Over 3 years ago I posted about how to apply for a Tier 5 UK Youth Mobility Visa (previously called the working holiday visa) as an Australian. I’d struggled with finding the correct information so thought to share my experience with the world in the hopes it would help somebody else. The response to my posts has been nothing short of amazing since then so to all of you who’ve joined the discussing by leaving a comment and providing more information as the process has changed I can’t thank you enough.
With so many comments full of great information I’ve decided to pull the best bits out and bring them together into one easy to read Ultimate Reference Guide on the Youth Mobility Visa. If you have a question that’s not answered by the below please leave a comment and I’ll get it answered.
To get this underway lets run over the application process as a few things have changed and I want you all to understand whats required to apply for the Tier 5 UK Visa or working holiday as it was once called.
Youth Mobility Visa – Working Holiday Visa Guide
Eligibility Requirements
- Available to anyone from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, Hong Kong, Taiwan & Republic of Korea. (link)
- Must be over the age of 18 and under 31 years of age at the time of application. (link)
- Have £1,890 Pounds (Approx $3490 AUD as of 18th April 2016) in available funds at the time of applying. (link)
- You must apply for the visa outside of the UK or from a country where you have citizenship or a valid visa that allows you to live/work there (link)
Costs
- The Application cost for the Youth Mobility Visa is £230 Pounds (Approx $ 221 AUD as of 18th April 2016) (link)
- If applying from Brisbane, Canberra or Perth there will also be an application fee to pay of $105 AUD at the time of your biometric appointment
- To have your passport couriered back to you once it’s approved you can pay $24 AUD otherwise it needs to be collected from the office where you had your biometrics taken
Application Documents Required
- Complete application form online
or download and complete with a pen(offline applications are no longer accepted you must apply online) - Passport sized recent color photo (link)
- Original proof of funds document. This is recommended to be an official bank statement but a letter from your bank printed on their letterhead and stamped will also be ok. It must included your name, account number, date, balance in excess of £1890 pounds and logo from your bank. (link and link)
Completed Appendix 7 Form (link)– Seems to have been made redundant with the new online application process- Valid Passport for the duration of your visa period with a free page for the visa to be stuck on
- Completed IHS Healthcare form and paid the fee of up to £300 for 2 years in the UK. (link).
All the above needs to be original documents meaning no photocopies, eftpos receipts or falsified paperwork.
Application Process
The whole process starts with filling out the online application form. Most of this is fairly straight forward asking for details about you. As part of the application process you’ll get to pick the start date for when your visa will begin. Keeping in mind that this date must be within 3 months of when you are completing your application. So if you intend to arrive in the UK on the 1st September you’ll need to be applying for the visa no earlier than the 1st June of the same year.
Once completed you’ll be given the option to pick a time to attend your biometric appointment. This appointment is required for them to collect a copy of your finger prints which will be used when arriving in the UK on your visa. You’ll be asked to give (usually one finger) them when being processed by customs. The entire appointment takes all of about 30-45 minutes ( be there 15 minutes early) and you will need to bring with you the following documents:
- Completed and printed online application form
- bank statement and other supporting documents required for the application
- Passport photo meeting above mentioned specifications
- Appointment booking confirmation letter
- Passport
- IHS Reference Number
- A second valid form of ID like a drivers licence
Before you attend your biometric appointment you’ll need to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS). This is referenced as an IHS form. The first step is to run through this checklist to see if you need to pay a fee or not IHS healthcare checklist. If you are from Australia or New Zealand as of the 6th April 2016 you now need to pay a fee if you intend to live in the UK for longer than 6 months. The total fee is £300 to cover 2 years living in the UK.
To get your IHS reference number you need to go to this application page and click start now at the bottom. Follow the prompts and upon completion you will be emailed an IHS reference number that you should write down on your printed visa application. I’d also advise you to print off the email and take it to your biometric appointment as well due to how new this option is, it may save you some stress that way.
The biometric appointment process changed in late March 2014 and is now handled by a 3rd party visa processing company called VFS Global (except for in Adelaide which uses the old system). On attending one of their centers you’ll collect a token and wait for your turn to be called.
When called you will have your paperwork checked, pay your booking fee if applying in Brisbane, Canberra or Perth and then given a receipt which you need to keep for pickup of your passport if collecting it. At this time you can also pay to have your passport couriered back to you instead of returning to the processing office to collect it.
The second step is to have your fingerprints taken and have a digital photo of yourself taken, before they take all of your documents send if off on your behalf for processing. There is no need to provide your own envelopes for processing as the visa office is responsible for sending off and getting your passport back.
If applying in Adelaide then please follow the steps below, all others are to abide by the above.
You’ll leave the biometric appointment with a stamped application form and documentation on where to post your completed application and supporting documents off to. At last check you have 14 days from your biometric appointment to get your documents in the post to be processed.
It is advised to post your documents off in a platinum express post envelope and to included a second one for posting back to you. Take note of the tracking numbers on the envelopes for your own reference.
The above is a general overview for the entire application process. There have been major changes to the process this year (2014) with a revamped UK visa website and new processing options for applying. While I do my best to provide the most accurate information it is not always possible. If you notice a mistake or have details that can help others please leave a comment and I’ll update my records.
The Youth Mobility Visa FAQ
To make life easier I’ve also hand-picked a selection of questions and problems others have experienced and outlined them all below to save you trawling through over 500 comments.
Is the online application process confusing you?
In the last few weeks of 2013 the UKBA office rolled out a beta version of the new online application process. This has been met with quite a bit of confusion as sections of the application process have changed or aren’t being accepted correctly, which can be confusing if you’ve been researching the process online.
The problems I’m currently aware of are:
You receive an error when clicking Book Appointment – This error seems to have no solution other than to try and lodge your application again with a different email address.
UK Phone number being listed where your Australian one should be – This seems common and an obvious bug in the system, you can either leave it as is or hand write in the correct number. I imagine this will be fixed soon.
Your biometric appointment time is booked for say 2pm but it shows at 1pm on your letter – A fix seems to go back in and pick it again otherwise just turn up early so you don’t miss it.
I don’t have a UK Address or Phone Number
The new application form now ask for a UK phone number and address of you when applying. As you are yet to arrive in the UK I think this is beyond stupid to ask for but there you go. My advice is to put down the address and phone number of the place you intend to stay on arrival in the UK. This address will also form part of the where you will collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) from so be careful putting down just any address.
Not sure what a question is asking?
The Youth Mobility Visa form can be confusing so be sure to read the Guidance Notes provided by the UKBA office for help in deciphering exactly what they are asking for. This document lists notes for all questions asked on the forms to help you complete them.
How many points did you score for Attributes, English, and Maintenance?
On the application form you are asked for the number of points for Attributes, English and Maintenance. The English section does not need to be completed as it does not apply to this visa type. To calculate the numbers for the other box’s use the points calculator on the UKBA website or refer to your Appendix 7 form and get the numbers from that.
Can I fast track or get priority processing of my visa?
With the new changes to the visa process you can now apply to fast track your visa application. Costs to get priority visa processing are £100 for non-settlement applications and £300 for settlement ones. I believe this visa falls under the non-settlement category but can not confirm this.
To order priority processing of your visa you need to purchase it before attending your biometric appointment. To order the service you need to do so on this page. Then take the receipt of payment along to your biometric appointment for processing.
They aim to process all non-settlement applications within 5 days and settlement applications within 10. Again I believe this visa falls under the non-settlement category but can not confirm.
This service is not available to people attending an appointment in Adelaide.
Is there a biometric appointment office near me?
Processing offices for the biometric appointment are as below. Of note that all but Adelaide are run by VFS Global.
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Canberra
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
The address’ for these offices can be found here. If you don’t live near one of these offices then you’ll need to make the trip by land, sea or air to have your visa processed.
Do I post my application form off before the biometric appointment?
No you do not, even though the application form seems to suggest you should. You no longer post your application at all unless applying from Adelaide. All other applications are left with the visa office after your biometric appointment.
Where do I post my completed application to?
You only post your application if applying from Adelaide, all other applications are given to the VFS Global staff. The address to send your application to is:
UK Border Agency
GPO Box 2718
Sydney NSW 2001
It will then be forwarded to the processing hub in Manilla.
How long does the visa take to process?
Given my experience and feedback from others it takes anywhere between 1 – 4 weeks (usually within 2 though) from the time you post it. The processing times do vary depending on the time of year as well so recommend you check with the UKBA website here for a detailed listing of processing times.
However it seems with the new visa processing procedure a 2-3 weeks estimate seems correct at the moment.
I’ve not received any confirmation from the processing center, I’ve received one email, I’ve received nothing from the processing center?
The visa processing center has a history of not updating you on the process of your visa. Some people have reported getting emails to say their application was received, processed and shipped back while others have received nothing at all. You need not fear, there has never been a case of someones application form getting lost that I am aware of and most find their passport arrives the day after they freak out. All I can suggest is a little patience.
I have a question about the visa process who can I call or email?
You can contact the visa authority on 1300UKVISA ( 1300 858 472) but keep in mind this is a charged call of $3.50/minute and only payable via credit card. There is also an email address at [email protected] that advises you’ll receive a response within 10 days. Full details on calling for help can be found here.
Can I cancel my visa application?
If you’ve applied for your visa early or simply don’t want to go ahead with it you can cancel under certain circumstances. Refunds only seem possible if you’ve not attended your biometrics appointment yet. To cancel your visa go to the refund request page on the UKBA website and complete the form. You then wait 14 days to find out if you were successful.
Can I apply outside of Australia?
This seems to be possible but appears to be something new as previous documentation I’d read suggested you couldn’t. By visiting this section of the UKBA website you can select different countries around the world that accept visa processing. From what I can tell it will allow you to apply for a Tier 5 UK Youth Mobility Visa wherever there is a processing center providing you have a valid working visa with at least 6 months validity on it to be in that country.
When does the visa start?
You can pick the start date for your visa yourself during your application online but keep in mind it must be within 3 months of your application date. If you intend to travel around Europe before the start of your visa then you will be applying for your visa closer to the time in which you intended to fly out of Australia or allowing it to start before you get there meaning you miss some of the 2 years it is valid for.
When should the bank statement or letter be dated?
Your bank statement needs to be dated within 30 days of applying for the visa. So if you were to apply for the visa on the 1st of June your bank statement or letter must be dated after the 1st of May. The statement or letter must also show you have the total amount of funds required to meet the application requirements for the youth mobility visa.
The application form asks for my previous passports but I’ve lost it?
If you’ve had a children’s passport or an adult one and can no longer find it just state that on the form. If you have the passports great otherwise noting its lost seems to be perfectly acceptable.
Is this the same as the working holiday visa?
The working holiday visa was renamed to the youth mobility visa. During that change they also adjusted the conditions of the visa allowing you to live and work for the full 2 years of the visa where as before you could only work for 1 year.
What does family name mean?
The application will refer to your mother/fathers family name, this is asking about their maiden name.
Do I need a UK address or itinerary to apply?
Previously you did not need an UK address but on the new application form you are required to give one. You do not however need an itinerary when applying for the youth mobility visa. You will need to give a UK address to the customs officials upon entry into the UK. It is a requirement for all people entering the UK when completing the landing card.
Do I need to buy a return ticket?
There is no need to buy a return ticket when entering the UK on the Tier 5 youth mobility visa. With this visa you are essentially considered a citizen of the UK for the duration of the visa.
Will this visa let me stay in Europe for longer than 3 months?
The visa is only valid within the UK which encompasses England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Island. When travelling to Europe and in particular the countries that form the schengen zone you are only permitted to visit them for a period of 90 days within a 180 day period.
Will this visa let me work in Europe?
You will not be able to work for any company outside of the UK on this visa.
Can I enter the UK before my visa starts?
Yes but you will be entering on a tourist visa and as such are restricted to its limitations such as not being able to work. After your visa start date you should look to leave the country and re-enter on your youth mobility visa.
What if I have a DUI or criminal conviction?
During the application process you will be asked if you have any criminal convictions, this does not included fixed fines such as speeding or parking tickets unless you were required to attend court. If you have had a drink driving conviction or similar it is advised you included all paperwork when sending off your documents.
The visa office does perform criminal record checks so failing to document your record could be a reason for denying you a visa or them deferring your application until you offer more documentation to the entry clearance officer. To save potential problems it is recommended to get a print out of your court documents/extract, police reports and other supporting evidence including proof you’ve paid any fines associated with the incidents.
You are only provided a short time to provide this information if they request it so its better to have it all before you apply to save on missing out.
What is the BRP (biometric residence permit) and how do I get it?
From the 31st of May 2015 the visa office changed the visa permit process and introduced a biometric residence permit you collect once you’ve arrived in the UK. Full details on the BRP can be viewed on the UK website here
The short(ish) version of what this means is you now must enter the UK within 30 days of your noted start date for the visa. This is instead of being issued a sticker in your passport valid for the full 2 years. Now you now get issued a 30 day vignette which allows entry to the UK under your visa for a period of 30 days to collect your BRP card. If you arrive after that initial 30 day period you need to apply for another 30 day vignette (unsure of any fees or process to do this at the current point in time).
Once your visa is granted you’ll be provided with a decision letter stating at which post office and when you can collect your biometric residence permit card from. This is likely to be the closest post office to your noted address you used on the application. Please note the UK website states that you may get a penalty or your leave can be cancelled if you don’t pick up your BRP within 10 days of your arrival in the UK.
If you have queries about your BRP card or misplace documents needed to collect it you can refer to the following site for details https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/need-brp.
At this point in time I’m yet to speak to anybody who has obtained their visa and collected a BRP card so am unable to verify any of the details above and provide it as reference only. There has been some great discussions in the comments below so if you have been issued a visa under the new process I’d love for you to leave a comment below to help others out that are looking to apply.
UPDATE 06/07/2015
An amazing follower named Mirabai has done some digging on the BRP process and found out what you do if you are unable to claim the permit within the 30 day window and received the following details from the United Kingdom Visas and Immigrations International Enquiry Service.
If the applicant has been granted a 30 day vignette and fails to enter theUK within the 30 day validity period, they must make an application for a replacement 30 day vignette by applying for a Transfer of Conditions, not as a new application for leave to enter. Application can be completed online on Visa4UK and it costs £122 to transfer your visa.
On Visa4UK website at: https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk, you need to select the Visa Type accordingly:
Reason for Visit: Other
Visa Type: Others
Visa Sub Type: Vignette TransferFurther information regarding biometric residence permit can be found on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biometric-residence-permits-overseas-applicant-and-sponsor-information.
So it seems if you don’t enter within that 30 day window your visa can become quite the bit more expensive. A real issue for those of you applying to get in before the age limit or those unable to travel over as planned.
Do you have a question not already answered above? Then leave a comment below and I’ll try and find the answer for you as soon as possible.
Hey there
Thanks so much for creating this awesome blog, its so helpful and much easier to understand.
My visa appointment is on Tuesday, just preparing the documentation now and hoping I haven’t forgotten anything!
Question, for the proof of maintenence of funds – is an original bank statement including the stamp sufficient or do I need to provide a letter from the bank stating the statements are authentic?
And other than that all I need is my passport, online application, signed appendix 7 form and new passport photo?
Thanks heaps x
Hi Bonnie, for the proof of funds an original bank statement is fine on its own, no need for extra stamps etc. Otherwise it sounds like you have everything you need for the day.
Thanks!! Oh and also, do I need to have the back of the passport photo signed or declared its me by anyone??
Hi Bonnie, no need to sign the photo they’ll verify it at your appointment now I believe.
Hey! I apologise if this questions has already been asked. I want to apply for the Youth Visa, I understand I must apply for it before I turn 30 right? But can I already be 30 once I leave Australia? I turn 30 this year (August) but don’t want to leave until next year (but before I turn 31) I understand this will not give me the full 2 years (which is ok) but will this still work? I would really appreciate your help.
Hi Rachel, you need to apply for the visa before you turn 31 so you can be 30 and still apply. That should give you longer till you need to apply meaning more time to spend in the UK.
I think the correct term is “countersigned”
Hey!
I was wondering if there are any restrictions regarding jobs that you can do on the youth mobility visa?? I havent found any jobs that you can’t do but still was concerned that there might be positions that could cause the visa canceled or something. Thanks 🙂
Hi Emily, the only jobs you can’t do are ones like a doctor that need to verify your skills and training.
Hey i am applying for a Visa next week few questions i need to be answer if possible please.
Is it good to use a Middle man like Visa First if their an advantage in doing that? as you mention you have to pay extra if you applying in Brisbane the total cost is $619 do they have more contacts to get it done. I am in a bit of a time frame i am guess my 31st Birthday is on March 31st and i just want to be guarded approved visa thats why i thought i would use a middle man.
i will be applying 2 of February at the lateness just waiting for a few more extra dollars in the account to make sure i have enough points.
If i am worried about not getting my visa approved by then is they anything i can do to speed up the process when in the process of everything happening.
Also its not a criminal conviction but i get arrested for being in toxic was a bit mix up. they put in for a few hours then just realised nothing else was done. Just making sure that won’t effect this.
So i am a little stressed as i know this is my only chance to use this Tier 5 Visa before i turn 32.
All advice is greatly appreciated.
Hi Khan, all 3rd party services are a rip off. They can’t guarantee faster processing as it all has to go through the same visa offices like you applying yourself. You can pay for priority service if you’d like and get it all done within a week but you pay more for that. Personally I’d apply yourself and use the money you would have paid a 4rd party to get priority processing or similar.
Doesn’t sound like your time in the lockup is anything more than they getting you off the street so you can sober up a bit. So I’d leave it off your form.
Hi Aussie Nomand, I just want to update you on a bit of information regarding the Youth Visa in regards to being “under 18 when applying for the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa”, as I was only 17 years old when I submitted my VISA application.
Like everyone, I found your blog a great tool and read all comments and answers to help me with my application, though I got very confused after reading all guides to applying for the visa, then reading where you had informed others that “you have to be 18 years to apply for the Tier 5 Visa.”
… ** In the application guides for the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, it states “To Apply you must be 18 years or over when your visa lets you come to the United Kingdom (becomes valid) and under 31 years old when you apply. ** ……
I had this CONFIRMED when I filled out my application by Immigration, you can be 17 years old when applying, just as long as you are 18 years when the Visa becomes “Active”.
If you are still only 17 when you attend your Biometrics Appointment – you will need to have a parent sign a consent form.
With the Application and claiming the points – You can claim 10 points if you:
•will be 18 or over at the time your entry clearance becomes valid for use;
and
•were under the age of 31 on the date your application was made
I hope this helps for further enquires.
Hi Hope, thats really valuable info thanks so much for the update. I’ll look to amend my details above.
Hello, thanks for the amazing tips!
Just in a horrible situation where my partner is going to his appointment this coming friday (23.1) to send away his passport and other stuff, thing is that his got a flight out from Australia in the afternoon on 4.2. Went for the fast track service too and I saw the comment up there that someone got them returned in 4 days that gives hope as it’s not possible to delay the flight to Europe. I wonder if this timeframe will br enough as it only leaves 7 proper business days plus the weekends (is express mail delivered on Saturdays?) and if it comes to the worst the mail should also arrive before the flight so 8 business days..
Hi jani, you are really in a tight spot for the visa. As you have already paid for priority thats all you could have done to get the visa back in time. I do hope all works out for you and your partner. Hope you gave them a kick up the backside for leaving it so late to apply 🙂
Hi thank you for all this information.
1. I’m looking to travel in May – I have to travel to Adelaide for the biometrics appointment. How far in advance can you book the biometrics appointment from the date of application?
e.g If I applied at the start of Feb, would it be likely that I could book the appointment for the 23rd Feb, or would this be too far in advance, and I would have to book the appointment closer to the application date?
2. For the question ‘ what permission do you have to stay in this country’, I’m unsure of what to put: I am a NZ citizen who lives in Australia.
Thanks!
Hi Sarah, you can book your biometric appointment within 30 days of lodging your online application. If you don’t go within that 30 day period your application is cancelled and you have to start again.
For the permission question I’d just note down you are a resident, as thats I believe what status you get.
Hey, just want to check something with you. I don’t live in Australia so would be looking into the applying from outside.
You wrote “From what I can tell it will allow you to apply for a Tier 5 UK Youth Mobility Visa wherever there is a processing center providing you have a valid working visa with at least 6 months validity on it to be in that country.” Can I get your source for the ‘6 months’ validity on the visa’ bit? That would make or break my application.
Thanks!
Hi Jackson, I gathered that information from the UKBA website and from various people emailing me to let me know they’ve applied from other countries. Normally they’ve been there on a student visa or similar and applied towards the end of their stay so they can continue to remain in Europe. I’m afraid I don’t have any links to offer you to verify it.
Hi,
Just to follow up – that information is incorrect. I saw a lot of variation on the ‘6 months’ rule on different websites, including:
1. Your visa for the country in which you currently reside must have a total length of at least 6 months; or
2. You must have been living in the country you currently reside in for at least 6 months; or
3. You must have at least 6 months’ validity left on your visa to apply.
Those are all very different. Turns out, it’s number 1. The UKBA’s ‘Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) Policy Guidance’ (found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/300096/Tier_5__YW__guidance_04-14.pdf) says in the introduction:
“3. You may apply for entry clearance under the YMS at a post in the country or territory of
which you are a national. You may also apply to a post in a country or territory where you are
staying at the time of application, even if this is not your normal place of residence, provided that
the following conditions are met:
•the entry clearance post is authorised to accept entry clearance applications for YMS; and
•you are a citizen of a country or hold a passport issued by a territory that has Deemed
Sponsorship Status (see definition below); and
•you are able to demonstrate to the Entry Clearance Officer that at the date of the application
you have the authority to stay in that country or territory; and
•that authority was granted for a period of more than 6 months.
If you are from a country or territory that does not have Deemed Sponsorship Status, you may
only apply at a post in your own country or territory.”
The more you know!
Hey Aussie Nomad,
I just sent in my application for a tier 5 visa. I’m an Australian who has spent the last five months finishing my degree on exchange in the South of Sweden. I had a lot of trouble ironing out the details however about whether I could apply or if I needed to have permission to be here for at least 6 months. Any one I tried to contact didn’t know or just didn’t get back to me! I eventually just applied, and asked the question when I handed in my biometric details.
Anyway the man I spoke with there told me that with a tier 5 you can apply from any country after any amount of time as long as you had proof of permission to be there. Unfortunately these people don’t have a public phone number to contact them on and therefore I wasted a lot of time not applying earlier.
I didn’t write on my application the number of points, and I forgot to ask the guy about it when I submitted the form. Will this affect my application? Or should I try and contact them? Will they fill in the amount themselves?
Hi Prudenle, thanks so much for the info about applying for the youth mobility visa from Sweden. I know its possible but as you’ve found out getting information is impossible without talking to someone face to face.
I’d not worry about the points, they will have worked it out for you themselves based on the details in your application. Plenty of people have forgotten to do it and just been fine.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Thanks for the great site, such useful information. I have three questions;
1. I am a New Zealander living in Sydney, can i have my interview in Sydney or do I need to return home?
2. I went to apply for my visa (to leave in March) and noticed that my passport expires in November 2015. Can I apply on my current passport and renew it in London later in the year or does this passport need to cover my entire trip?
3. I cannot see any restrictions on working requirements. I am hoping to transfer with my current employer to the UK office, is there and restrictions regardng this. Or do I need the Tier 2 Visa. I meet all the criteria and have never been to the UK before.
Thank you so much and look forward to your reply.
Kind regards,
Jessica
Hi Jessica, you can apply in Sydney as you have a right to live in Australia so no need to go home for that. For the passport you can renew it later but you will need to travel with both passports until your visa expires as your visa stamp will be on your other passport. If you can I’d renew it first but if not, not the end of the world.
In terms of working there as long as you aren’t a doctor/lawyer or in another form of high level profession that needs to validate your skills first then you can work in any job you like.
How grateful are we all for this website and the help of you Aussie Nomad!
All the answers i needed to know was all here, and I wouldn’t have been able to succeed with out it!
I am so thankful because guess what! i GOT MY VISA! yay!
just wanted to share how quick my process was:
8th Jan 2015 – application submitted
12th Jan 2015 – Biometrics appointment
21st Jan – Email saying “Your decision has been dispatched” (which actually made me so anxious as to whether i actually got the visa or not)
22nd Jan – email saying ready to be picked up – I left work at lunch and picked it up and my visa was inside my passport!
CHEERING!!
ill be leaving for Spain for a month and a bit start of Feb, and enter UK end of March so see you fellow aussies there!! Don’t really know anyone there, quit my job here in Syd so I’ll be jobless for a while, but im soo excited and scared at the same time!
yay! its happening
Hi PJ, congrats on the visa and thanks for the kind words about the site. Its people like you giving me feedback and providing your own experiences that helps keep everything up to date. Enjoy the time abroad am sure you’ll love it.
hello
I was granted this visa at the start of 2014 (valid for 2 years) but haven’t been to the UK yet. I have 1 year remaining on this visa and I was wondering if I can somehow put a stop to it.. I would like to go at some point but don’t want the 2 years to run out because I won’t be able to apply again….
Hi Venu, I’m afraid there is no way to suspend the visa. Once you’ve applied for it and had it granted thats it.
Hi, sorry if this has been asked already. Do you know if when my YMV expires do I still have 90 days to travel (even though I’ve been in the UK for more then 90 days on the YMV) around Europe and can I reenter the UK then as a tourist within those 90 days?
Hi Ruby, your YMV has no impact on your time in Europe as the visa is just for the UK. The 90 day visa period is completely independant of it. For the UK you can re-enter the UK on a tourist visa after your YMV expires and you’ll be subject to the tourist visa rules but be prepared for the customs folks to be a bit difficult if you are re-entering straight after your YMV expires.
Hey mate, I’m currently in the Uk on the tier 5 visa but have to travel home due to family issues….do you know if its possible to postpone my visa while I’m home? Ive been in the Uk just over ten months now.
Hi Fraser, sorry mate its not possible to suspend/postpone the visa. Once its started its continuous for the 2 year period and then thats it.
Hi, I’m the process of applying for the visa (for which your help has been invaluable) but I have a quick question about the ‘start date’ having to be within three months of your application date.
When I tried to start an application last year, I was unable to put a date beyond three months, and so put off applying until now. However, the online form seems to have changed, and now it’s possible to put in a later date. I also can’t find anything about applying within three months on their website or in the guidelines.
I’ll be traveling for six months prior to entering the UK, so ideally the visa would start in September, which is obviously still 7 months away, but I need to apply now.
So my questions are, do you know if the three month rule still applies? If I put a later date will the application be refused? Should I just play it safe and put an earlier date?
Thanks for your help!
Steph
Hi Steph, as far as I know the 3 month rule still exists. There has been a lot of updates to the online application so its possible they’ve adjusted it to allow all types of applications and left some important information out. Personally I’d be playing it safe but if you want to know for sure I’d suggest calling the visa office and seeing what they say.
Hi The Aussie Nomad
Thanks for the amazing tips for YMV.
I’m planning to go early next year. I’m not sure my situation is eligible to apply.
I was previously holding a Chinese passport-which sadly not eligible to any WHV apart from New Zealand. However I have already abandoned my Chinese citizenship and holding Australian passport since last year.
I’m wondering if there’s any restrictions to apply this visa.
Couldyou please help?
Many thank
Hi Miro, if you hold Australian citizenship then you should be able to apply for the visa but there are questions about if you held previous passports etc on the application. As long as you are now an Australian citizen you should be ok but I can’t say 100% for sure.
Hey there,
Just wondering, my partner got summonsed to court for Point loss on his drivers license in 2011, what kind of step do we need to take to get the visa? Does he need to do a police check or go to the court house and get a clearance? What needs to happen.
And with the Bank letter, I cannot seem to find clarification on this- does it need to state the amount you have in your account, or just that you have OVER the specified required amount.
Thank you in advance, your insights have been amazing so far!
Laura-Beth
Hi Laura, for your partner it can’t hurt to get a police check and see what is on his record. Given he attended court he may need to include it but its only a driving offence so its difficult. I’d get the police check and see what it says and maybe include it if you are worried.
For the bank letter it just needs to say you have the required funds that are equivalent to the requirement. Otherwise just get a bank statement and send that off instead.
Hey mate,
Some great info on here, I found the process to be quite straightforward – and the same as described above. (I’m in melbourne)
Heres my timeline – overall pretty quick – about a week after biometrics appointment. I opted to pick up my passport.
24-Jan-15 – Applied online, paid and booked biometrics
27-Jan-15 – Biometric appointment – submitted documents and biometrics taken.
30-Jan-15 – Got generic email saying ‘your decision will be dispatched shortly..’
03-Feb-15 – Got another email saying visa was processed and ready to be picked up.
04-Feb-15 – Picked up passport from the application centre.
Once again, Thanks for the info!
Thanks for the update on your application Isaac, good luck abroad.
Hey! So I’m currently having a bit of trouble with my visa regarding two thing:
1. Sending previous passports
2. Sending a pre-paid courier bag in my application.
I sent my application a week ago but I got an email yesterday saying they need the above two things before they can process my visa. Firstly, I don’t have previous passports, they’re lost, is that okay if I just tell them? Secondly, the pre-paid bag I sent them wasn’t good enough (NZ Post) and I’m finding it IMPOSSIBLE to find anyone that does do international pre-paid courier bags, so what do I do?! What bag did you send? Until I find one my application process is on hold. I understand it comes back from Manila to NZ directly to me.
Thanks
Hi Charlotte, for your passports I’d just say they are lost, nothing you can do there. For the pre-paid bag, thats no longer required for applying in Australia as you take everything to a visa processing office and they now send it away for you. I’ve no idea what the required pre-paid bag is for NZ I’m afraid.
Hi there Charlotte, we you required to Send in your Current passport aswell?? I guess I will have trouble finding some internation prepaid courier bags too then eh!! Better get looking around
Hi Charlotte,
I’m having the same problem trying to find an international pre-paid courier bag from nz. Have you sorted this out? What bag did you end up using?
Cheers,
Elyse
Hi Aussie Nomad
Thanks so much for this information – It has made everything a lot less daunting.
I am looking to move over in the next few months and am looking to apply for my visa in the next week or so. Having looked at the application process I have a few concerns about the following:
1. Fathers details: I have not had contact with my father for a number of years and have no way to contact him – will it be an issue if I do not have all of his details?
2. Due to family reasons I changed my surname legally a few years ago however before I changed it I traveled around the UK under my old name and passport. My new passport I use now has my new last name – will this be an issue when declaring if I have visited the UK in the past ten years? Should I even bother declaring this considering it was under a different name?
Hi Mike, for your father’s details all you can do is note down you don’t know these as you’ve had no contact with him for so long. You can’t do anymore than that.
I’d declare you went to the UK before and just say you’ve lost your old passports so you don’t have to dig that up and explain it all. I don’t think they really look you up by name but your new passport would have been a renewal on your old one I imagine so they should be able to connect the dots as it will be the same passport number.
Hi,
I applied for the Youth Mobility Visa on 5 February 2015. I have a letter from my bank dated 5 February 2015 (on letterhead with original stamp) confirming the required funds as at 4 February.
However, I have just noticed that my address on the letter is my old address and is inconsistent with the address in my application. Do you think this will cause any problems? Alternatively, I could get a new letter from my bank noting the correct address, though it will be dated after the date of my online application.
Many thanks.
Hi Gabrielle, I don’t think the address will be a big problem but if you are worried get it updated. There’s no problem if the letter is dated after your application date, it just needs to be recent (within 30 days of application) so you are all good there.
just got my visa application back with no warning about it being refused.
when i went in for my interview the lady interviewing me said that they would contact me if anything was required.
they denied it saying my bank statement did not show enough money and they one that had enough was too old more than 31 days. in the interview they lady said the same thing and i said the second bank statement was only for proof of that account existing and that the spendings account clearly showed more then $4000 being transferred into my saving account( the one with the older statement).
i submitted these bank statements because that was all my bank made available (nab).
the only form they sent back was one for disputing it. i cant find any information on weather or not i can dispute it or if i can just cop another application fee resubmitt now that i know i can get current bank statements directly at my local branch either way im screwed because i took they response email saying it was processed as meaning it was approved because of the lady saying they would contact me if there where any issues. now i have to cancel flights accom and move my start date back with the company that offered me a job in the UK.
called the ACT embassy sydney consulate manila embassy (where it was processed) all of them refer to online then hangup.
any suggestions?
Hi Boyd, all you can really do is dispute the cancellation and submit a more up to date bank statement. You met all the other requirements so it should be easily resolved. Unfortunately I’ve never heard of somebody having their visa denied in all the time I’ve been running my site (outside of for criminal reasons) so I’ve not a lot of help to give you.
And yes you can request updated bank statements at your local banks so I’d just get that and file the dispute claim and hopefully it sorted quickly.
Hi Boyd,
I applied for a Tier 5 visa yesterday and i’m stressing about the same thing now – i went to my local NAB on the day of the application to print my current statements with their stamp and there is a date on the top of the printout saying Feb 12th but the statements were not up to Feb 12th – they are the most recent statements available at the time.
Have you managed to have your issue resolved?
Cheers, Kat
Hi there Aussie Nomad,
Awesome info on here!
One question, I’m a kiwi and I’m planning on spending 24 months in the UK but my passport expires at the end of this year! I plan on updating it before I leave but I’ve already applied and paid for my application. Is there anyway I can get my new passport restamped when I get there so I can stay for the full two years.
Thanks for your help!
I’ve just had a trawl through the other questions and I think I can answer this myself but I’ll get you to confirm if that’s all good?
So, because I’ll have at least six months of validity (travel in April 2015, passport expires December 2015) I’ll be fine to get a 24-month visa but I’ll need to carry my old passport as well as my new passport?
Thanks again!
Missed this comment before I replied to your other one. Yes just carry your passport and you’ll be fine.
Hi Frazer, you can get another stamp in your passport but it costs around $1000 bucks. Easier to just carry both passport with you and that should cover you. Annoying to have both but much cheaper.
Hey Aussie Nomad!
Just a note about the Priority Visa Processing option available. I went in for my biometrics on Monday and pre-paid for my priority processing (which includes the courier fee back). I can confirm for you that it is non-settlement and costs a flat $200AUD. I did notice that they were up-selling the priority option (and oyster cards) when processing peoples apps at the desk, as well as giving time frames for both options. I was at the Sydney office, so I’m not certain that you can pay on the day nation wide.
Still anxiously waiting to hear back- I think I’m one of the unlucky ones to suffer with no email correspondence throughout the process. Fingers crossed!
Thank you so much for this blog, you’ve made the whole process so much easier!!
Happy travels!
Liz 🙂
Hi Liz, thanks for the info. What I’d been told and read online you couldn’t pay for priority one the day of your appointment you had to order it beforehand. hopefully some others can confirm the payment options for other states and I can get a better grasp on the whole process. Am sure your visa will be back soon (if not already) and you’ll be on your way.
hi
i have my biometric appointment on monday (16th feb) and i would like to book tickets to the netherlands on the 11th of march and then travel from there to the uk on the 16th of march. Would I be safe in booking my tickets before attending the biometric appointment? Will I be sending my passport off after my appointment? and then risk not having it back before i leave to the netherlands?
Hi Matt, sorry to not get back to you before your appointment date. You can book your tickets at any time unless you are worried you won’t get your visa. As you will have found out your passport goes off on the day of the appointment but you can still book your tickets without it (providing you remember your passport number, if you don’t now you will by the time you finish travelling trust me)
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Thank you for your detailed guide – very useful!
I applied for my Tier 5 visa yesterday, and went to my bank on the same day to get them to print my current statements which are in excess of what is required. There is a date on the top of the print outs that say what day they were printed on, however the actual statement is not within 30 days as the current one was not yet available. Do you think in your experience this will be sufficient?
Thanks for any help you can provide me 🙂
Kat
Hi Kat, its difficult to say on the bank statement but as long as it shows funding current to within 30 days of applying it should be ok. i.e. it can’t show you had the money in the account 6 months ago as thats not relevant enough I don’t think. Fingers crossed all is ok for you.
It specifically says i can’t dispute and send any new docs.
if disputing i must not submit any new evidence.
it doesn’t give me the option to reapply on the visa4uk website thou either.
submitted the dispute on monday havent heard back even a receival of dispute notice yet.
I did get updated bank statements straight away but they aren’t much good if i cant send them with the dispute.
extremely frustrating process.
someone mentioned to me that they may be tightening their belts with the whole isis thing hopefully they decide to stop being such arses in this case.
thanks nomad.
with the dispute your not allowed to send any new information with it only allowed to dispute if there has been a mistake by the deciding office.
for my case i have disputed it because i think there is a good chance it should be allowed there is sufficent evidence showing over $4000 was transfered into an account that can only go to my spending acc..
as far a i know i dont have any criminal history besides maybe a driving fine or 2.
im assuming they are just revune rasing. but i dont know how i can put in another application either.
edit.
Can reapply but they want the whole fee and to do the whole process of sending over to manila ect.
super off putting.
Hi, I’m not sure if this has already been asked but I had a quick skim through the previous comments and didn’t find an answer.
I am currently working in the UK under a Tier 5 youth mobility visa. It is due to expire in October 2016. My employer is asking about sponsorship and what the process is. I have tried looking on the UK governmnet website and it seems to suggest that I need to apply for a Tier 2 (general) visa. Is this correct? And how long does this process take? Do I need to go back to Australia to complete the Visa application?
Many Thanks,
Anita
Hi Anita for sponsorship your employer needs to be registered as a company that can sponsor somebody. Costs them around 1000 pounds from memory and they have to fill out a bunch of paperwork. Once they are registered they have to advertise to fill your job as they need to consider locals for the job and then offer it to you once they can satisfy that you are the only one that can fill the position. Then you go onto the other paperwork etc by them offering you a position and you applying for the visa. If your company has a lawyer or someone on staff i’d be having them look up the process to save you a headache.
And yes you need to return home and apply for the visa like you did your YMV. Takes around the same time to get and so on.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Well done on the terrific site and sorry if this has been asked already!
Just had my biometric appointment and submitted all my documents and had no indication that there were any issues.
However I’ve realised (based on the posts above) that a bank statement print out from my online account (with no stamp from the bank) will probably not suffice? Or would they have told me this at my appointment if this was an issue?
If assuming the worst I get denied, does this mean I have to pay another $400? Or do they give you a chance to amend your submitted forms?
Cheers,
Chris
Hi Chris, yes the info is getting hard to decipher now with some 1350+ comments on the post, I’m looking to create a forum to better deal with all of this. As to your question in theory yes a print out from online shouldn’t be enough based on what they ask for and surprised the people at your appointment didn’t tell you so. Fingers crossed all goes ok for you but yes worst case you need to apply again with the correct paperwork, I don’t think they let you submit more documents based on recent stories.
Great having your thread to refer to, thank you!
I think my question is probably the same as what’s been answered not too far above.
I recently had my passport replaced as the chip inside was faulty, the original was destroyed by the Passport Office. It wasn’t until I’d submitted my application form and referred to the supporting documents PDF that I realised I was required to present previous passports as proof of travel history (which makes sense…)
When asked in the application form whether the previous passport was lost, stolen or in my possession, I checked the ‘Other’ box and didn’t make any notes in the additional information section the reasoning for not having it (not realising I’d need it). Do you have any thoughts on whether this will cause issues with my application?
Hi Jen, making some notes would have helped your cause but I don’t think it should impact you too much. I think its more a nice to have rather than you must so I’d not worry too much.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
My passport only has until Oct and I am leaving for EU followed by UK in 2 weeks.
I only recently heard about the mobility visa but would like to renew my passport in London before getting the visa. Is it possible to apply for the visa when I am in the UK as a tourist?
Hi Kieren, you can only apply for the visa within Australia or another country where you have a visa to stay for up to 6 months (not a tourist visa).
Hi there,
Awesome blog,
I am from NZ currently doing my Youth Mobility visa for the uk with a June 2nd Departure of NZ but Arrive in the UK on the 3rd August.
Reading what is needed am I required to send my actual passport to Manila just to get a stamp? Or do they stamp on my arrival
Im kind of weary about having to send my passport all the way over seas considering It isn’t even going to the UK! Why should my passport have to be sent? I understand if i need to send it i will for the Visa but why!
Hi Cam, yes you need to send off your passport for processing and the have the visa stick applied to it. The UK have their visa processing facility in Manilla hence the need to send it off to them. Not sure on the postal process in NZ as Australia now has their applications sent off for them after attending the biometric appointment.
Your passport has to be sent off to be processed, nothing you can do or worth worrying about as hundreds of people have done so before you without issue.
Thanks for this Aussie Nomad
After my Bio metrics appointment that took less than 10 minutes they handed me a dodgy looking photocopied sheet with staple impressions. I then send my completed application with passport and self addressed prepaid envelope to Auckland (NZ) then they will forward onto manilla
Thanks for the Info! Great help
Hey Cam,
What prepaid envelope did you end up using? Having trouble trying to find a prepaid international bag/envelope in nz.
Cheers,
Elyse
Hey Elyse, I did my application from Wellington and I was told to send it to Auckland. So i prepaid for two domestic courier bags. As I sent it to Auckland they then forward it to Manila to get processed then back to auckland to send domesticlly back to me.
Hope this helps and you are required to do the same. Have you attended your biometrics?
Hi Cam,
May I ask how long it took before you received your confirmation email from Manila?
Thank you
Ria.
Hey, so i sent my application to manila last week on friday. I recieved a email yesterday saying the following
A decision has been made on your application and your documents are being returned to the Visa Application Centre (VAC). You will be contacted again by the VAC once these documents have been received and they are ready for you to collect.
is this a fast timeframe its been done in?
Should i be worried? ?
Hi Cam, timeframes vary but I doubt you’ve anything to worry about. Normal turnaround used to be 2 weeks so it will be around that by the time you get your passport back in your hand with the visa approved.
Hi!
I am looking at moving to the UK on the youth mobility visa in January next year. I was just wondering how far in advance i should start looking at organizing my visa and getting everything sorted?
Thanks, Jessica.
Hi Jessica, you can only apply for the visa within 3 months of your intended arrival in the UK. So for January you wouldn’t start applying until October to fit within that window.
hey mate,
i just applied for my youth mobility visa and iv been looking at the documents i have to take in with me.
i dont have a valid drivers licence but i do have an 18 + card (proof of age card)
will that be enough for my second form of identification
🙂
First of all I want to thank you for the very informative page! I just have a couple of questions though.
Do you have a current feel for approximately how long it takes to get a visa in Adelaide from the day you submit your application to the day you’ll receive it back in the mail (obviously after getting your biometrics taken and sending it off)? I am travelling for 4 months prior to arriving in the UK so I don’t want to waste too much of my 2 year visa by applying too early (already losing a month due to travel by the looks of it).
Also, does the 3 month period (for the start date of your visa) commence from the date you submit your online visa application or the date that they grant you the visa?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Matt, I’ve not heard from many people applying in Adelaide but given the process in Adelaide is the same as what it was before the new visa processing offices came about last year I’d estimate around 2-3 weeks from time of sending your passport off in the post. It used to be a 2 week turn around but always add an extra week to be sure.
And yes the 3 month period starts from the time you complete your application online and pay the fee.
Hi,
My Tier 5 Youth mobility visa expires on the 7th of August. Do i have to actually leave the country on the 7th or do i just have to stop working?
Cheers
Hi Alex, you do need to leave the country before or on the date of your visa. If you wish to stay longer in the UK just to be a tourist you can leave and re-enter on a tourist visa but just have proof of departure and so on to appease the custom folks. They get a bit difficult for people returning after just finishing a working visa.
I’m heading over to the UK in September however I have a tour through Europe booked and some solo travel planned for approx 2/3months. I don’t want my visa to start until I’ve done all my traveling as I don’t want to waste any precious time.
Is it possible to enter on a tourist visa first even though I’ll have the working holiday visa? If yes, do I have to return to the UK on the EXACT start date of my working visa or are they lenient?
Hi Jess, you can only apply for the YMV 3 months out from when you want it to start and if you plan to travel 2/3 months before that there will be no way for it to start after you have finished your travels around unless you return to Australia to apply and then fly out. Otherwise you’ll just have to sacrifice some of your visa time to allow for some overlap.
You can enter the UK fine on a tourist visa before the working holiday visa starts just be sure to leave the UK and re-enter before you start looking for work etc.
Hi,
First off, this page is great! All the comments really help!
Second, I thought I would share my experience. I’m from Hamilton New Zealand, processed through Auckland.
Sat 14 Feb – Submitted my online application
Fri 20 Feb – Had biometrics appointment in Auckland.
Fri 20 Feb – Sent everything to the Auckland UK Visa office via courier from the Post shop.
Fri 27 Feb – Received email from UK Visa office saying “A decision has been made on your application”
Tue 3 Mar – Received my courier bag back with passports and Visa stamped inside.
Just over two weeks for the whole process. I am so excited and relived that it came through.
Things of note:
Dates: I applied the 14th May, but indicated my travel date was 18th May, my visa was approved for 18th May arrival. I guess they have changed the process a little bit and now allow some flexibility?
Biometrics: They took my photo, fingerprints, scanned my passport, stamped my application form and gave me a checklist for sending my documents off. It was only a 5 minute meeting. Also parking can be a bit of pain, so give yourself time to find one as you have to get one on the side of the road.
Sending off: I went to the post office across the road and she told me I needed two courier bags, one to send everything to the Auckland UK Visa office, and the second is self addressed so the Visa office can send everything back to me. ( I think they had a lot of people go through there 🙂 ) I sent passports, a printed electronic statement stamped by bank, photo and stamped visa application and the self addressed return courier bag. The Auckland Visa office forwarded it to Manilla on my behalf and then are also responsible for sending the passports back once the arrive back in NZ. You do NOT need an international bag.
The Email said ” A decision has been made on your application and your documents are being returned to the Visa Application Center (VAC). You will be contacted again by the VAC once these documents have been received and they are ready for you to collect.
Please do not attend the application center until you have been contacted by the VAC.”
Very no descriptive – but I believe its a legal requirement to be like that.
Proof of funds: I printed my online bank statement date (15 Jan to 15 Feb) and took it into the bank and had them stamp it to prove it was real and valid. You can also have the bank print one, just make sure the bank stamps, dates and signs it!
Good luck.
Thanks for the update on your visa Vanessa, will be useful to those in NZ applying.
Applied from Auckland NZ, process and time frames where almost identical to Vanessa (3 weeks from online app date and less than 2 weeks from my bio appointment). I’m travelling through Europe first so time times were tight, but still got it back with a couple weeks before I fly out.
I used a standard $5.50 NZ Post courier bag (plus $3 for tracking) which was fine for the return of my passport and visa.
For proof of funds I used my 6-monthly bank statement (June-Dec), plus an interim statement (Jan-Feb) I got the bank to print out, sign and stamp.
Hi there!
You’re information here is great, very helpful to make the application process a lot less stressful!
I have a query that I’m not sure if you’ll be able to help me with, but I’m worried about it being a bit of a problem! My father has legally changed his name (swapped his middle and first name) and so understandably I’m not sure how to add his name in the application. I can bring with me to the appointment his birth certificate which has a name change amendment, or would I be better to write him down with the name he was given at birth (that he never went by…)
Would love to hear your thoughts as I’m very undecided at the moment!
Hi Rochelle, I don’t believe they really check your parents details and I know many who’ve put their mothers married name and not maiden name and never had problems so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Just note down your Dad’s name as it stands now as thats what it legally is and you should be fine.
Thanks so much the theausienomad and all the comments on this website! I just applied and got my passport back (with visa!) in just over a week! Here is my timeline of events + emails that I’d received (because I was freaking out that the first email implied that I hadn’t been successful!!). FYI i am based in Sydney. Thanks again!
Tuesday 24th of Feb – went in for my appointment in the morning
Monday 2nd of March – received this email around 5pm
OFFICIAL: UK Visa Application: UKVI-Manila Visa Hub (Ref: XXXXXXX)
A decision has been made on your application and your documents are being returned to the Visa Application Centre (VAC). You will be contacted again by the VAC once these documents have been received and they are ready for you to collect.
Please do not attend the application centre until you have been contacted by the VAC. UKVI contact details can be found at http://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-outside-uk.
Thursday 5th of March – received this email around 10am and went and collected my passport!!
Application Recieved from the post CRM:000XXXX
Dear XXXX ,
The processed visa application for GWF reference number – GWF0XXXXX was received at the UK Visa Application Centre on 3/5/2015 .
If a courier service was purchased from VFS Global, your processed application will be delivered to the chosen address.
If not, your documents can be collected during the designated passport collection times.
Please note this is an auto generated e-mail. Please do NOT reply to this email.
Thanks for the details on your visa application mate.
Hi,
Sorry to ask another start date question, but I’m just having a little trouble with the new beta system for applying.
When I started my application on 1st March, I didn’t know what date I was going to land in London, so just put 23rd April 2015 because I knew that would be around the right time. I want to change this to the 21st of April. However, on the home screen of ‘my applications’ the travel date says 23rd April, even though inside the application in the “Passport and Travel Details” section, I have changed the “Date of planned arrival in the UK” to the 21st April.
Is it possible to change the Travel Date, or should I begin the application again?
Alternatively, if I wanted to give myself 4 weeks after my arrival date in the UK to look for a job, would I then need to set this as the travel date and just leave the UK and come back on my work visa in that 4 week period?
Thanks and hope that makes sense!!
Hi Jani, as long as the date shows up correctly on the application pages when you login and look to finish the application it should be fine. I believe their beta application process still has a few bugs and doesn’t update all the right fields correctly. If you are really worried just start the application again and then you can be sure the date will be correct.
If you want to give yourself some extra time you can look to have your visa start date later and then yes you’d make your travel date that time as well. The initial entry into the UK would be on a tourist visa so you’d need to have valid proof of leaving the country etc on you to avoid the customs folks getting all upset. Then when the work visa begins you leave the UK and reenter to be in the country legally to work.
Hi,
Im sorry in advance but I have a few questions…
by your first intended stay in the UK, do you mean for example your first hostel etc?
In the points part, do you write how many points in the funds bit or do you write ‘yes’?
As we are traveling for a few months before we work, would you suggest to write the date we intend to settle in the UK or or first date of travel.
Do we have to put our bank statement in the application (as there is a space for something) or just bring it to the appointment?
Not sure if you know all these but its worth a try!
This page is great! Helping the process go much quicker. Thank you 🙂
Hi Stevie, your first intended stay will be whereever you plan to sleep that first night so hostel or wherever you are sleeping first up. For the points I believe you write the number of points. For the date of intended travel it must be within 3 months of your application date as they use that as the start date of your visa. If you make it more than 3 months from application date they have been known to mess up the date and make the visa start as soon as you get it back.
For the bank statements they need to get sent off with your application yes so bring them to your appointment.
Hello.
So much helpful info!
I’ve been reading through the comments and am now worried about my bank statement. I went to the bank, asked them to print my statement, they stamped it and signed it and I thought all good. However on the bottom of the statement it says: This is not an official statement and is subject to change.
It’s not like the ones I get in the mail but is has the banks letterhead and everything. Should I be worried? As I said it is stamped and signed.
Thanks!
Hi Amy, as it an official document stamped from the bank you will be fine. Despite it saying its not an official statement as long as it shows your available balances as dated from when you received it you’ll be fine. Its got the stamp which makes it official.
Hiya!
Just wanted to let you know (no need to publish this to add to the thousands there already) that despite the online form allowing you to pick the start date for your visa within the next SIX months, you can only pick a date within the next THREE.
I know that you outline it has to be 3 months at the top of your article, but when I went to apply and that field on the form allowed me to go further and pick a date anywhere within 6 months, I just thought they must have changed it and you hadnt had a chance to update your post. I got caught out when I was actually at my biometrics appointment and it means i’ll now miss out on a couple weeks of my visa (not too bad, I know). They gave me the option to cancel my application, get a refund and apply again but I didnt want to have to do it all again.
Anyway – just a small thing that might help people out & save any confusion in the future, until they fix up their website which I wouldnt be holding my breath for!
Cheers 🙂
Hi – I was wondering if you knew about the “prime-time” appointments at the Melbourne location. I am applying now and the application strongly advises me to use a prime-time appointment because there could otherwise be delays. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend an appointment until April, and as of right now, I don’t see any April dates available. Do you know if the Melbourne application center doesn’t make appointments available until a certain time beforehand – i.e., in a few days, the April application times will open up?
Thanks! This is a really helpful guide.
Hi Ani, you can only attend an appointment within 30 days of completing your appointment online so there should in theory be April appointments listed but as the process is now run by a 3rd party its possible they have limited it somewhat. As far as I know the prime-time appointments are just the daytime offerings but I’ve not seen any official wording to know what they classify them as.
Thanks – a follow-up question: it doesn’t look like the April application slots are opening up, which is a problem. I can’t find a way to withdraw or delete my current application, however it looks like I can just make a new one. Is there any reason I can’t just do this, making sure not to submit the application until closer to the date I can attend the biometric appointment?
Many thanks!
Hi Ani, if you’ve paid your fee you can request a refund if you are yet to attend your biometric appointment. There should be details of how to do that in my post above. Then you can just apply again and be on your way.
I’m wondering if anyone else has any info with the “countries traveled to question” I’m concerned I’ve now made a mistake.
When filling it out, it specified any countries that are not the UK or commonwealth, So i did not list Vanuatu & NZ.
Yet on the print out it only states country you have visited outside the UK, that’s not the same question at all.
Does anyone think this will cause any major problems with my application?
Cheers
Hi Shannon, the application form and the print outs seem to be amiss on a few items. I don’t think you’ll have any problems with the list of countries.
Hi,
So my youth mobility visa expires in Jan 16 next year and i was planing on travelling around Europe for a few weeks after this. Is it possible to enter back into the UK for a few weeks after my travels if i have evidence of a return flight booked back to Aus? Or can i not return for 90 days?
Many thanks,
Sarah
Hi Sarah, you can certainly come and go after your visa has expired just make sure you have your evidence you will be leaving the UK. The customs folks can be a right pain entering again after the visa has expired. I’ve had nothing but trouble ever since mine expired despite having all the proof I needed.