insufficient balance, funds not held for the required period, unclear bank statements or accounts that do not belong solely to the applicant. Preparing compliant financial documents is therefore a key step in securing approval.
How to Apply for the UK Working Holiday Visa: Step-by-Step
Applying for the UK Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme) from Australia follows a structured process set by UK Visas and Immigration. In general, applications are completed online before attending a biometrics appointment.
- Create your UKVI online application: applications must be submitted through the official UK government website. Applicants should select the Youth Mobility Scheme visa category and complete the online form carefully. 💡 In most cases, completing the form takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the information prepared in advance.
- Pay the visa fees (£319 ≈ AUD 610–650) and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) (£776 per year of your visa ≈ AUD 1,590 per year) during the online application: the IHS is charged for each year of stay and grants access to the UK’s National Health Service. When converted, the total amount represents a significant cost in AUD, and applicants should budget accordingly. 💡Fees are set by UK authorities and may change.
- Book a biometrics appointment in Australia after payment, at a VFS Global visa application centre in Australia. During this appointment, fingerprints and a photograph are taken, and identity is verified. 💡 Waiting times for appointments vary by location and season, with longer delays during peak travel periods.
- Submit the required documents online before or after the biometrics appointment, depending on the chosen option. Some applicants may be asked to submit documents in person. 💡 Errors such as incomplete bank statements, incorrect dates or unclear scans can delay or affect the application.
- Wait for a decision: standard processing times are generally a few weeks, but delays may occur during busy periods or if additional checks are required. 💡 UKVI states that most applications are processed within 3 weeks after biometrics. Applicants should avoid making firm travel plans until a decision is received, as travelling while the application is being processed may not be permitted.
⚠️ As procedures and timelines may evolve, applicants are advised to verify each step with the official UK authorities before applying.
Documents Required for the UK Working Holiday Visa
Document | Mandatory? | Application step | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
🛂 Valid Australian passport | Yes | Online application and biometrics | Must be valid for the entire stay in the UK. At least one blank page is recommended. |
💰 Proof of funds (bank statements) | Yes | Online application | Must show at least £2,530 held in a personal account. Statements must be recent, clearly dated and in the applicant’s name. Screenshots, joint accounts or unclear documents may lead to refusal. |
🧾 Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) | Yes | Biometrics appointment | Collected at a VFS Global centre in Australia after the online application is submitted. |
🩺 Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate | No (in most cases) | Only if required | Required only if the applicant has lived in certain high-risk countries before applying. |
📄 Additional documents | Sometimes | Upon request by UKVI | UK Visas and Immigration may request extra documents to clarify financial situation or immigration history. |
In general, Australian applicants do not need a tuberculosis (TB) test when applying for the UK Working Holiday Visa, provided they have lived in Australia or another low-risk country for at least six months prior to application.
A TB test may be required if the applicant has recently resided in a country listed as high risk by UK authorities. As this requirement depends on personal residence history and may evolve, it should always be confirmed with the competent authority before applying.
⚠️ Although Working Holiday travel insurance is not mandatory for the visa application itself, it remains an important safeguard during a long stay in the UK, especially for expenses not covered by the National Health Service or for travel outside the UK.
Compare the best WHV insurance plansHow Much Does the UK Working Holiday Visa Cost?
Type of cost | Amount | Mandatory? | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
📝 Visa application fee | £319 (≈ AUD 610–650) | Yes | Paid online during the application. Non-refundable if the visa is refused. |
🏥 Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year (≈ AUD 1,550–1,600/year) | Yes | Grants access to the UK National Health Service (NHS). Charged upfront for the full visa duration. The IHS is mandatory even if you take private travel insurance. |
🧾 Biometrics appointment | ≈ AUD 0–100 | Yes | Cost varies depending on the VFS Global centre and optional services selected. |
🩺 Tuberculosis (TB) test | ≈ AUD 150–250 | No (most Australians) | Required only if the applicant has recently lived in a high-risk country. |
🧳 Travel insurance | Variable | No | Not required for the visa, but strongly recommended for risks not covered by the NHS. |
✈️ One-way flight to the UK | ≈ AUD 1,200–1,800 | No | Price depends on season, departure city and booking date. |
🏠 Estimated living expenses (first month) | ≈ AUD 2,000–2,800 | No | Includes accommodation, food, local transport and basic expenses. Costs are higher in London. |
💷 Minimum funds required (proof of savings) | £2,530 (≈ AUD 4,900–5,100) | Yes | Must be available in a personal account and shown via compliant bank statements. |
🔢 Estimated minimum total for the first month | ≈ AUD 5,400–6,900 | Includes visa fee, 1 year of IHS, flight and first-month living expenses. |
Processing Time & When to Apply
Understanding timelines is a common concern when applying for the UK Working Holiday Visa. While processing is generally straightforward, delays can occur depending on the period and individual circumstances.
- Average processing times from Australia : in general, standard processing takes around 3 weeks from the biometrics appointment. Some applications may take longer if additional checks are required or during periods of high demand.
- Best time of year to apply : applications tend to increase ahead of the northern summer and end-of-year periods. Applying outside peak seasons, such as late winter or early spring, may help reduce waiting times, although this is not guaranteed.
- How early you can apply before travel: in general, applicants can apply up to 6 months before the intended travel date. It is recommended to apply well in advance to allow time for processing and to avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements too early.
- What happens if your plans change: once the visa is granted, the start date is fixed and cannot usually be changed. If travel plans are delayed, the visa period still runs from the original start date. ⚠️ If the application is withdrawn or refused, most fees are non-refundable, which is an important consideration when planning insurance and flights. This is also why flexible travel insurance can be useful if plans change unexpectedly.
💡 As timelines and conditions may vary, applicants should always confirm the latest guidance with the official UK authorities before submitting their application.
Can You Work Any Job in the UK on a Working Holiday Visa?
The UK Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme) offers broad work rights, which is one of the main reasons it is popular with Australians. However, some restrictions apply and should be understood before accepting a job. Here is what you need to know about working in the UK under a YMS:
- Visa holders can work in most sectors, including hospitality, retail, office roles, tourism and many entry-level or skilled positions.
- A job offer is not required before arrival.
- There is no limit on the number of employers during the stay.
- Both full-time and part-time employment are permitted, with no formal cap on weekly working hours. This flexibility allows visa holders to combine work and travel or change jobs easily.
- Freelance and self-employed activities are allowed only under specific conditions. 👉 In general, applicants must not register as a limited company, not own business premises, must not employ staff and must not rely on self-employment as their main activity. ⚠️ As this area is considered a grey zone, it is recommended to confirm individual situations with UK authorities or a qualified adviser.
- It may be possible to switch from a Youth Mobility Scheme visa to another UK visa category, such as a Skilled Worker or partner visa, provided eligibility requirements are met. This process is subject to strict conditions and approval by UK Visas and Immigration.
Can You Extend or Switch Your UK Working Holiday Visa?
In general, the Youth Mobility Scheme cannot be extended beyond the maximum duration of three years. Once this period ends, visa holders must either leave the UK or qualify for another visa category.
👷🏻 It may be possible to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from within the UK if a licensed employer offers a qualifying role and sponsorship. Salary thresholds, skill level requirements and English language criteria apply, and approval is subject to UK Visas and Immigration rules.
🧑🏼🎓 Some visa holders may be eligible to switch to a Student visa or a Partner visa if they meet the relevant conditions, such as acceptance by a licensed education provider or a recognised relationship with a UK resident. Each category has specific documentation and financial requirements.
⏩️ Those considering staying in the UK long-term should plan ahead, monitor visa deadlines and explore alternative visa pathways early. As switching visas can involve additional costs and strict eligibility criteria, confirming options with the competent authority or a qualified adviser is recommended.
💡 As immigration rules may evolve, all extension and switching options should be verified with the official UK authorities before making decisions.
UK Working Holiday Insurance
Is UK Working Holiday insurance mandatory?
For Australian citizens applying for the UK Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme), travel insurance is not legally required to obtain the visa. Unlike other Working Holiday destinations such as Working Holiday Canada, UK authorities do not request an insurance certificate as part of the application process.
However, all applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK public healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS). This is often a source of confusion, as the IHS is not a substitute for travel insurance.
In general, the NHS covers medically necessary treatment within the UK public system only.
👉 This means NHS does not cover:
❌ Medical repatriation to Australia
❌ Private healthcare or specialist private treatment
❌ Medical expenses incurred outside the UK
❌ Emergency evacuation, rescue or assistance abroad
❌ Personal liability or non-medical travel incidents
💡 For a stay of up to three years, many Australians choose to take out additional insurance to protect themselves against these risks, particularly when working, travelling outside the UK or facing unexpected medical situations.
Compare the best WHV insurance plansWhich UK Working Holiday insurance should you choose?
Insurance for a UK Working Holiday should be designed for long-term stays, not short tourist trips.
In general, a suitable policy should include:
- Medical expenses beyond what the NHS covers
- Medical repatriation to Australia
- Personal liability coverage
- Coverage outside the UK, especially for travel in Europe
- 24/7 assistance services
The duration of cover is a key factor. Ideally, insurance should match the planned visa length or allow renewal without medical reassessment, as returning to Australia early may not always be possible.
⚠️ Common mistakes include choosing short-term insurance, overlooking repatriation coverage or assuming NHS access alone is sufficient. Carefully comparing policies helps ensure proper protection throughout the Working Holiday.
While not mandatory for visa approval, travel insurance remains an important element of financial and medical security during a UK Working Holiday and should be considered early when planning the stay.
Get your Working Holiday insurance certificate in 2 minutes
Common Mistakes Australians Make When Applying
Despite its simplicity, the UK Working Holiday Visa is often misunderstood. The most common mistakes include:
- Applying too late, leaving little margin for processing delays
- Providing insufficient proof of funds, especially unclear or non-compliant bank statements
- Underestimating overall costs, including flights and first-month expenses
- Not planning insurance properly, assuming NHS access is sufficient
- Believing employer sponsorship is required, when it is not under the Youth Mobility Scheme
Avoiding these issues helps ensure a smoother application and a more secure start to the Working Holiday in the UK.
FAQ
In general, there is no annual quota limiting the number of Youth Mobility Scheme visas issued to Australian citizens. Eligible applicants can apply at any time, subject to meeting the requirements set by UK authorities.
Yes, in general, Australian citizens can apply from outside Australia, provided they are legally resident in the country from which they apply and have access to a biometrics centre. Final conditions should be confirmed with UK Visas and Immigration.
Yes, the Youth Mobility Scheme visa allows multiple entries. Visa holders can leave and re-enter the UK freely during the validity of the visa, as long as it remains valid.
No, a job offer or employer sponsorship is not required to apply for the UK Working Holiday Visa. This is one of the main advantages of the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Yes, visa holders can travel in Europe during their stay. However, the UK Working Holiday Visa does not grant the right to live or work in other European countries, and separate entry rules apply. Travel insurance covering trips outside the UK is therefore strongly recommended.
No return ticket is required to apply. However, applicants must meet the financial requirement to support themselves upon arrival.
No. The Youth Mobility Scheme does not lead directly to permanent residence. Switching to another visa category may be possible if eligibility requirements are met.
Yes, short-term study is allowed, provided it does not interfere with the main purpose of the visa, which is work and travel.
If refused, visa fees are generally non-refundable, and the reasons for refusal are explained by UK authorities. A new application may be possible if the issues are resolved.
