What is Youth Mobility Scheme?

Did you know, out of the 67 million population of the United Kingdom, about 1.4 million are Indians? This makes them the largest ethnic minority population in the country. The United Kingdom is indeed one of the most sought-after destinations for many Indian students, professionals and entrepreneurs. If you are someone who wishes to reside and work in the United Kingdom, then the Youth Mobility Scheme can be an appropriate solution.

Let us learn more about the scheme and how you can get through.

What is the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Also called the Tier 5 Visa, the Youth Mobility Scheme is actually a cultural exchange programme that is available for people who:

• Want to reside and live in the UK for a period of up to 2 years
• Are in the age group of 18 to 30 years
• Have at least £2,530 as savings/ fixed deposits for a period of 28-days or more
• Do not have minor children who are financially dependent (on the applicant)
• Have any kind of British nationality or are from the listed countries
• Meet all the eligibility criteria 

The scheme allows migrants to get employed in the UK even if they do not have sponsorship. But it has to be borne in mind that:

• Applicants will not be allowed to bring their dependents
• Also, this is not a settlement option, and you can expect not more than 10 years of continuous residence
• This is a one-time route, you will be able to qualify for this visa scheme only once.

Who is eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Apart from the above-mentioned requirements, there are certain country-specific eligibility criteria that an Indian aspirant needs to fulfil. To apply for the UK youth mobility scheme 2022 for Indians, the applicant: 

• Should have been issued an invitation to apply, which must be in accordance with apply arrangements set out in Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme under eligible nationals
• Should have submitted their application within the given period of time
• Has to provide the application number
• Must furnish a local police certificate/ an NOC by the police issued within 6 months of the date of application
• Should either have a 3-year work experience in any of the listed occupations or should carry a qualification that is equal to/ above the RQF level 6

Keep in mind:

• The country-specific eligibility criteria will not apply if you are a:

• British Overseas Territories Citizen 
• British Overseas Citizen
• British National (Overseas)

• Indian citizens can apply via the Youth Mobility Scheme route, which has to follow the operation of the invitation to apply arrangements

Youth Mobility Scheme for Indians

As an Indian, you can also apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme. You will have to follow the operation of the invitation to apply. The residents of the following countries can apply without the Deemed Sponsorship Status. Deemed Sponsorship Status is for countries that are not required to issue the passport holder a Certificate of Sponsorship that qualify him/ her for the Youth Mobility Scheme:

• Iceland – 1,000 places
• San Marino – 1,000 places
• India - 3000 places

For the Youth Mobility Scheme India, you need to produce evidence of sponsorship. The proof must be issued no more than 6 months before the application date.

Youth Mobility Scheme for Indians - Other Requirements 

As an Indian citizen, you can meet the imposed requirements in 2 ways:

Through education

• You need to have a qualification that is equal to or higher than the level 6 RQF, which in India translates to graduation.
• You also have to produce evidence of the qualification, which has to be a written confirmation from the institution that has issued the certificate. The certificate should mention that you successfully completed your course with the required qualification.
  

Through work experience‍

To apply on the basis of work experience, you:

• Need to have a 3-year work experience in any of the listed occupations.
• Have to produce evidence for the same that can be through your payslips showing your job title, the employer’s name and contact details, OR your payslips along with a letter written by your employer on an employer-headed paper that can confirm the authenticity of the payslips.

Youth Mobility Scheme - Application Process

If you want to apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme India, the first step is filling out the application form. The online form is pretty simple and requires you to enter some basic personal details. After you fill out the form, you need to feed the date that you want your visa period to begin from. 

Make a note that your date of visa has to be at least 3 months after your date of filing the application. For example, if you wish to arrive in the UK on May 1st, your application must be submitted before February 1st. 

When you submit the application form, you will have to choose the biometric appointment. For the biometrics formalities, the authorities will get a copy of your fingerprints for the purpose of identification. Generally, the process takes around 45 minutes. Make sure to carry all important documents when you go for your appointment.

What documents are required when applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme?

You would have to keep the following documents handy. In case some other documents are required, you will be notified about the same:

• Duly filled and signed application form
• Passport-sized photographs
• Bank statements as proof of funds you have in your savings account/ fixed deposits
• A passport that is valid till the visa period
• Duly filled HIS Healthcare Form
• Receipt of the GBP 300 fee

Concluding

The Youth Mobility Scheme India is a great scheme if you wish to live in the United Kingdom. Once the process and application are accepted, you get a clear entrance for up to 2 years. However, you cannot access public funds but can work (except self-employed) and study and will be required to register with the police. If the application is rejected, you can apply for an administrative review to challenge the decision, but you have no right to appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the youth mobility scheme?

The following details entail the eligibility criteria for the youth mobility scheme.

• Should have been issued an invitation to apply, which must be in accordance with apply arrangements set out in Appendix Youth Mobility Scheme under eligible nationals
• Should have submitted their application within the given period of time
• Has to provide the application number
• Must furnish a local police certificate/ an NOC by the police issued within 6 months of the date of application
• Should either have a 3-year work experience in any of the listed occupations or should carry a qualification that is equal to/ above the RQF level 6

What is the youth mobility scheme?

The youth mobility scheme is a cultural exchange programme for those from participating countries and territories who wish to experience life in the UK. Individuals aged between 18 to 30 are eligible for the programme.