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. 

If you are someone who wishes to reside and work in the United Kingdom, then you can apply for the Youth Mobility Visa UK from India. Let us learn more about this visa scheme and how you can get through.

What is the Youth Mobility Visa Scheme?

Also called the Tier 5 Visa, the Youth Mobility Visa 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.

How Long Can You Stay?

With the Youth Mobility Visa from India:  

• You’ll be given a visa to live and work in the UK for up to 24 months.
• You can enter the UK at any time while your visa is valid, and leave and come back at any time during your stay.
• If you turn 31 after your visa is issued, you can stay in the UK for as long as your visa is valid.
• If you’re from New Zealand, you’ll be able to extend your visa by one year after the 2-year period ends.
• If you’re from Australia or Canada, from 31 January 2024 you’ll be able to apply to extend your visa by one year.

Eligibility for Youth Mobility Visa 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

Application Process for Youth Mobility Visa Scheme 

Below is the process of applying for the Youth Mobility Visa Scheme: 

Documents Required for the Youth Mobility Visa 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

Youth Mobility Scheme for Indians

As an Indian, you can apply for the Youth Mobility Visa UK from India. You will have to follow the operation of the invitation to apply. 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.

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

A. 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.

B. Through Work Experience:

• You need to have a 3-year work experience in any of the listed occupations.
• You 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.

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)

In Conclusion 

The Youth Mobility Visa Scheme in 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. 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

2. 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.

3. Can an Indian apply for the Youth Mobility Visa Scheme?

The UK Youth Mobility Visa, a Tier 5 visa, provides an unparalleled opportunity for Indian nationals aged between 18 and 30 to immerse themselves in the British culture while advancing their careers.