Working holidays

Plenty of young people spend a year or two living in another country and working as they go. The UK has its own scheme for young people who want to do this here, called the Youth Mobility Scheme.

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa

GOV.UK says the visa lets people live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Applicants must be aged 18 to 30, or 18 to 35, depending on where they are from. They also need a set amount of savings, which GOV.UK lists on its eligibility page.

People can apply up to 6 months before they travel. Applicants usually get a decision within 3 weeks, once they have applied online, proved their identity and provided their documents.

Who can apply

GOV.UK lists these groups on its eligibility page:

GOV.UK says people cannot apply if they have children under 18 who live with them, or children they are financially responsible for. It adds that people who have already been in the UK under the scheme cannot apply again. Indian nationals have a separate scheme, the India Young Professionals Scheme.

What visa holders can do

GOV.UK says visa holders can study and work in most jobs. They can also be self-employed or set up a company, as long as they rent their premises and have no employees. GOV.UK sets a limit on the value of their equipment too. They cannot work as a professional sportsperson or claim public funds. Family members must apply separately. People from Australia, Canada or New Zealand can extend their visa by one year after the first 2 years.

Working abroad from the UK

GOV.UK's guide to working in the EU says British citizens need a work permit in most EU countries. It says that in most cases they need a job offer to get a visa for the country they choose. GOV.UK suggests checking with that country's UK-based embassy.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office publishes entry requirements for each country. The pages for Australia, Canada and New Zealand each explain that the country's own authorities set and enforce its entry rules. For New Zealand, for example, the page says visitors must have a visa to work or study there.

Insurance for a long stay

GOV.UK says travel insurance is not intended for permanent residence abroad. People who move to live, work or study in another country should think carefully about their insurance. For a long trip, GOV.UK suggests checking that a policy covers any work, paid or unpaid.

Getting advice

GOV.UK says all immigration advisers must be registered with the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA), or be a member of an approved professional body. It suggests checking that an adviser is registered, and whether they charge a fee, before using them.

Useful links