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.
Hi,
Just a question regarding the second form of ID. Does it have to be a Drivers License/Proof of Age Card or can it be a birth certificate etc. I have recently misplaced my Drivers License and now have to wait 3 weeks for a new one to be sent out, but have already booked my interview in for the next 2 weeks :/
Any help would be much appreciated.
Sophie
Hi Sophie, I think as long as you have one form of photo ID as well as your birth certificate or similar you should be fine.
Hi Aussie nomand!
Your website is so helpful, i can’t even begin to explain!
Anyway i applied for my visa and i think it was refused because i had a semi damaged passport (which the aus passport office cleared) but I’m fearful because i received an email saying a decision was made not my visa was ready.
If this is the case and i didn’t receive the visa can you reapply and is there a waiting time?
Thanky ou in advance!
Hi Beth, they don’t tell you if the visa was approved or refused just that a decision was made. I’m sure you will be fine.
Hi,
I was wondering about whether or not I need to let my current Tier 4 visa expire before returning back to Canada to apply for the YM Visa?
My current visa is the Tier 4 Doctoral Extension Scheme (the post PhD visa that was recently offered to you if you finished your PhD in the UK). It expires May 24th 2015. Would I need to way for this expiry before I apply? Or could I go home in April and apply for the Tier 5 while the other one is still valid?
Thanks!
Hi Norah, as far as I’m aware you can apply for another visa before your existing one expires. Just be sure to let the customs folks when you re-enter the UK to take note of the new visa so they don’t log you down as in the country on your old visa.
Hi Aussie Nomad
I have a Youth Mobility visa which has arrived and has the ‘valid from’ date one month from now. I have read some of your other replies and am aware that If I want to enter earlier I will need to enter on a tourist stamp, then leave the UK and re enter on my work visa. I also heard somewhere that you can only enter for a total of six months in ever 12 months? Is this correct, and is this six months from the date of entry. ie if I travelled to the UK for a couple of months last year in August would I then need to wait until August to be allowed back in on a tourist stamp as the six months from august would have expired in feb?
Another question, If you are refused entry to the UK as a tourist in the weeks leading up the work visa becoming valid does this affect your entry on the visa, given you have a refusal of entry on record, or does the fact that the working visa has been already approved mean that it doesn’t matter and you can just enter after the valid from date?
Thanks
Hi Dan, a tourist visa for the UK allows you to stay in the country 6 months out of every 12 months. If you went to the UK for 2 months last year then you’d have 4 months left to spend in the UK before the visa time starts to reset. Its a rolling 12 months so as long as you don’t go over 6 months in any 12 month period you are fine.
If you are refused entry I imagine it would depend on why you were refused entry. If the visa is already granted then I’d say you would be fine to enter but its really up to customs to allow/deny you.
Hey Aussie Nomad,
A variation on this question appears to have been asked a few times so sorry for posing a similar question.
I am planning to fly into the UK over a month before my visa starts as I will be travelling Europe before settling. I understand that I will fly in on a tourist visa and then when I return from my travels (via Amsterdam) I will re-enter the UK with my Visa. That is all fine but as I am doing a Top Deck tour I don’t have a ticket to prove that I am leaving the UK after I arrive for the first time…
Is there anything else I can use to prove that I am planning to leave the UK? I don’t know if my Top Deck confirmation email will cut it.
Thanks,
Matt
Hi again,
Just thinking about it, would a bank statement showing that I have enough funds to buy a ticket home as well as my Topdeck booking confirmation be sufficient proof for border force?
Thanks in advance.
Matt I think you’ll be fine as your visa starts a month afterwards so they know you aren’t planning to stay longer illegally.
Hi Matt, for your tour just print out the confirmation of payment or proof you are going on the tour and that should be fine. They just want a sign of onward travel and thats as good as you can get. The fact your visa starts a month later should ease any problems they have as well.
This is such a great website Aussie Nomad, thank you so much for putting this together for us. I feel much more comfortable going through the whole process myself, as my friends all did it through a third party agency and told me a lot of horror stories they had heard from them about how many things could possibly go wrong and how much longer it takes doing it as an individual rather than as a certified agency (yet on their website it said ‘give it 4-8 weeks’ for the application process which I think is even longer than what it would take doing it your self. 10 days to process, approx a week to wait for the biometric appointment from the time of application, 10 days for the passport to be ping-ponged). So thank you so so much, this was very reaffirming and made me feel much more confident about my decision.
Just one more question, is it difficult to apply and obtain the National Insurance number yourself? As it sound like it is one of the things the agencies also scare you about!
Thank you so much.
Hi Ria, agencies use a lot of scare tactics to get you to use them I’m afraid which is a shame as the process really is super simple. For the National Insurance number thats really easy to get as well. I’ve a whole guide on that if you look under my moving to london series in the sidebar of the site. You call up they send out some paperwork that you fill in and thats it.
Hey aussie nomad,
I have filled out the application form and in the process of booking my interview.
It says I need to make my payment within 3 hours of booking the interview?
If for whatever reason my application is unsuccessful do I get my money back?
Also forms such as banks statements, copy of passport etc, where do you provide those? At your interview or before?
Thanks mate
Hi Finlay, once you’ve paid your money there is no refunds for an unsuccessful application. For the additional documents you provide all of that at your biometric appointment.
Your website is so wonderful thanks so much!! I’m due to attend my biometric appointment next week! (eeeekkkk)
I’ve noted that I had a previous passport as a child and still have it. Do you think I will need to take it along?? I will have to head to my parents to get it before I go which could be painful so I’m hoping not! (didn’t think about this before I should have noted that I didn’t have it!)
Thanks 🙂
Hi Amanda, for the previous passport you are suppose to provide it if you stated you still have it but I don’t think its a deal breaker if you left it out.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Just wanted to say a huge thanks to you for your comprehensive guide! I recently applied for and was granted a Youth Mobility visa and your information made the whole process a lot less stressful!
Thanks again and best wishes,
Amy
Hi Aussie Nomad.
My Tier 5 YMS visa expires in october. do I have to exit the country on the date it expires or is there a “grace” period for me to tidy up etc and then head on my way? Thanks,
Hi Lily, you do need to leave the UK on or before your visa expires yes. If you overstay a day or two expect a word from customs but if you stay too long you risk the chance of them denying you re-entry to the country for a year or more.
Thanks Aussie Nomad, your information and all the comments have been a great help and definitely made the process less stressful. Glad I didn’t waste a load of money on a visa service thingy. I’m from New Zealand and thought I would share my timeline for any other Kiwi’s using this site.
Wed 11th March – completed online forms
Mon 16th March – biometrics appointment
Mon 16th March – sent everything away
Mon 23rd March – Email saying a decisions been made
Thurs 26th March – Passport arrived back with visa
I thought I stuffed up the start dates deferring it till the 16th of June but it was adjusted back to 11th June (I thought the three months might go from the biometrics appointment). Travelling to America shortly before making my way to the UK. Will lose a few weeks off the total time as I wont arrive till after my visa starts but that’s not a big deal.
Went to the postshop over the road after my interview and sent it away to the Auckland Visa office, who then forwarded it to Manila and sent it back to me once it got back in the country. Needed two courier bags, one with a return address. These didn’t need to be international.
Thanks for keeping it simple, can’t wait to start my journey.
Congrats on getting the visa Cody, enjoy your time abroad.
What is an acceptable address to list for your UK address? Obviously I don’t have one there, but if I put down details from a random hotel will this be good enough? or do I even have to book accomodation three months away just to pass a backcheck of those details? I don’t want to pay the near $400 fee just to be told it failed on that part…
Hi Kris, I recommend using a hotel or hostel that you might potentially stay at upon arriving there. That address may change and honestly think the questions is pointless so pick a safe option rather than random but otherwise all should be good.
Hi mate,
There’s something that I cannot find over the net – regarding bank statements. Do I need to show that I have 1,800 pounds held for 3 MONTHS? Or simply have it before I apply.
No where does it say I need to hold it for 3 months. For other Visas it’s a requirement. But I’d like to confirm it’s not for this one. Hope you can help!
Cheers, Ron.
Hi Ron, the money requirement is a strange one. When I applied some time ago they wanted to see proof you had the funds for some time (3 months) but now it seems they just want proof you have that much money available at time of application.
Hello Aussie Nomad,
I have applied for a Tier 5 Working Visa starting from June 1st I now have the opportunity to travel from the 21st of May. Can I enter the UK around the the 21st of May on a tourist visa, leaving the UK to travel to the republic of ireland on 30th of May and then returning to the UK on the 11th of June and start my working visa?
Because your website is saying that i can do this but i emailed the UK visa and immigration today and they said i would not be able to do this and my Tier 5 visa might become invalid.
Cheers
Hi Yasmin, its fine to enter early and then leave and re-enter on your visa. Not sure why the immigration people would say that as I know lots of people who’ve done that including myself.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Great website – I’ve found this comments section really handy, so I thought I’d add one about my own experience. I submitted an application on Sunday 8th March, realised that I’d put start date for a day AFTER my flight arrived in London. I emailed contacted UK immigration (https://ukvi-international.faq-help.com/) to ask if this could be changed prior to or at my biometrics interview – they replied within 24 hours and were very clear with their advice (so if you are struggling with the form like I was, I’d highly recommend emailing your questions directly). Nothing could be changed, but I could request a refund on my application and start again. My refund came within three days.
Thursday 12th March – submitted my application
Wednesday 18th March – attended biometrics interview (in Canberra)
Monday 22nd March – received email confirming my application had been received and processed and was being returned to me.
Thursday 26th March – passport containing visa arrived at my house via Australia Post courier.
Did the email that you got say that it had been successful? Mine just says that a decision has been made and that I should wait for a confirmation email to pick it up from the visa processing center.
Hi Georgia, they never tell you if the visa is successful in any correspondence I’m afraid. In 99.9% of cases I’ve seen however it means you have your visa.
Hello! Oh my goodness these comments have made my day! I went to my biometrics appointment on 17/04/15 and got an email today 22/04/15 saying that a decision has been made and they are sending my documents back. I did not think It would be that quick and was freaking out that it has been denied. We will wait and see now haha
Amazing website, has helped me so much 🙂
Hi 🙂
Having a bit if difficulty with my application. It is asking me if i have been to any countries outside the UK in the past ten years and the details of the trip. I was a gap student and i travelled to many countries and have no idea what dates they were!!
What should i do??
Thank you soooo much
Rose
Hi Rose, honestly guess. Its an annoying question to ask so just put down what you think you did/went too. I don’t believe they take that much notice of the full details.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Thank you for this info its been very helpful! I just have one question, when booking my biometric app its asking me if i want a standard app or a primetime… Do you know which one i need?
Thank you so much for your help
Hi Thea, i’ve seen people ask about that before and honestly don’t know the exact answer. I believe primetime is for fast tracked applications but if you find out I’d love to know.
HI Aussie Nomad,
this is a really informative website and has helped me a lot, thank you so much!
I have seen similar questions posted earlier but I’m not sure if the rules have changed since.
I have my bank statement ready for my biometrics appointment this coming Thursday 16/04/15 showing I have just over the required 1890 pounds. I put my intended date of entry in to the UK as 16th June so that it would be within the required 3 months, however, my friend (who is also traveling on a YMV) & I intend to travel through India, Nepal & Turkey until mid-July. We then wanted to travel Europe until the end of August. As we are traveling on a tight budget, we may end up using some of our savings put aside for the UK visa. Obviously this isn’t a big deal as we’re hoping to get work in the UK in September.
But my main question is, do we have to prove once we enter the UK for the first time in August that we still have 1890 pounds? Or, should we travel from Turkey directly to the UK while we still have the minimum required savings, and then travel Europe, and then re-enter the UK? Or does it not matter either way?
I hope this makes sense, thanks again!
Emily
Hi Emily, there’s no need to prove your funds on entering the UK. Its only for applying for the visa and nothing else. So travel your heart out and then head for the UK.
Hi mate
This is a fantastic website, thanks!
One question though, which I think is not covered by the above comments. When listing the countries I’ve visited in the past 10 years, I ran out of room. I even saved the application each time I entered a new country so that I would be able to enter more, though eventually it doesn’t let you do this either, after about 20-30 countries. In the end I deleted the commonwealth countries, and also deleted countries which I had re-entered on the same trip (I’d entered Argentina around 5 times on the same trip (by crossing into Uruguay, Brazil and back etc). What this means is that I have multiple entry stamps for Argentina where I haven’t recorded this in the country visited (except for the first time I landed), but because I had no room I couldn’t see a way around it.
I have a biometrics appointment in a few days. From what I’ve gathered they don’t seem super strict on the previous countries visited, though do you have an opinion on whether I’ll be okay?
Thanks!
Hi Edward, the listing of countries to me seems like a stupid requirement for the visa to me and from everything I’ve seen its not really strict at all. So just note down the major travels and go with it. The only thing I can think of is its been added to try and find people who have travelled to particular countries that might need a bit of extra looking over to make sure they were there for legitimate reasons and nothing bad.
Hi,
How long after the date which you fill in the application are you able to get an appointment at a Visa center? The reason I’m asking is because I am planning to travel around Europe before entering the UK, and therefore I’m trying to decide what is the latest time that I can apply for my visa before leaving so that I don’t have to forfeit too much of the visa length. I don’t want to leave it too late incase after the application is filled out I can’t get an appointment for a month or so, because then it’s risky sending off my passport that late. At the end of your application, are the Visa Center appointments usually offered within 2 weeks or do you have to book a number of weeks in advance?
Thank you!!!
Hi Bianca, you have to have had your biometric appointment within 30 days of applying as far as I’m aware otherwise your application is cancelled and you lose your money. In saying that the availability of getting appointments seems a bit all over the place and some days there are none while others have lots. Personally I’d forgo a week or two in the UK to ensure everything goes to plan and you don’t get caught without your passport back in time for your flight and so on.
Cool, thank you!! Also, do I need to buy 1 year travel insurance before applying for my Visa??
Hi Bianca, you are covered medically in the UK by the NHS (like medicare) so you only need travel insurance for your trip to the UK and then for any time you leave the UK.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
I finally completed my online application last Friday and had my Biometrics Appointment today.
But I was not told on my apointment that I had to complete the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) application online. I only found this out now after further reading.
I’ve already completed it online and have my reference number but I don’t know what to do with it now. Is there anyway I can add this to my application? Or do I assume they are able to get this reference themselves?
Does this affect my application at all? I’m getting worried as we timed our travels quite closely and can’t afford to have my application declined and re-apply again.
Hi Paulo, this is the first I’ve ever heard of an IHS and don’t have a clue what it is. Are you sure you are applying for the same visa I’ve spoken about here or do you have some background history that requires you to have more medical checks at all?
Hi Paulo and Aussie Nomad – I went for my biometrics appointment today and got asked about my IHS application as well!
I’m now in the same boat as you; i’ve since obtained a reference number but don’t know what to do with it…
Hi Lian, I’ve been doing some research on the IHS number and looks like its just come into effect on April the 6th this year. Reading up on what needs to be done is you apply and get the reference number and then write it on your visa application. If you’ve submitted your visa application already then I don’t beleive there is anything else you can do with the reference number from what I understand at the moment.
Hi Lian,
What we did to make sure if send an email containing your IHS reference number to:
[email protected]
The email you received which contains the IHS number would do, just forward that to this email address but change the subject line to your GWF reference number so they know who to associate it with. I guess the more details you provide would help as well like Full name, DOB, passport etc.
Also just as as update, we applied online last Friday on 10/04, had the biometrics on the Monday 13/04 and just received an email today saying a decision has been made on our application. Fingers crossed its good news…
And that timeline also includes us not including the IHS reference number till after our Biometrics.
AN was correct that IHS was just implemented on 6th of April so we got a bit blindsided when asked for the reference number.
Hi AN and Paulo
I had read some replies from you guys and also followed Paulo’s advice on how to get my IHS reference number emailed directly to Manila (can’t seem to find that message anymore on this thread) and good news; my visa’s been approved!
Total turnaround time was only 11 days from my biometrics appointment to getting my passport back. Thanks for all your help and for allowing me some peace of mind during that anxious waiting period!
Hi Austin Nomad,
I have my youth mobility visa and am in the UK now, just wondering if I need to organize an additional visa when visiting other areas of Europe. I.e. France?
Hi Emma, when you travel to mainland Europe you are automatically granted a visa that allows you to stay for up to 180 days in a 360 day period. For a full breakdown on where you are covered look up the schengen visa as some far eastern countries are excluded and you may need a visa for those.
Hi Aussie Nomad
This may sound a bit dumb and very paranoid but I recently had my visa approved but I am quietly freaking out about the type that I ended up getting. According to the document in my passport I received a “Tier 5 (Youth Mob) Migrant” visa – is this the correct/standard working holiday type of visa? The one that lets you work for 2 years in any field?
I know when filling in the application there were a couple of different Tier 5 options (volunteer, sportsperson, migrant, student etc) however migrant seemed like the most appropriate option. I think it’s all good but just want to confirm for some piece of mind.
Thanks!
Hi Mike, that sounds like the right visa to me and it states “Youth Mob” which I imagine is youth mobility. You would be a migrant as well I believe so all should be good. I do however understand the worry and fear of getting something wrong but think you are worrying about nothing.
Thanks Mate – just a little paranoid. When filling in the sub category for the visa I think Migrant was the most appropriate so can’t envisage any issues. So long as it’s a Youth Mobility Tier 5 hopefully it’s all good.
HI,
I found that once you submit your application but prior to setting an appointment, you cant go back and change the application which is a bummer.
1. I put the wrong date of arrival to the UK, and will be having my biometrics just outside the 3 months, by about 2 weeks… will this matter? (surely there are people that go travelling for 6-12months prior to entry?)
2. I indicated that I have an old passport in my possession but forgot to add the details before submitting the application – does this matter?
Thanks.
Hi Martin, for the date of arrival they should back date the visa start date the 2 weeks you were off but just ask at the biometric appointment to be sure. Worst case you can cancel your application and re-apply (you do get a refund if done before attending your biometric appointment) As for people travelling 6-12 months before they’d be faced with returning home to apply or applying before they left and missing out on some of the 2 year visa period. Such is the way the visas work.
For the previous passport I thought you just had to state if you had a previous passport or not and if you indicated you did bring it so it can be sent off with your application. I don’t think its a deal breaker though as many people have forgotten to add it or left off details and got their visa.
I have made a similar mistake but rather completely forgot to mention my previous passport (which I cannot find now) Should I change this in my printed application/bring it along if I somehow find it before my interview?
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Ashleigh, if you never mentioned a previous passport then I’d just leave it off altogether.
There are several questions on here asking about applying with a criminal record, but not much in the way of follow up from people that have attempted it, so I thought I’d add something for those that are curious. My girlfriend was recently successful in her application, despite having 3 criminal convictions.
Just under 5 years earlier, she got into an alcohol fueled argument one night and ended up being arrested. She put up a resistance and the next day plead guilty to ‘Assault of a police officer without ABH’, ‘Preventing an officer of the law from carrying out his duty’ (i.e. resisting arrest) and common assault. The penalties were not severe and amounted to nothing more than being banned from the suburb for 1 year – not even a fine.
On her application, she explained that it really was a one off incident, that she has been regretful ever since and drew attention to the low severity of the offence as indicated by the penalty applied. She did not actually describe the event though. She also submitted a Criminal History Check, which listed the convictions and penalties. That cost her $55 through the local police station. When she went for the biometrics, she was asked to fill out a form describing the incident and she did so, brutally honestly, without attempting to sugar coat anything.
Her visa was approved less than a week later.
Hope that helps anyone who has a minor conviction or two in the past and is wondering whether or not to apply.
Hi Gerry, thanks so much for the info on your girlfriends application. You are right in many people ask for help but few return to update the rest of us. I’ve had some feedback recently on criminal convictions and getting the visa but there’s not a whole lot of info so your details is really really helpful.
Hi Gerry,
Did she have to verbally explain the convictions to someone or just write it down?
She just wrote it down.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
My plan is to apply for a Tier 5 Visa within the next month, so thanks very much for your helpful info.
I have been back on the UK Visa website today and I see they have updated it with a new section regarding a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). I am about to read through the information but was just wondering if you have any knowledge of what this consists of? It talks about picking up the permit within 10 days of your stated visa start date?
Cheers
Hi Mitch, I’ve been reading up on the BRP item as well since its seems very new to the application. The only thing I can think this might be is the stamp they put in your passport when applying for the visa. Or they are replacing that stamp with something else. At this point in time I’ve very little info on what it is and how it all works so am hoping folks like you will apply and let me know what the process is. I’ve just updated the data above to include the IHS healthcare reference ID you need to apply for so seems things are changing for the visa again.
https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/overview
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/418271/v_9_overseas_BRP_leaflet.pdf
The BRP is basically a card as far as I can tell. You get your biometric data (photo and fingerprints via a glass screen) taken at the visa application appointment and within 30 days of you arriving in the UK you need to go to the indicated post office (address provided via email/letter) and collect it using your passport as ID. The post office you collect it from will relate to the address of residence you put in your visa application, and you can also change which post office you collect from if you need to collect it from elsewhere in the UK.
Thanks Bek, seems this was added around the same time as the IHS healthcare requirement. I’ve not seen anybody get theirs or mention it yet so once you make it abroad would love to get some feedback on the process and what its all about.
Hi, just thought I would give you an update on timelines!
This is the SYD office
Applied online: 25th March
Bio appoint: 2nd April (Incase anyone is interested it took about an hour from getting there but most of this was waiting.
Email received stating decision made 9th April
Passport received with VISA on 14th April in Central NSW
So less than two weeks from bio appoint to getting in back. Also I posted above about the old passport from when I was a kid, I didn’t even get questioned on it.
I’m going to London!! 🙂
Thanks for all your help.
Hello!
I’m just wanting to clarify that you only need one form of verification for your funds? So, a letter from your bank is sufficient? I don’t also need a certified copy of my bank statement?
Thank you!
Hannah
Hi Hannah, yes thats correct just one form of verification of your funds either a bank statement or letter from the bank printed on their letterhead.
Hi,
I submitted and paid for my online tier 5 YMS visa a few days ago but didn’t realise I had to have a bank statement to prove I had the required amount of funds in my acct the same day as my application was submitted. I was planning on getting a bank statement a few days before my bio appt on the 3rd of May. Should I request a refund and wait to submit my visa until I have the funds in my acct? I was planning to go over early June.
Any advice would be awesome!
Thanks
Hi Grace, as long as your bank statement shows the funds in your account before your bio appointment you should be fine. The requirement to have it 30-90 days before you application seems to be irrelevant now.
Hi 🙂 My boyfriend is coming to Brussels for few weeks before we’ll moved to London.
I was wondering if he’s better to apply from Australia or Belgium for this vias?? And when does the visa starts? Is it when he get to London or before? Thank you
Hi Celine, your boyfriend will need to apply for the visa in Australia unless he also holds a visa for Belgium that allows him to live and work there. The visa starts based on the date you pick for it providing its within 3 months of the date of application.
Thank you for answering me 🙂 But do you know How long will take to get an appointment and get his stamp for the visa done? He’s flying in 22days.. will be enough time you think? thank you
Ok, it says bank statement must be dated on or before application though? I am freaking out I case I get refused. Do you know of other people who have still got their visa in this circumstance?
Thanks so much for your help, life saver!!
Hi Grace, I do indeed so you should be fine.
Hi guys,
Has anyone had problems creating an account to obtain an IHS reference number? I’m having major problems and have sinces tried to create two accounts, when I get the link to activate them it sends me to a page to enter my password which doesn’t work, attempting to reset doesn’t work either and I’m getting pinballed by email on who I need to talk to.
I was told once I get the reference number to email it to Manila!
Suggestions?
Thanks,
Jon
Hi Jon, have you tried a different web browser or computer? Sounds like a problem specific to your end.
Hey Jon how’d you go?
I’m having the same problems and my appointment is tomorrow. The IHS log in page keeps knocking me back… god this is painful!!!
Cheers.
Hi Jon and Stefan,
I had a similar problem. turned out I was using my email instead of the supplied username to login.
I got in fine once I fixed this but unfortunately after logging in and filling out the questionnaire the sight failed to supply a IHS number.
Aussie Nomad do you know if anyone else has had this problem?
Hi JN,
Did you end up finding a solution to this problem?
I have successfully created a IHS account but everytime I lodge the form (accept the t&c’s) I get an error message and no IHS number!
I have emailed the IHS online team to notify them of the error/bug and will have to wait until tomorrow to call the help line and hope they can solve the problem for me.
Has anyone had this problem and if so have they figured out a work around.
(FYI I have tried 2 computers, 3 web browsers and a different email address just in case but no luck”
HI,
I am applying for the Tier 5 YMS soon as I have just been offered a position in London. The job doesn’t start till the 1st of September, but I am arriving in the UK on the 28th of June and will be doing some travel during this period, however I will be based in the UK during this time with my partner who is already there. My question is…when I am completing my application, should I apply for my Visa to start on the 28th of June when I first enter? Or Should I apply for it to start closer to when my actual job/position starts on the 1st of September? Thank you
Hi Olly, your visa must start within 3 months of your application date so use that as a guide for when to set the start date. A quick look at your intended travel dates means you could have it start somewhere between June and September just be sure to leave and re-enter the UK after the visa is valid to be legally allowed to work etc. It really depends on the date you are flying out of Australia as you need to allow a month to apply for and get the visa.
Firstly, your site has been a godsend through my whole visa application process.
I was wondering have you heard of anyone having issues with the website not allowing them to chose the correct appointment location. I’m in Perth and the site will only let me chose Sydney location?
Hi Bianca, I’ve seen that once before and I believe the person was able to finish the application by trying another web browser. Failing that if you haven’t got to the part of paying for the visa you can try restarting your application and that may work as well.
Hi Nomad,
I have a tricky situation regarding my application and would love to know if you have any advice regarding or know of any similar situations.
I have completed my application and have my appointment booked in for Monday 27/04.
And will be applying for the priority service as I need my passport back by Friday 08/05 as I have work in New Zealand and have to fly out early Saturday 09/05 (flights booked).
When they take your passport do they also send it off with the application??
I ask because I have a DUI offence from 5 years ago, I have all the documents regarding this ready to submit with my application.
But I read on the VFS website it can delay the application having answered yes to having committed an offence.
Fingers crossed I don’t get refused because of my DUI but I’m more concerned that I won’t be able to get my passport back before I have to fly out.
Hi Jake, sorry for not getting to this before you appointment today. As you will have found out they do take your passport and send it away for processing.
Jake can you let me know if you are successful in obtaining a visa?
Can you also tell me what documents you provided? National police certificate and court documents? Anything else?
Thanks
Hey there! Thank you so much for this info. SO MUCH MORE HELPFUL THAN THE UK WEBSITE OR TRYING TO CALL THEM! You’re a god sent! I have been living and working in France for the last 5 months and my french visa expires in 3 months so i’m hoping to get a UK visa before it ends. I was told that I could apply for a UK visa in France if I had lived there for 6 months. Is that correct? Or do I have to go home to AUS to apply for a UK visa? I’m trying to apply for a tier 5 YMS visa. I have friends in London doing live in pub work at the moment and i’d love to join them. Basically I don’t want to go home yet! I qualify for the visa but I just need to know if I can apply for it in France. Cheers!
Hi Hilary, you should be able to apply for the visa from France yes. I’m a little fuzzy on the full requirements but a you hold a valid visa to live/work in France then that allows you to apply for the visa from there. If you are worried about the 6 month period you could wait one more month to apply but I don’t think they’ll have any real problem with it. Just start completing the application and see what options it presents you as you progress through it.
So having a valid French visa should allow me to apply here no worries? That’s a relief. Thanks!!!
Hi Hilary, yes as long as your french visa allows you to live there legally then yes you can apply from France. You just can’t apply if you were there on a tourist visa, it needs to be a visa granting you permission to live in the country.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Our application was approved! From the date of application to picking up our passport was exactly two weeks.
This guide definitely made it such a breeze like I knew the questions coming and what to answer.
Just some followup questions. We’ll be arriving in London on 10/06 – 15/06, entering on tourist visa initially as our YMV only take effect from 9th of July. So we’ll be travelling for 3-4 weeks first.
During our 5 days stay on a tourist visa are we able to:
Apply for NHS?
Open a bank account?
Try and find accomodation and sign contracts?
Apply for a tax file number equivalent?
Or is this something we need to do on the YMV visa instead of tourist visa?
Hi Paulo, congrats on the visa and good luck abroad. As to your queries you can look for a place to live as thats 95% private rentals so you don’t really sign anything just pay the people you are living with. The rest will be difficult as NHS and tax file details need an address to send out documents too and the bank will want proof of address and your passport with visa dates etc.
Thanks Chris, your blog is a real life saver. I’m attending my biometric appointment tomorrow (still have to rush to the bank tomorrow morning to ask for the bank transactions) and hope everything goes smoothly afterwards. Will definitely refer to your blog more in the future when I touch down London.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Just regarding the visa and studying, I would like to travel and live in the UK before i start studying there in October. The thing is, the student Visa only allows you to be there up to 1 month before my semester begins however I would like to go in June.
Am I able to apply for the tier 5 visa, live there for a few months and find work, then study when my semester begins in October? I know that you are able to study on the tier 5 visa however as long as its not your main purpose whilst living there. Just unsure how strict they are on this.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Peter
Hi Peter, you can enter the UK earlier while going for your student visa, you would just be there as a tourist first which offers up to 6 months for tourists to be in the UK. So you could go earlier and as long as you leave the UK and re-enter once your student visa is valid all would be ok. This saves you from using your tier 5 visa for studying as after you study there you may find you want to live and work in the UK and that would be the visa you’d want then.
hi
once you have received for visa do you have a certain amount of time to enter the UK to activate the visa??
at the biometric appointment they told me 3 months from the starting date but when I tried to ring up and get more solid information they were very vague on the specifics, also if there is a period of time you have to activate it in if you fail to enter the UK with in that time frame can you re apply from australia for the same visa or is it a one off thing??
Hi Michael, the visa is active as per the start date you set when you apply. You can only set the start date of the visa to be a max of 3 months from the time you apply so I think that might be what the staff were trying to tell you. Once you’ve applied and been granted the visa you also can’t re-apply no matter if you never went to the UK in the first place.
thanks mate for the information hard to get much out of the uk immigration contact number or email contact address given on the website, originally my mater told me it took him 3 months to process his visa probably should have done a bit more research, so once you have the visa you can enter and leave any time within the dates specified on the visa??
Yep once the visa is valid you can come and go from the UK as much as you like while its valid, just as if you were a citizen of the country.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Thanks for writing this blog, this is really helpful! I wanted to ask about one thing:
1. Whether I can use my parents bank account + birth certificate to show I am their son as proof of funds?
Hi Damien, the funds need to be in an account of your name so no you’ll not be able to use your parents account.
Hi Aussie Nomad
I live in Thailand and have duo passport Australian and Thai , so I enter Thailand with my Thai Passport. I want to apply for Tier 5 is it possible to apply at the VFS in Bangkok or I need to go back to Australia to apply?
If I have to go back, I have limited time that I can spent in Sydney to apply for this visa (hopefully 11 – 29 jul), will the express visa help , I dont mind paying extra?
What are the chances of getting this Tier 5 visa, I’m currently 30, DOB – 5 Jan 1985.
Thank you
Hi Linda, honestly I’m not sure on that but imagine you can apply from Bangkok. If not the express visa option will get you the visa in time as it takes a week or less based on the feedback from others. And you’ll be fine to apply at your age just make sure to have done so before you turn 31.
Hi Aussie Nomad
Thank you for a quick response.
Another little issue that I just notice. I’ll be doing a course in France between 26 Aug – 13 Nov 15, is it possible to get the visa for 14 Nov 15 eventhough my traveling date is 3 months before hand?
You can have the visa start on the 14th nov but you will need to apply for it 3 months before that date, around the 14th of August. The reason being your visa must start within 3 months of you applying for it.
Hi Nomad,
I have recently applied and paid for my visa (moving July 28) and when wanting to book an interview in Sydney the latest date i could book was June 5. Is there a reason for this?
I am travelling to South America next week so I could not afford to hand over my passport if I made an interview for this week, and risk not having it back. I was planning on going along to the interview and get information off them as to what I could do about the later interview date as I could NOT find a phone number for Syd centre ANYWHERE!
Anyway, after reading this blog I decided to CANCEL and get a REFUND on my application and re-apply early June when I return from South America.
Was this the best thing to do? Will it affect my new application at all?
Thank-you, Tahlia.
Hi Tahlia, the reason you couldn’t book an appointment further in advance will most likely be due to the 30 day period you have to attend your appointment before your application is made invalid. As you were time poor cancelling and applying later was the best option and it won’t have any impact on you applying again later on.
Hi Aussie Nomad!! I have just submitted my visa application online. In the section which asks where you have traveled in the last 10 years I left out a trip from a few years ago and just remembered as soon as I hit submit!!!! I have contacted the home office and asked if I will be able to write it on the application? Do you think that I will be rejected and lose the money for the application!! They will see in my passport that I have left out somewhere where I have been stamped :S
Hi Bianca – same thing happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I just hand wrote the details of the missing trip onto the application. Everything ended up being approved in a fairly short time frame with no dramas. Hope that helps 🙂
Hi Bianca, don’t worry. Lots of people have left trips off by accident and 10 years is a long time to try and remember. You’ll be fine I’m sure of it.
Hi,
I am just starting to apply for my visa now. On the first page it asks for my intended travel date. Is that the day I leave Australia or the date that I intend to land in the UK? I am flying out from Australia on July 13th and travelling for a month before I fly into London on the 10th August. Will it then give me an option to select the date I’d like my visa to start? Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Ashlee, the intended travel date is the day you intend to arrive in the UK. The intended travel date is also the date you plan to have your visa start on so aim for that being the 10th of August.
Hey there,
Great site, UK visas are a nightmare!
Question… I’m an Australian and my YMS visa expires in Feb. My husband has a sponsored tier 2 visa and his expiry date is a few weeks later.
How long can I stay in the UK after my visa expires? We are planning on going home but not the very next day after my visa expires.
How many days do I have to get out of the UK? Or can I leave and come back in as a non-worker to sort out my flat etc?
No info about this at all online.
I know in the USA it’s very clear ‘you have 30 days to leave the country after your visa expires’… but the UK is unclear.
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Hi Erin, you will need to leave the UK on or before the date of your visa expiring. Staying longer makes you an illegal immigrant as far as I understand their rules. You can however leave and re-enter the UK just be sure to proof of your flights home and so on for the customs folks as they aren’t so kind to people returning so soon after their visa expires.
When you re-enter you will be as a tourist so keep that in mind when speaking to customs.
Hi there,
I’m about to apply for the Tier 5 visa, however my passport will expire during the period that I will be over in London. My visa will be for the period June 2015 – June 2017 and my current passport expires in January 2017. The gov.uk website says you must have a valid passport but I can’t find any information on the website that says it has to be valid for the duration of the visa you’re applying for. I noticed you mention on this site that your passport must be valid for the duration of your visa.. I have contacted the UK embassy in Australia and they said they couldn’t answer my question (which I thought was odd) and gave me a number to call the embassy in London. I called a couple of times and just got a answering message saying the operator lines were closed (even though it was 11am over there) and was directed to the website.. which still doesn’t answer my question. I then contacted 1st Contact here in Australia and they said as long as I had 6 months on my passport when applying for the visa that would be fine and I could just renew my passport while I’m over in the UK as long as I keep the old passport with which has in the visa attached. I just wanted to know where you had read that your passport must be valid for the entire visa when applying? Thanks so much in advance for your help. Lara
Hi Lara, you just need 6 months validity on your passport to apply for the visa and travel abroad. Once your old one expires you’ll just need to travel with both the new and old passports as the visa stamp will be in your old one. I say you need a valid passport for the length of your stay to save on complications and carry two passports with you as I know just how easy it is to misplace one passport let alone two of them.
Thank you for your thoughtful post.
I have two questions:
1. I’m approaching 31 by the end of August 2015, and am thinking about going to UK in a year. So to maximize the potential period of stay in UK, I’d like to take some risks in applying as late as possible… If I look at the requirements, it says one should be under 31 on the date when application is made. Can I interpret, relating to my case, that I can apply & pay for application fees before my birthday in August 2015?
2. Suppose I got the visa and the start date is 1st Oct 2015. What is the latest time for my first entrance to UK? Would my visa be void if I arrive in, say, August 2016?
Thank you in anticipations!!!!
Best regards,
Emma
Hi Emma, you are correct in that you need to have applied before you turn 31. As to if you need to be 31 at the time the visa date starts is still a little unknown to me. It seems you can apply at say the start of August 2015 and have the start date be 3 months from then but I can’t say 100% with certainty so its a risk.
As for a date you must be in the UK by, I’m not aware if any such requirement so you can go over whenever you feel like it after your visa has passed its start date.
Hi I’m in a very similar situation as this, I turn 31 in 2 weeks time but my current job in Australia has asked if I can work up until December. I would like to apply for the Visa now as I’m soon 31, but I am unsure if I can start it in 3 months time eg; October? is there a way to extend my travel until around December? is there much more info about what to do in this situation? will I need to apply fly to the UK spend a short period of time EG 1 or 2 weeks then come back to Aus work until December then return to the UK?
Hi Brendan, a bit late getting to your query sorry. The new visa rules say you must enter within 30 days of the visa start date but from all reports people are still being issued the old stamps in their passport so the new system isn’t in place yet. Given you age you have little choice to just apply and hope for the best.
Hi Nomad, informative site thank you!
Question about arrival dates – other comments have been helpful but wondering for something for recent…
After submitting and paying my visa application fee (monday) and organising my biometric appointment (this friday) have realised that my planned arrival date is in fact 4 months from now, not the required 3 (face palm)…
Just wondering what others experience is with this predicament – is it easy to request a change at the biometric appointment? If approved will my visa begin now or will it be declined altogether?
Thanks for your help.
Hi Kaitlyn, for the most part the visa folks just back date your visa to the maximum of 3 months from your time of application. I’ve only seen one instance where it was dated the day of application instead due to an incorrect start date but they could get that fixed I believe. I’d maybe adjust the date on the printed form you have and mention it to the folks at the biometric appointment as well to be safe.
Hi, I’m currently applying for a Youth Mobility Visa and am finding this guide endlessly helpful — thank you!
I’ve been poking around to find the relevant forms I’ll need etc and on the VFS website found a page that lists user pay services including visa service and prime time appointment service.
But the one that stood out to me would be most helpful to those of us who would be inclined to freak out when our visas take longer to arrive than we thought, and might be a nice addition to the section of this guide detailing processing times and the section for people who haven’t received confirmation or follow-up emails.
It’s an SMS status update service, and is, as it says on the website, an ‘Easy to use SMS service with an automated confirmation feedback message sent to the applicant’s mobile phone, at various stages of the visa application process. Additionally, this user-friendly service will be followed up with an automated email message to the applicant’s email address informing them of the status of their visa application.’
It costs AUD$3.00 and they link an application form to fill out before attending the application appointment.
Here is the link: http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/australia/user_pay_services.html#6
(details for the SMS service are near the bottom of the page)
I hope this helps! 🙂
Hi Bek, thanks for sending over the info on the sms service. Sounds like it might be good for those that worry but not something everybody needs as I’ve heard of very very very few visas being denied.