Youth Mobility Scheme

What is the Youth Mobility Scheme sub-route?


The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is one of the main sub-routes for the Temporary Work route. This sub-route enables migrants from specific countries aged between 18 and 30 to live and work in the UK for up to two years.

Key features

  • Work: with certain limitations, YMS migrants may be employed, self-employed or study in the UK.
  • Dependants: individuals in this route may not bring dependants.
  • Settlement: the scheme does not lead to settlement in the UK, but time spent under the sub-route can count towards ten years lawful residence in the UK for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) purposes.

How we can help


Our UK Team is experienced at handling a wide spectrum of YMS matters ranging from straightforward cases to those with issues relating to previous refusals and unspent criminal convictions. We carefully guide clients through the application process to ensure as smooth and expeditious an experience as possible.

Our legal fees


Fixed fees
We work on a fixed fee basis. Our fees for individual YMS applications typically range between £4,500 – £5,000 plus VAT and disbursements depending upon the issues, urgencies and complexities involved.

Disbursements
You can expect the main disbursements to include:

  • Home Office filing fees (click here for the government’s visa/entry clearance fee calculator and here for a list of all Home Office fees);
  • Immigration Health Surcharge fees, if applicable;
  • Optional premium service fees for in-country and out-of-country applications; and
  • other ancillary disbursements such as UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) fees, biometric enrolment, translations, courier and postage charges, etc.

Latest Insights


What will the change of Prime Minister mean for UK immigration?

Keir Starmer's resignation and subsequent changes in the government will inevitably create some uncertainty about the direction of the UK’s…

The right to work regime is expanding – here’s what UK businesses need to know

Businesses operating across the UK face a significant expansion of the right to work compliance framework in October 2026 as part of the government’s…

Natasha Chell writes for LexisNexis UK on eVisa access, maintenance and troubleshooting

In partnership with LexisNexis UK, Natasha Chell (Senior Partner and Head of UK Practice) has written a new client guide on 'eVisa access,…

Laura Devine Solicitors Limited trading as Laura Devine Immigration is registered in England and Wales as a limited company (8651204) at 100 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6EU. Partner is a term used by us to describe a director in the limited company. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (648320).

Privacy Preference Center