An earlier proposal for a Youth Mobility scheme between the UK and the EU was rejected by the new Labour government in April. However, EU member states are reportedly working on an updated proposal and UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer has refused to rule out entering into a time-limited youth exchange scheme for EU nationals.
The UK currently operates a Youth Mobility Scheme visa for young people from certain countries to live and work in the UK for two years. Applications are open year-round for some countries whereas others have a ballot system.
Applicants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea can apply at any time if they are aged between 18 and 35.
Applicants from Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino and Uruguay can apply if aged between 18 and 30.
Applicants who are British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British national (overseas) can also apply if aged between 18 and 30.
Applicants from Hong Kong who hold a SAR passport and Taiwan can apply if selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot, which typically opens in January and July each year.
Applicants from India must apply under a different scheme called the India Young Professionals Scheme which is open to applicants aged between 18 and 30 who have an eligible qualification. Applicants must be selected in the February or July ballot to be able to apply.