The Home Office has announced that Youth Mobility Scheme applicants from New Zealand will have an increased age limit of 35 and an extended maximum stay of three years. These changes are expected to take effect from 29 June 2023
What is Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
The Youth Mobility Scheme is a cultural exchange programme that allows a person ordinarily aged between 18 and 30, from specific participating countries and territories, to experience life in the UK for up to two years.
Currently the participating countries are:
- Australia
- Canada
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- San Marino
- Iceland
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
- Taiwan
There is also a separate scheme for Indian nationals, called the India Young Professionals Scheme.
What can you do with this visa?
A holder of this visa can (subject to certain conditions):
- study
- work in most jobs
- be self-employed and set up a company
However, they cannot:
- work as a professional sportsperson
- extend their stay
- access public funds
- bring family members
What changes will be made?
The Home Office has announced that Youth Mobility Scheme applicants from New Zealand will have an increased age limit of 35, and an extended maximum stay of three years, from 29 June 2023.The Home Office has not yet updated the Immigration Rules to reflect these changes, so it is currently unclear if there will be any significant changes made to the new application process. They have also suggested that New Zealander visa holders under the current conditions will be able to extend their visa by one additional year.
The eligibility requirements for this visa category would be different depending on your nationality. If you are interested in making an application, please contact us and seek our professional advice.