Hong Kong and Taiwan: First Youth Mobility Scheme visa ballot opens for 2025

A total of 1000 places are available for Taiwan youth aged 18-30 and a further 1000 places are available for Hong Kong in 2025, however applicants must first be selected in a ballot. Two ballots are held each year. The first ballot for 2025 will open from 12:01am on 4 February 2025 and close at 12:01am on Thursday 6 February 2025.

What is the Youth Mobility Scheme?

The Youth Mobility Scheme is a reciprocal exchange which grants young people aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries) the opportunity to live, work and study in the UK for 2-3 years.

How does the ballot work?

Before applying for the visa, applicants from Hong Kong (SAR passport) and Taiwan must first be selected in a ballot. The first ballot opens in February 2025 for 48 hours with a second ballot expected in the summer. The majority of places are allocated in the February ballot.

Applicants must enter the ballot by email using the format below.

  • Hong Kong: Ballot entries must be sent to HongKongYMS@homeoffice.gov.uk between 12:01am (one minute past midnight) on Tuesday 4 February 2025 and 12:01am on Thursday 6 February 2025 (Hong Kong time).

 

  • Taiwan: Ballot entries must be sent to TaiwanYMS@homeoffice.gov.uk between 12:01am (one minute past midnight) on Tuesday 4 February 2025 and 12:01am on Thursday 6 February 2025 (Taipei time).

The subject line must include the applicant’s personal details in this format: Last Name First Name – DD/MM/YYYY – passport number.

The email must include the applicant’s:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Passport number
  • Mobile phone number

Emails received not in this format or with missing information will not be considered. Only one ballot entry can be submitted per person; duplicate entries will not be counted. You will receive an automated reply acknowledging your entry.

What if I am successful in the ballot?

You will be notified by 11 February 2025 if you have been successful in the ballot (don’t forget to check your junk folder). You will then have 90 days to submit your Youth Mobility Scheme visa application.

Applicants must have savings of £2,530 held for 28 days before the visa application is submitted. Day 28 must be within 31 days of applying for the visa. Applicants may also need to provide a TB certificate depending on their country of residence.

What if I am unsuccessful in the ballot?

You can apply in the next ballot if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements including the age restrictions.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is open to the following countries:

Age 18 - 35

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea (ballot no longer applies)

Age 18 – 30

  • Andorra
  • Iceland
  • Japan (ballot no longer applies)
  • Monaco
  • San Marino
  • Uruguay
  • British Overseas Citizen
  • British Overseas Territories Citizen
  • British National (Overseas)

Age 18 – 30 using ballot system:

  • Hong Kong (SAR passport)
  • Taiwan

Note: Indian nationals aged 18 – 30 may be eligible for the India Young Professionals Scheme which also has a ballot system and additional education and professional experience requirements.