First ballot of the 2025 Youth Mobility Scheme for Hong Kong and Taiwan youth
On 15 January 2025, the government announced that the first ballot for the 2025 Youth Mobility Scheme will open from 12:01am on Tuesday 4 February 2025 and close at 12:01am on Thursday 6 February 2025.
As in previous years there are a total of 1000 places available to Taiwanese youth for 2025, and 1000 places for Hong Kong youth.
Most places will be allocated during the first ballot in February, while the remaining places will be made available in a second ballot in the summer. Those who are successful in the ballot and go on to make an application and be issued a visa will be able to live, work and study in the UK for up to two years.
Once the ballot closes, allocations will be chosen at random by UKVI. Those who are successful will receive a second email by Tuesday 11 February 2025 to confirm acceptance and provide further instructions on how to start the online application, along with documentary evidence required to apply for entry clearance.
Applicants must submit a completed application and attend a visa application centre biometrics appointment by 12 May 2025 for the application to be considered.
Those who are unsuccessful in the ballot will receive an email within two weeks of the ballot closing. The results of the ballot are final. Unsuccessful applicants cannot appeal but can enter future ballots if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
What is the Youth Mobility Scheme visa?
The Youth Mobility Scheme is a reciprocal cultural exchange programme which grants young people aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 in some cases) from participating countries the opportunity to experience life in the UK for up to 3 years in total (or 2 years in one application).
With a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, you can live in the UK and study, work in most jobs or be self-employed during the visa’s validity period.
Applications for the Youth Mobility scheme visa can be submitted by nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea aged 18 to 35; and nationals of Andorra, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Taiwan and Uruguay aged 18 to 30.
Applicants from Hong Kong or Taiwan must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before they can apply for their visa.
Support with your UK visa application
At Smith Stone Walters, our qualified immigration advisors are experienced in assisting with all types of UK visa applications. If you want to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa, our team can assess your eligibility and provide practical support with the visa application process.
To find out how we can help, please contact us today.
