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Applying for UK Youth Mobility Visa

Applying for UK Youth Mobility Visa

Just sixty one days stand between me and what I hope will be the greatest thing I have done in my life to this date providing you exclude that moment in the backseat….

This looming date has made me aware I’ve been somewhat slow in ensuring I have the proper travel documentation I require for said great moment in life. So spurred on by the excitement of making my Facebook Fan Page (yeah total plug) I begun the application process of obtaining my Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa for the UK.

Its a mouthful alright but what it offers is a home for 2 years in the land of the Queen. For the uneducated here is a quick break down on just what this visa is:

Requirements

  • Available to anyone from Australia, Canada, Japan & New Zealand
  • You must be over 18 and under 31 years of age
  • Have £1,600 (£1,800 required after 12 June 2012) in available funds at the time of applying
  • Can only apply from your country of residence
  • You can only use this visa once

What You Get

  • Ability to stay in the UK for 2 years
  • Allowed to work for the entire 2 years
  • Allowed to come and go from the UK as you like within the 2 year period

Now its no wonder London is full of twenty-something Aussie’s all looking to explore and have a good time.

if your an Australian the visa application can be completed online here but be sure to at least read this page first to get an idea of what you are doing. The online form appears to be the easiest thing I have filled out yet, providing you know where your parents were born and when (hey I can’t seriously be expected to know that… can I??).

Eventually you come to a point where money needs to be handed over. Plug in your credit card details and they will happily take $231 AUD $304 AUD from it, while at the same time notifying you that if the form is screwed up your not getting that money back… thanks guys doesn’t the Queen have enough money already.

Next up is when they start to screw with you, which is obviously a test to see if you can hack it living in the UK. I pick my appointment date and time to have my biometric data taken (big brother is watching me now). Then get told to send my paperwork in via post but also to bring it with me to the appointment or I can’t be processed??? I mean seriously which one is it, needless to say first thing tomorrow I’ll be making a phone call for the correct procedure.

Once you’ve printed off the application your left with the task of ensuring you have the following bits of supported documentation to go with it come appointment day.

The list of paperwork to take with you come that day is:

  • Printed visa application form
  • Appointment booking confirmation form
  • Valid passport
  • One passport sized color photo (per these requirements)
  • Completed self-assessment form and accompanying documents (Appendix 7) EDIT: Not required for biometric appointment

The Appendix 7 form is fairly self explanatory. Its just double checking you meet the requirements and that you can prove your sufficiently funded to enter the UK. My advice be sure to chase up current bank statements or a letter from your bank before applying and setting an appointment date. I say this as I didn’t and now have to scramble for it as my appointment is a week away eek.

Next step is my appointment in Melbourne on the 1st of March so come back soon as I’ll be sure to give a full report on what goes down. Hopefully they just want my fingerprints because I sure ain’t bending over.

Read up on what happens at the biometric appointment and what you need to do after the appointment on my second post UK Youth Mobility Visa – The Reckoning.

UPDATE: Please click here to see the updated article on applying for a Working Holiday Visa/Youth Mobility Visa. It details the entire process and includes a detailed frequently asked questions section.

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309 Responses to Applying for UK Youth Mobility Visa

  1. JAY November 14, 2012 at 3:38 AM #

    Hi! i am moving to london for the traditional 2 year period working as a teacher! I am applying for my VISA very soon, but do not yet have the funds. I know you can just get someone to put the money in your account then remove it after, but does the money need to be in your account 30 days prior to making the application, or 30 days after??
    xxxxxx

  2. YVONNE November 17, 2012 at 5:37 AM #

    Hi
    Your blog is very inspiring. I especially like the one about career change . Cos at the moment i am doing a job i hate ( which i am plotting to get rid of ). And i don’t know where to turn to find my passion. That blog let me know it’s not only ok but normal not to know what you want to do. And as the saying goes, when you don’t where to go, everywhere is direction.

    I have a question about the youth mobility visa for UK. Is it another name for working holiday visa or they are different things?

    Thanks

  3. WILL November 20, 2012 at 10:51 AM #

    Hey guys! Awesome and helpful thread btw!
    So this is how I approached it (hopefully I have it all correct):
    1) Completed online application (including paying the 310 AUD) and printed it out.

    2) Booked and attended the biometrics appointment at the British Consulate in Brisbane (I took my current passport, a good quality print-out of the completed application AND a printout of the biometrics appointment confirmation with me – really friendly and helpful white-haired lady here in the Brisbane office btw).

    3) After I got the stamp on my application form print-out from the biometrics office, I gathered up the following supporting documents: (Current passport, previous passport, Appendix 7 from UK Border Agency website and my most recent bank statement – just printed it in good quality from Netbank and got it stamped at my bank).

    4) I gathered all those together, including photocopies of the bank statement and of the ID page of both my old and current passports…went to my local post office and bought TWO Express Post Platinum envelopes (one addressed to the UK Border Agency in Sydney and the other addressed to me – for the return of my documents)

    5) Shoved the return envelope and all of the above documents into the main envelope and handed it over to the post office.

    That’s how I approached it – hopefully this will help those of you who are still a bit confused by the process.

    I sent it off last Thursday (Nov 15) and it arrived in Sydney the following day (it’s now Tuesday the 20th of Nov) – I know it’s only been 3 working days, but I am so impatient! lol!
    Will update when I find out the result 🙂 🙂

    P.s. If there is anything that I missed, don’t hesitate to tell me! 🙂

    Will

    • WILL November 22, 2012 at 4:57 AM #

      OMG!! I just got the email from the Manila office! I GOT THE VISA! It was an incredibly short email…it just said: “Your VISA will be dispatched shortly” BUT OMG I NEARLY DIED FROM EXCITEMENT WHEN IN READ IT!

      And it only took 7 days from when I posted it! (That’s 7 days, not even 7 working days!) WOW!

  4. DAN December 9, 2012 at 7:37 AM #

    For those of you considering using one of the third party websites to help with the UK visa application process I think you should reconsider! I have recently applied for and recieved my UK Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa fairly easily.. These companies claim that the process is very hard…. which in my case it was not at all and charge $200 to do so. As long as you are thorough and follow all of the instructions and ensure you have sent off the right forms there is no real need to part with a few hundred dollars. I got my Visa in 10 working days which included it being sent off to Manila to be processed! Get someone to work through it with you to make sure you have everything and save your cash!!!

  5. KATHARIN December 10, 2012 at 10:36 PM #

    Thanks for that tip Dan! I was just thinking the same thing. I just wanted to check with someone though what they put down as the place of issue and authority on the visa application form? Is it enough just to put ‘Australia’ as the place of issue as that it what the passport says or do I need to put a city too? and is the issuing authority “Department of foreign affairs” ? Bit worried about stuffing up the application so any help would be appreciated! 🙂

    • TODD January 24, 2013 at 2:44 AM #

      I am in the same boat as you Katharin. Only says Australia.

      I am thinking to just put Australia down.

      Have you applied yet? If so, what did you put down and how did you go?

  6. JESSICA FROGLEY December 20, 2012 at 9:43 PM #

    Hello there

    I am a New Zealander with a NZ passport but i am living in Australia and have been for 3 years now, can i apply for my Uk working holiday visa from here?

  7. NICOLE February 5, 2013 at 4:53 AM #

    Hi,
    I am looking at applying for the tier five youth mobility scheme visa and was wondering if you need to have the money in your bank account for over 90 days or not. I will have the required amount but it wont be in there for 90 days.

    • JESSE NZ February 2, 2015 at 10:18 AM #

      Hey Nicole,

      Just curious if you were successful even though it was not there for 90 days?

  8. KATHARIN February 12, 2013 at 10:47 AM #

    Hi Todd

    Yes I have applied and received my VISA now.
    All I put was Australia as the place of issue and Australian Government as issuing Authority

  9. ROBERT February 14, 2013 at 5:43 AM #

    fantastic news i sent away my YMV information last thursday and got a email today saying that my visa will be dispatched shortly and thats only taken one week im so exsited and i cant wait. so i just want to say your site is fantastic and it gave me all the info i needed to get the visa approved with no issues.

  10. BRODIE W February 23, 2013 at 1:11 AM #

    I have recently been sorting out my application for a YMS visa. I did the application online at visa4uk I have paid an application fee of $400 or so, and have my biometric appointment next week. However when i look at the YMS application website it states that there is a 198quid fee as well??

    I was just wondering do I have to pay this extra fee for the actual YMS visa before I send all my paper work off or do I pay it after it has been granted to me???

    Please help!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD February 23, 2013 at 1:29 AM #

      Hi Brodie, the application fee last I saw here:

      http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/working/tier5/youthmobilityscheme/cost/

      Is listed as 194 pounds which works out to around 300 AUD so I’m not sure why you have been charged more than that, you did apply for the Tier 5 YMV Visa correct? The fee is paid once you complete the online application on the YMV form so you shouldn’t have to pay anymore.

      The process should go as follows:

      – Fill out form online and pay application fee
      – Have your biometric appointment
      – Send off all paperwork to processing place in Manila
      – Get visa back, throw party to celebrating getting it and head for the UK.

  11. ASHLEE February 27, 2013 at 7:44 AM #

    Hi Chris – I have a question regarding the maintance fee. I will have the money available soon (I think its 1800 pound) .. But I don’t want to have to wait the 90 days until I can apply for the visa (youth mobility). When you applied did you have to give bank statements to confirm the money had been in your account for 90 days or did you just have to provide evidence that you had it? Thanks – Ashlee

  12. SIMON March 5, 2013 at 5:00 AM #

    Hi Ashlee,

    I was in the same boat as you, so I just had the bank write me a letter saying that I have X amount of money in my account on this date etc. and got it stamped and signed and sent that, had no troubles with it.

  13. JESSSSIIICAAA March 11, 2013 at 10:57 AM #

    I’m heading over to the UK in October hopefully with this visa and unsure about when I have to apply for it. Is it within 3 months of your departure date or before three months?

    🙂

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD March 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM #

      Hi Jessica, you need to apply within 3 months of your departure date.

  14. KAT March 18, 2013 at 6:04 AM #

    Hi there,
    I am currently through my process of my visa, I am up to the point of booking my Biometric data however when booking an appointment it only shows about 4 weeks availability then that is it. Do you know if availability for appointments is all year round?
    Cheers

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD April 12, 2013 at 7:16 AM #

      Hi Kat,

      Sorry for the delayed response. When applying for the visa you must do so within 3 months of your intended entry into the UK. in order to process your application within enough time and get your passport back you I don’t think they can offer anymore than the 4 week period. They do process the biometric appointments all year round but as mentioned above it depends on when you plan to travel to the uk.

  15. J April 7, 2013 at 3:02 PM #

    Hi aussie nomad,

    If I get a contract role which pays me in euros and will require me to go to the companies head office every now and again in amsterdam is that ok with the youth mobility visa? I will be based in london but will have to travel to other european countries for occasional projects.

    Does this visa forbid you to work in other european countries? Or are you treated the same as a normal uk citizen for the 24 months?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD April 12, 2013 at 7:14 AM #

      Hi J, the YMV only allows you to work in the UK so it would depend if the company you contract for has an office in the UK in which you can be employed under. They wouldn’t be able to employ you via their Amsterdam office as you wouldn’t be able to produce a visa or evidence that allows you to work there.

  16. KATHERINE May 14, 2013 at 10:08 AM #

    Hi!

    Thanks so much for this-has helped me a lot in the YMS visa application process!

    I received the visa in the mail today 🙂

    it starts on 8 August 2013 and ends on 6 May 2015. is that right? I assumed it would expire on 8 August 2015. is the expiry date 2 years from when they approve the visa? if so they need to make that clear, I assumed it would expire 2 years after the start date. why bother telling people to apply 3 months before you want to go-does that mean everybody loses 3 months?!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD May 14, 2013 at 10:39 AM #

      Hi Katherine, congrats on getting the visa now its off to the UK you go 🙂

      Hmm that is weird about your visa start times, I had a full 2 years date on mine. They say you should apply within 3 months of your intended departure so for you apply in May leave in August when your visa starts and you get 3 months from there. I’m guessing someone stuffed up when processing your visa as nobody else has ever mentioned this, maybe give them a call to see whats going on?

  17. KATHERINE May 14, 2013 at 10:47 AM #

    Thanks for your reply!

    Great, I was worried that they stuffed it up somewhere! I will give them a call tomorrow and let you know how I go!

  18. KATHERINE May 15, 2013 at 1:57 AM #

    Yeah, they stuffed up and I’m not happy at all.

    I rang the enquiries line (1300UKVISA) today, who advised that I need to send back the Visa for amendment straight away along with a cover letter. I am sending it today. The consultant I spoke to said she would advise Manilla Processing Hub that this amendment is urgently required. As my records show I have not held a UK Visa previously, so she didn’t know what the problem was.

    I am very disappointed that this mistake occurred, and as you can imagine I have become very distressed by it. I have paid a $310 processing fee, so I don’t understand why my Visa was not checked before it was despatched to me – it’s an obvious error. I am now also $39 out of pocket because of the mistake – $12 to call the enquiries line and $27 for two more Express Post parcels.

    I understand that mistakes happen, but as I was meticulous with my Visa application, I expect the same level of care from the Manila Processing Hub especially as I paid a high processing fee.

    Now the waiting game begins…AGAIN!!!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD May 15, 2013 at 1:43 PM #

      Hi Katherine, good to hear they have admitted the fault and will fix it but a pain you have to ship it and deal with all of the costs. At least you have plenty of time left before you fly out and you didn’t get this back with just 2 weeks till you left.

      Appreciate you post the results back from your call with them as well. Hopefully will help others if it happens to them as well.

  19. JAY June 20, 2013 at 7:48 AM #

    Hi guys,
    Really appreciate you posting this blog and this forum, and also everybody’s posts have been adding tremendous value to this blog. Does anyone else know how long it would take after receiving the email to receive all the documents – that is after receiving the email that your visa will be dispatched shortly and to check after 3 working days.
    Its been a week since receiving that email and nothing shows up on the Auspost tracker. Probably being impatient 🙂

    Cheers
    Jay

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 20, 2013 at 6:18 PM #

      Hi Jay, I’d put it down to impatience 🙂 But in all seriousness it seems completely random when you get it back and even if you get an email. As you’ve probably read some people got no email and just had their passport arrive. Just have to wait it out.

      • JAY June 25, 2013 at 2:45 PM #

        Thanks mate for the response. yes it was indeed impatience as the documents arrived the next day , within a few days of them sending it.:) However to let you guys reading this post know, the return envelope was not track-able on Auspost website. For whatever reason, it just arrived and the online tracking never updated!! So everyone , it does happen …that the return envelope may not be trackable. It was platinum post too, so I expected better service!! But all good, it arrived safe and sound.

        All up it took about 2 weeks for the decision and another few days for passport to arrive.

        Happy travels 😀

        Jay

        • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 25, 2013 at 3:14 PM #

          Hi Jay, glad to hear it turned up safe and sound. As for the tracking well you’ve got to love auspost huh 🙂 Good luck with the trip and enjoy Europe its a blast.

  20. MICHELLE June 21, 2013 at 11:10 AM #

    Hey!

    Thanks for your awesome work 🙂 I was wondering if you might know, or if any of your followers know, but I lost my passport and Tier 5 visa in the UK at the end of last year, and since,I have returned home to Aus. My grandfather is from Northern Ireland, so I can get my Ancestry Visa, but my question is, as my Tier 5 visa was meant to expire on the 10th July 2014, do you think I will be able to get my Ancestry this year? I don’t have a physical copy of my visa as my passport was replaced due to losing it.

    Thanks a million 🙂

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 21, 2013 at 1:45 PM #

      Hi Michelle, I don’t believe there will be any problems with you applying for the ancestry visa even though your tier 5 youth mobility visa is still valid as they are both separate documents.

      If you are really worried just call the UK visa folks and ask, they do charge but from most accounts can be helpful.

  21. GEORGIE June 29, 2013 at 3:02 AM #

    This may seem a silly question, but I cannot see on the printed application form where exactly to post everything to. Does anyone know where to find the exact address? I will posting on Monday.

    I notice people on here are mentioning a Manila processing hub?

    Thanks!
    Georgie

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 29, 2013 at 10:47 AM #

      Hi Georgie, when I went through the process I was given the address when attending the biometric appointment. They check your application and stamp your photo from memory as well. The passports do end up in Manilla as that is the processing location, it used to be in Canberra.

      • GEORGIE June 29, 2013 at 10:51 AM #

        Wonderful thanks so much. Your blog has been incredibly helpful 🙂

        • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 29, 2013 at 10:54 AM #

          Not a problem at all Georgie glad its been useful to you.

  22. DAVO July 3, 2013 at 2:45 AM #

    So I have everything ready to send off (I had my biometrics done this morning) but I have a a few questions about the Express Post Platinum satchels.

    1. It reads on the front “Signature on delivery” which I though is the exact reason the UKBA couldnt accept Registered Post, yet they specify to use Express Post Platinum, has any one else noticed this? Is it a requirement or does it not seem to matter?

    2. For the self address return satchel, what have people been doing with regards to the “Sender Details” section and goods declaration signature that the sender is meant to sign? I accidently signed that when filling out the satchel, will this matter? Would they bother to sign it anyway?

    3. Do you keep the receipt of the return envelope yourself? I’m guessing they dont keep them.

    Any help on this would be much appreciated.

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 3, 2013 at 10:30 AM #

      Hi Davo, to be honest I’d not even noticed the express post requirement but its been so long as I sent off my visa now. I do know however that plenty of people have sent their documents in that way so it can’t be all bad.

      For the return envelope I’d have left the sender details empty as that should be their requirement to fill in, as long as your address is on the front all should be good.

      I’d keep the reciept of the envelope and take off the tracking stickers from the front as well so that you can monitor its progress.

  23. AMELIA August 22, 2013 at 2:14 PM #

    Hi I was wondering if you could help me? I’m a Kiwi who is lucky enough to have an ancestral visa and am living in the uk at the moment. My visa runs out on the 5 th of May 2014.
    I only want to stay another 6 weeks after that date. I won’t be working, just tidying up loose ends etc.
    Do I have to apply for another visa (which is not cheap!) or can leave England for a bit and then re-enter on a visitors/tourist visa?

    Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks 🙂

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 22, 2013 at 2:31 PM #

      Hi Amelia, you will be safe to leave the country and then re-enter on a tourist visa but be sure to have a ticket or something showing you plan to leave the country when you re-enter. Customs are painfully arrogant and given you’ve been in the country on a visa that allowed you to work they will be wary of you wanting to return and perhaps work again.

      My last dealing with customs was horrible and my work visa expired over 12 months ago so just be prepared.

  24. ERINE August 26, 2013 at 7:32 AM #

    Hi Guys,
    Wondering if anyone has applied for a UK teir 5 outside of Australia? I’m an Aussie who has been living in Vancouver for a year & a half. I’ve got my biometrics appointment booked for Wednesday & I just noticed the bit on the website about not being able to apply from outside your country of residence. Technically Canada is my country of residence as I live here at the moment & not in oz, but I’m wondering whether this is going to cause me problems. If anyone has done it before or knows would love to hear. Thanks!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 26, 2013 at 12:18 PM #

      Hi Erine, you can apply for the UK visa outside of Australia so should have no problems.

  25. HANNAH November 6, 2013 at 7:37 PM #

    Hi Again Aussie Nomad,

    I have just completed my online application as I am now within 3 months of my desired arrival date, YAY! – however, when I went to book my Biometric test for Melbourne in Jan the calendar was showing that ALL appointments were full….
    After I freaked out, I clicked through and found that all of 2014 was full – slightly hard to believe I thought!!! Anyway, I am thinking its a glich with the calendar (I am hoping!) though I dont know how or who to get in contact with to try and rectify this.

    Can you shed any light on the situation? Would be greatly appreciated.

    Cheers,

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD November 6, 2013 at 7:40 PM #

      Hi Hannah, that does sound very weird about the calendar. I’d wait a day just to see if it is a bug otherwise you can call the visa office on 1300 858 472 but keep in mind they will charge you to call.

  26. HANNAH November 8, 2013 at 10:59 AM #

    Thanks for that.

    On second look it seems you can only book within 4 weeks of your desired appointment- do you or anyone know if this is correct? From your earlier posts I thought I could book it within 3 month after I complete the form.

    In this case I think it means I will have to redo my application form…
    Also another question, do you think it would negatively effect my application to state that my unmarried partner is British? Better to apply as a single?

    Thanks again.

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD November 8, 2013 at 11:07 AM #

      Hi Hannah, you need to apply for your visa within 3 months of your intended arrival in the UK so if you booked today it would be on the assumption you want to be in the UK in February next year.

      If that is the case you fill out your form online and then book in for the biometric appointment which needs to be within a few weeks of applying to ensure your visa is processed. This allows enough time to process the visa and get it back to you as that can take 1-2 weeks to post it off and return your passport with the visa in it.

      As for your partner it makes no difference where your partner is from I don’t believe. I don’t think they specifically ask for those details so I’d leave it out.

  27. EMILY May 21, 2014 at 4:05 AM #

    Hi, I have just completed the Application form for the YMS however when I went to try and book an appointment, it says that there is an error and tells me to log back in because I may have been logged out. However, I have tried logging in several times to see if that fixes the issue but it hasn’t!
    Thanks,
    Emily

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD May 26, 2014 at 9:17 AM #

      Hi Emily, in your situation I believe you’ll have to register and apply again with a new email address. I’ve seen a couple of reports of this problem and its either a broken application or a problem with your web browser. So I’d try using a different computer/web browser to finish applying or to apply again with a different email address providing you’ve not gone past the section where you have to pay the application fees.

  28. MICK MAHNEY June 5, 2014 at 10:39 AM #

    As you’ve heard before, massive cheer for the blog man, life saver 🙂

    However I am having issues with ‘Signing’ my application declaration. Even though I am typing my name into the signature box it is not giving an ‘ok’ or ‘enter’ button option to confirm that this is being received and not allowing me to go onto the next step which is to book my biometrics appointment. any light on the subject will be massively appreciated.

    Cheers

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 6, 2014 at 8:30 AM #

      Hi Mick, I’ve heard of that problem from somebody else as well. I believe they tried another web browser/computer as something was blocking it. See if that helps.

  29. MEL June 17, 2014 at 1:05 PM #

    Hi there!
    Just wondering, when I’m filling out the online application and it says “Date of Intended Travel”, do you know if it’s okay to put a rough date, or do I have to put the exact date? I know the week I intend to leave, just still struggling to pick a day.

    Thank you for all the extremely useful info!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 17, 2014 at 3:03 PM #

      Hi Mel, an approx date will be fine. Its just used as a guide for them in the paperwork. I beleive there is another question to ask for when you want the visa to acatully start so just make sure your date of arrival is after the start date of the visa.

  30. RUTH July 22, 2014 at 6:37 AM #

    Hi,

    I can’t believe you are still replying to help others big”OE” dreams ! Thanks heaps for the useful information.

    My question is : Do I need to enter the UK before I turn 31? Obviously I would have to apply the visa before my 31st, but my birthday is in April. Can I still enter in May?

    I have looked every corner on UK border agency website, but did not find an answer. Please help if anyone know.

    Thanks

    Ruth

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 27, 2014 at 2:52 PM #

      Hi Ruth, I really enjoy everyones stories and questions as it reminds me of my experience.

      If you have had the visa granted and approved before you turn 31 then you’ll be fine to enter whenever you like afterwards. While I turned 31 in the UK I still travelled in and out regularly and never had a problem. The visa just needs to be approved before you hit 31.

  31. SUNNY August 12, 2014 at 7:26 AM #

    Hi Ausie Nomad,

    Just wondering if you know about the recruitment cycle in London. Is Mid-October better to go and start the job search or Mid-February?

    Appreciate your time.

    Thanks,
    Sunny

  32. JESS August 21, 2014 at 6:41 AM #

    Hi Aussie Nomad

    Thanks heaps for helping out – your blog was my bible in applying for a Youth Mobility visa!

    We managed to save $300 with not going through a visa agency.

    I just wanted to share that we went through priority processing and it is available for this visa and it costed us $190 AUS (non settlement) – we had the biometric interview on Friday and had the visa with us by the following Wednesday.

    I just wanted to share this as there wasn’t much info in regards to this anywhere online.

    Thanks

  33. KARENA September 24, 2014 at 6:19 AM #

    Hi,

    I am applying for a UK Youth Mobility tier 5 visa, I have a low range drink driving record from 7 years ago, It doesn’t tell me anywhere what document I need to take with me to the interview? As I had to write it on my application form. So I feel I should take something, but as it was so long ago I don’t have anything to use. Do I need a criminal record check? Or will something from out state debt recovery office suffice? Or do I just explain in detail the offence on the application form?

    I have held 3 USA Holiday working visas since this offence and all they required was a letter explaining the offence. Signed by me.

    Any help is greatly appreciated

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD September 24, 2014 at 4:50 PM #

      Hi Karena, if you have any form of record I tend to suggest getting an AFP police check done and sending that off with your application while detailing what you had been caught for. If the police check comes back clean you can just leave it off the application completely. If you don’t have time to get the police check done then you can just send over any documents you might have and write up a letter stating the situation that it was 7 years ago etc.

      I’d be surprised if they made a fuss of it since it was so long ago but you never know.

  34. B September 28, 2014 at 12:29 AM #

    Hi just wondering if anyone applied for their visa recently and was able to track their passport via the courier service offered by VFS? Do they email you a tracking number once they email to say your visa has been despatched? All I have so far is my GWF number. Does anyone also have a rough time frame of how long it took for them to get their visa after having biometrics done? I am a bit worried as I made some stupid mistakes on my application (writing mother’s married name down, writing down information besides points section instead of just putting numbers and not putting down two traffic offences which never went to court but were paid with a fine). I had a police check for my job over there which came back clear but it only shows unspent offences. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Wonderful blog!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD September 30, 2014 at 4:26 AM #

      Hi B, I don’t believe you can track the courier service based on everything I’ve heard from people. In terms of timeframe to get the passport back its anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks on average.

  35. CHRISTINA January 16, 2015 at 10:26 AM #

    Hey guys! HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to this blog. Saved me so much stress! Any little question I had about applying for the youth mobility visa was answered right here!
    I’m in Brisbane and went for my visa appointment on the 5th January 2015 and received an email 13th January 2015 saying it would be dispatched shortly. I then received another email on the 15/01/2015 saying that the VFS office had received my passport and that I could collect it in the designated time or if I paid courier it would be dispatched that day. I paid for the courier and text message, extra services. Received my visa in the mail on 16/01/2015. You cannot track the visa, you just have to be patient. I never received a text message thought which I’m slightly annoyed about but not going to kick up a fuss over a few dollars. The whole process was really quick though which I was so grateful for. Such a relief to have it approved in your hands!

    When applying all I submitted was the application, a few passport photos, the bank statement (no I didn’t have the 90days of history balance in it, it actually only showed the balance for 2 days but just over the required amount needed) and appropriate identification.
    After spending so much money on the fees I can completely sympathise with everyone who stresses out but really relax and don’t over think it 🙂

    Don’t quote me on this but from what I read if you do get an email saying it will be dispatched shortly, it generally means that it has been approved. From everyone I have spoken too but that’s just my opinion and NOT a fact.

    Thankyou again everyone on here! You are all lifesavers! I cannot wait to explore over the next two years! Bring on March 2015! xxx

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD January 18, 2015 at 4:06 PM #

      Hi Christina thanks for the feedback on the post and from your experience getting the visa. Always great to hear of peoples experience. Have a great time in the UK, I’m jealous as my time has come and gone now.

  36. JESSE NZ February 2, 2015 at 10:05 AM #

    Hey guys,

    Great blog, so much useful input!

    I am a kiwi and applied for my tier 5 visa from Canada. Unfortunately I was declined the visa as I was in Canada under a 6 month tourist visa rather than a 6 month working visa. This sucked but as I’m back in NZ I can apply again.

    However most (nearly all) of the money in my account is gone so I am not able to meet the maintenance requirements for this visa. My parents are able to lend me the money however I am not sure this is accepted? Will they accept the visa if the 1800 pounds is put into my account in 1 go? Does it matter if it is not in there in there for 90 days?

    Really hoping this will work as I have already applied once and my GF is English and living there so I do not want to spend 3 months working before I can apply for the visa. I hope someone can help me on this!

    Cheers,
    Jess

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD February 10, 2015 at 9:49 PM #

      Hi Jess, the process for applying in NZ is slightly different I believe unless they swapped over to the new visa processing as well. I know people have got by just fine when the money hasn’t been in your account for longer than 90 days but maybe to be on the safe side just get a letter from the bank stating you have the required funds so that way you don’t have to show a bank statement so they can’t see it went in recently and all in one go.

  37. AMANDA February 12, 2015 at 11:04 AM #

    Hi!

    Quick question- how long roughly does the appointment to get your biometrics taken go for? I need to try and squeeze it in around other stuff but cant for the death of me find a phone no for the Syd office. Or an idea of how long it will take!
    Thanks so much 🙂

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD February 19, 2015 at 9:07 PM #

      Hi Amanda, the system has changed for me but I’m guessing 15-20min depending on the wait time and how many people are before you. Its just to have your documents checked, take your fingerprints and your done. Once you do attend I’d love to know how long it took you.

  38. LIAN April 13, 2015 at 9:38 PM #

    Hi! First of all I just wanted to say thank you so much for this blog! Reading through the detailed insight you gave as well as everyone else’s experience has certainly taken some of the stress off my shoulders during this whole process. You’re a star!

    I have a question around my 10 year history for countries travelled to besides the UK – the online fom has some brief guidance text next to each of the questions, and for this question it said “countries travelled to besides the UK and Commonwealth countries”. I had some holidays to Fiji, but excluded them from my travel history cos it’s a “commonwealth” country..

    I submitted my form and have my biometrics on Friday but now I’m really unsure as to whether I should’ve just included fiji in the travel history. I wouldn’t want them to think I purposely left it out because I was trying to hide something!

    Is there anything I can do now to add the Fiji travel history to my application before my biometrics ? any guidance would be really appreciated!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD April 14, 2015 at 3:32 PM #

      Hi Lian, I’d personally not worry about leaving Fiji off the list of countries visited. I don’t believe they take that much notice of it and really think its an annoying addition to the application process. Others have struggled to fit all the countries they visited on the list so am sure you’ll be fine.

  39. TAHLIA April 26, 2015 at 8:56 AM #

    Hi,

    I am an australian in the process of applyng for the UK Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa. I am also interested in applying for the Netherlands working holiday scheme. Do you know if it is possible to have more than one visa at the same time?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD April 27, 2015 at 4:36 PM #

      Hi Tahlia, the visas are for different countries so you’d be fine to apply for both.

  40. MARK May 1, 2015 at 9:27 PM #

    Hi Aussie Nomad!

    I’m currently in Australia on a working holiday visa (1 year). I am a Canadian citizen. I was wondering if it was possible for me to apply for the Tier 5 visa for the UK while living in Australia. It says “Can only apply from your country of residence” which is pretty clear..but not overly.

    Let me know!

    Thanks!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD May 2, 2015 at 2:48 PM #

      Hi Mark, as I understand it residence means you have a legal right to be in that country and live/work etc. As you have a working visa for Australia I don’t see you having a problem applying here at all.

  41. NARELLE May 7, 2015 at 12:51 PM #

    My daughter is doing her tier5 application now, her father isn’t listed on her passport and the application is asking for it. She cannot proceed without filling out this info.

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD May 7, 2015 at 11:04 PM #

      Hi Narelle, all she can do is note down NA or similar on the form and in the addition notes say that her father isn’t listed on the birth certificate and maybe take a copy along to the application biometric appointment as proof.

  42. JASMINE May 26, 2015 at 12:13 PM #

    Hi there,

    My partner and I are applying for our Youth Mobility Visa’s for the UK. Mine is kind of simple as I’m Australian so I know I can do it in Brisbane. My boyfriend holds a NZ passport but lives in Brisbane, Australia and I can’t seem to find out where he needs to apply from? Or if he has to apply differently to the way I apply. If you know any information, it would be greatly appreciated! (I hope I am making sense)

    Thanks 🙂

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 1, 2015 at 1:03 PM #

      Hi Jasimine, your bf can apply from Australia as well just like you do. As an NZ citizen he has a right to live and work in Australia so can apply from here as well.

  43. PAUL May 28, 2015 at 2:47 PM #

    Hi,

    I am hoping someone can help me.

    My partner had her passport sent off from Melbourne over 4 weeks ago to get her VISA. I had mine returned within 2 weeks and still we have not received anything back.

    She has emailed and got a reply stating ‘let it with us’, few days later still nothing so emailed again and got the same reply. She then called the UK number which cost her over $30 for a 8 minute call with a lady who said ‘ohhh you should have got it by now, usually doesn’t take that long’ and said ‘she will see what she can do’ 4 days later and still no response except to say it the matter has been escalated.

    We are just wondering if this has happened to anyone else before and should we just assume they have lost it?

    We are starting to get a bit concerned as we leave in a month and are hoping they will give us an answer sooner rather than later so we can start the process of obtaining a new passport and VISA.

    If anyone has had this issue before we would love to hear of the outcome?

    Cheers

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 1, 2015 at 1:14 PM #

      Hi Paul, have your partner go into the office she lodged her visa at. My guess is it’s been sitting there a couple of weeks just waiting to be collected. The process of notifying people is terrible and many don’t get told when their passport can be collected.

  44. SARAH June 2, 2015 at 12:04 PM #

    Hey! thanks for all the info, so helpful!
    just wondering, does it matte how long the funds have been in my account?
    I had them sitting in my mothers account so I wouldn’t spend, and transferred today
    so got the bank to print out a statement.
    Will they care if the sum was all transferred at once?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 2, 2015 at 4:25 PM #

      Hi Sarah, it used to be you needed the funds in your account for up to 3 months but now it seems you just need proof the money is in your name so you should be ok.

  45. GEMMA June 6, 2015 at 12:09 PM #

    Hi,

    I recently submitted an application for the Youth Mobility visa online. The date of the application is 6 June however I listed the “The Intended date of Travel” as 11 September. I am flexible on the visa start date and would be happy for it to start on or before 6 September. Am I able to change this manually on the application form after it has been submitted or at the biometric appointment? Would listing a date outside the 3 months be a grounds to reject the visa?

    thanks!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 16, 2015 at 1:23 AM #

      Hi Gemma, you can change the form before you attend your biometric appointment yes but after that you are stuck. Failing that the officials normally backdate the start date of the visa to be within the 3 month period for you.

  46. MATTHEW TURNER June 11, 2015 at 5:17 AM #

    Hey My plan is to Migrate to US. Im Australian from Brisbane. 24 male . Im currently in Germany in Cologne on teh working holiday visa. After failing getting enough work in Berli and realizing my lack of German is my downfall. I am now going for the UK visa. I want to work AND study in UK. I ahve a Diploma of Sound Production and Audio Engineering which is VET course ( apparently Higher education) Will this get me into America if I get a job eceptance there? Also it looks like Uk is the go for now. Does anyone know if I have to go all the way back to Australia to apply? Cant i just walk into the Embassy in Germany and apply for the Visa? Like surely????? Someone please help. Hey I have a life plan so im set. Any Americans, Aussies or Brits to the rescue will help me. Sorry guys America is the land of dreams for me. Blame holywood 😛

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 19, 2015 at 12:38 PM #

      Sorry Matthew I’m not familiar with the US process so can’t help you there.For applying for the UK YMV if your visa is still valid in Germany then you’ll be set to apply form there. You still apply online as you would if at home just note down your location as Germany when applying.

  47. KAT June 15, 2015 at 2:51 PM #

    Does anyone know what the approval email says these days? I’ve just received an email stating that a decision has been made on my application, and my documents are being returned. It does not state anything about my visa being approved or declined.

    Thanks

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 19, 2015 at 2:26 PM #

      Hi Kat, there is no approval email. You just get waht you’ve been sent out. Annoying I know as they make you wait to get your passport but in all cases so far it mean you have the visa.

  48. KRISTY June 15, 2015 at 6:44 PM #

    Hi Mark,
    Thanks so much for this blog – was just having a quick google and thinking about moving to London and this answers everything.
    I just had a quick question for anyone? I’ve had a bit of a search and there is all this question on people suggesting they are limiting there entries every year. I was hoping to move over next July, so i would have to apply in April, do you think they would be a tad to late?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 19, 2015 at 2:29 PM #

      Hi Kristy, I’ve never seen anybody denied due to a limit on the number of visas granted in the entire 5 years I’ve been running this site.

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  2. MOVING TO LONDON - THE AUSSIE NOMAD - November 5, 2012

    […] and could find very little in the way of answers online. Much like the problems I faced when I applied for my Youth Mobility Visa. So below is my tips and advice on moving to London where I’ve tried to answer all the […]

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