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.
Thought I should probably leave a comment here, because it looks like there is a misunderstanding. I was under the impression that the bank statement had to be dated no more than 30 days earlier than the date of online submission. My bank statement was dated Oct 24 and the date of my online submission was Nov 8 so I thought I’d be fine.
However, the attendants at the biometrics appointment (Dec 1) informed me that the bank statement actually must be dated no more than 30 days earlier than the date of the biometrics appointment, and that because my statement was more than 30 days old, I would need to either get a new bank statement or fill out a disclaimer form to declare that I’d failed to provide the correct documentation.
All the other applicants at the office that day agreed with me that they thought it was 30 days before the online application date, as does your Ultimate Guide, but it looks like we’re all wrong. Anyway thanks for putting together the guide; I referred to it a lot.
Hi Kirk, thats for the detailed comment. As far as I’ve read and seen the date of the bank statement is to be from the time you lodge your application online. Dating it to your biometric appointment seems rather pointless since you’ve lodged your application online and your appointment can be difficult to get on the day you want.
I’ll do some more digging but find it strange they specified your biometric appointment. Given the visa process is run by a 3rd party and not the UK embassies this might be rules they’ve implemented themselves. Could you tell me where in Australia you applied for the visa?
Did some digging through the available documents from the UK Customs folks and found this line of text
“This amount must be held in your personal bank account on the date of the application for entry clearance.”
Now my understanding of that would be when you have applied online as that is the date of your application. I think perhaps the visa person you spoke to might have been quoting it out of context unless the date of application is to be your biometric appointment, not that its stated anywhere I’ve ever read. The joys of 3rd parties processing visa paperwork I guess.
Hey Aussie Nomad,
Firstly thanks for this site, I have learnt so much. I’m just wondering, I started the application for the tier 5 visa and I turn 31 in April. Do I need to make the start date before my birthday or can I do it anytime as long as I have the application and payment done before April?
Hi Michelle, it’s a difficult one to answer as I’ve never had it 100% confirmed but my understanding is you just need to have applied before you turn 31 to be ok. So your passport must be on its way to the processing center to be ok. But for the sake of potentially missing out I advise people to apply and have your start date be before you turn 31. Better to miss out on a couple of months in the UK than miss out entirely is my way of looking at it.
Hello
Just have one question. Do you think it will matter that my bank statement is dated one week after my application date? i have my biometrics appointment in a few days time and just want to be sure.
Thanks…this site is so helpful!
Hi Ashley, you should be fine with the date being after your application date. It just needs to be recent and within 30 days so you easily meet that requirement. I’ve had one person tell me recently that the date needed to be within 30 days of your biometric appointment so going on that scenario you’d be fine as well.
Hello,
Im in a pickle! I have flights booked for Boxing Day, but I applied for my YMV on the 25/11 and had my biometrics appt on the 28/11. I read on the Visa website that 99% of applications are processed within 15 business days, but is this from the date of the online application or the biometrics appt? I received an email yesterday saying it had just arrived at the processing centre. Should I be worried and looking at moving my flights given that they are 2 weeks from today?
Thanks!
Hi Bree, the processing time will be from the date your biometric appointment as the passport needs to be shipped off to the processing facility in Manilla. your timing will be tight but think you should still be ok. But for peace of mind I’d get details on what it may cost you to move your flights just in case. You’d hate to get caught out.
Hi Aussie nomad,
Thanks for this excellent information regarding tier 5 visa process.
Do you know if you lodge a tier 5 visa (or tier 2) do you have to be in the country while its being processed? Or can you lodge it leave the country and come back and get it?
Do you know of any good sites like this that explain the tier 2 sponsorship visa?
Kind regards
rachel
Hi Rachel, as you need to send your passport off for processing you’d be unable to leave the country while waiting on your visa. For the sponsorship visa I’d done some reading up on it but don’t know of any sites that focus on it. I’m aiming to write up about it at some point but so far I’ve not had time.
Hi Aussie Nomad!
Want to say what a great website!
I’ve just spent the past few hours combing through your replies. This is a great contribution!
Questions:
1) I turn 31 in Feb. I want to apply in mid Jan and postdate till mid April. I know that its a bit of a controversial issue. I called the centre twice and it was fruitless – both were both clueless (one said no, the other said it was up to the immigration officer to grant) – spent 60 quid all in all. Wanted to ask if you happen to have any new updates on this issue.
2) When you do the application how do you postdate it? Is it through the “intended date of travel”?
3) Should I ask for this postdating somewhere in the additional comments box? or perhaps actually write and attach a letter?
Cheers!
Hi Nabs, its a frustrating experience asking them questions huh. To answer your queries:
1. I’ve not had any new info on this no. I believe that as long as you’ve applied before you turn 31 all should be ok but as you’ve experienced its hard ot know for sure. Hence why I tend to suggest you have your visa start before you turn 31 just to be safe.
2. For dating the start of the visa there used to be a intended date of arrival or similar so what you’ve listed as your intended rate of travel sounds like the right option.
3. No need to write anything else for the date of the visa starting.
Hi!
It’s a bit confusing, and I can’t promise anyone that they’ll have the same result as I will but: I applied for the Tier 5 visa 1 month before I was 31, but dated it to start 3 months from the date of application (so 2 months after I turned 31) – and was approved! Someone on this site said an email from UKVI said that it had to be dated before they were 31, though. I think it’s really up to the visa officer who processes your application… it could be hit or miss.
Also in the interest of full disclosure, at one point I emailed the UKVI and they said they couldn’t guarantee my entrance if I enter after 31, though they did say that the website says you’re fine if you turn 31 while you’re in the UK. I’ve not yet tried to enter (planning on doing so in 2015), but I’ve been granted the visa so I’ve got my fingers crossed that I won’t have a problem entering!
Hi Alice, thanks so much for posting your experience with applying for the visa so close to turning 31. I know for sure you can come and go on the visa while 31 as that’s exactly what I did. It was just the application process I was unsure of so great to see you applied so close to your 31st bday and got the visa.
Hey!
I had a read through a lot of the comments but I couldn’t see anything like this on here! Maybe this is a stupid question but I’m trying to apply for my Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa and it asks me to select a sub visa. The only option is “Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) Migrant” – is this correct? My definition of migrant is someone who is trying to move somewhere permanently.
If you can help, that would be great!
Thanks so much for all your help with this – it’s great to find a page that has all the details in one place!!
Hi Danielle, you do select the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) Migrant option. The UK visa folks are always tweaking their site so it can be confusing and difficult to keep up with their changes.
I just wanted to say thank you, Aussie Nomad, for all of your help in putting this together and all the commenters for helping each other out as well.
I’ve just successfully received my Youth Mobility Visa, after following all the information on the site. I finalised my online paperwork on 24 November, attended my biometrics appointment in Brisbane and submitted my paperwork on 28 November.
On December 9, I received an email saying “Your decision will be despatched shortly. Passports can normally be collected from the Visa Application Centre after 3 working days unless you have been advised it will be returned by courier or have paid an additional courier fee”, and I collected my passport and visa from VFS Global on December 11 (and only received an email from VFS Global that it had arrived later that day after I had already collected it).
The people at VFS Global were really great – the online application does get a bit confusing in parts, so it definitely helps to do your research.
One thing I would say that I didn’t see listed was take *lots* of evidence with you to your appointment that can support your visa application. When I arrived, I was given a checklist to complete which suggested I submit various supporting documents that I didn’t see anywhere on the UK Gov’s website suggested to take. I took qualification certificates and payslips along with my bank statement, but a letter from the person you’re staying with, itineraries and bookings etc are also supporting documentation. So it may be worth including that when you apply, just to make the process a bit easier.
So relieved to have this visa and looking forward to my two years in the UK! Thanks again, everyone.
Matt
Hi Matt, congrats on the visa. Interesting they give you a checklist of items you need to provide in addition to what the UK website says. This is the first I’d heard of it so may have to look into it and get a copy of the checklist for myself.
Just to clarify – you don’t *need* all of those documents, but it seemed to be helpful as they had a checklist they ticked off when I arrived at VFS that gets submitted with your visa, along with the extra documents you have provided.
I think the qualifications and extra things they ticked off on the checklist were probably why mine was processed so quickly (it was signed off in Manila within 6 or 7 business days, I think). I had the checklist returned to me with my visa paperwork – I’ll see if I can send you details. Not sure if they’d want it posted online, though!
Hi Matt, if you could send over the details on that form to look at that would be great. I still don’t quite understand why they ask for extra info when the UK visa website doesn’t list it but given the visas are now processed by a 3rd party it might be their internal documents and only used by them.
Wow!! Seriously this blog is incredible. You have literally saved me from the confusion that is the Youth Mobility Visa!! You’ve clearly listed out the supporting documents that we need (and may need) and now I feel like I’m going into the Bio-metric appointment with everything I need. I feel like there is a lot lacking in the information provided by the gov.uk website and no clear lists of exactly what is or might be required as supporting documentation for every scenario (ie drink driving conviction).
Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Danielle, thanks for the kind words on the site. You should have seen the uk visa website before they updated it to what it is now, truly a mystery of information it was.
Hi Mr Aussie Nomad,
I can’t believe you have been kind enough to answer all these questions for strangers. It really is amazing! Thank you.
I have just called the UK immigration number and they were talking about if employers see that you have the Tier 5 visa they might have issues with tax thresholds etc, like employing you is a bit different to if they were just employing a UK citizen, but they didn’t seem to be able to give any more information. Do you if it’s possible to basically apply for any job, aside from the prohibited ones mentioned like doctors or dentists? Or will a lot of employers have issues with this kind of visa?
Thanks again!
Hi John, when I got my job in the UK my boss never said anything about tax problems or anything of the sort. Nor has anyone ever mentioned it to me in the entire time I’ve had this site. I think you’ve been given incorrect information but who am I to argue with the official folks. I’m sure you’ll be fine getting a job as its so common for us to move to the UK to live and work.
That’s good to know – thanks again for your help.
hi,
i have only just started looking into doing a working holiday & have few questions, hopefully they don’t sound too silly as they are not directly related to this article
1) what kind of work can you get with this visa, do you need any specific qualifications to apply (for visa)
2) did you organise work before heading over, & if so how did you organise it from Aust.
3) how did you organise accommodation? (as UK address is needed)
thank you in advance!
Hi Claudia, no question is to silly in my book 🙂
1. You can undertake almost any form of work outside of being a doctor or some other profession that would need to verify your qualifications.
2. You can organise work before you go or seek it out when you get there. The Uk has employment agencies and so on just like we do so its really up to what you prefer. I do think however its more difficult to apply for a job from Australia given you can’t attend interviews.
3. For the UK address just use a hostel address or wherever you plan to stay on your first few nights there. I don’t know why they need to know your address for the application so just note down where you will be staying that first night or put any old hotels address.
Hi,
I am applying for a youth mobility visa. I am also currently in the process of applying for Croatian citizenship. Although Croatia is apart of the EU, I still need to be sponsored by my employee if I wanted to work in the UK.
Is it possible to be on a youth mobility visa, however change into a employee sponsored visa at a later date? Will I be able to apply for another visa during my stay?
Thanks
Hi Em, you can start out on a youth mobility visa and transition to a sponsored work visa but it you do that as an Australian you must return to Australia to process the visa much the same way as you do the youth mobility one. If you applied for it on your Croatian citizenship then you may only have to return to Croatia to get it but am not sure as I don’t know how that works.
hi,
Thank you for your information it has been very helpful!
i have gone through the visa process and have received an email 7 days later saying that my passport is ready for collection and to go in the allocated times.
those times are not listed and i cannot find them anywhere on the website.
do i need to book an appointment to pick up my passport or can i just go in anytime?
thanks
Hi Laura, you just go in and pickup your passport. They seem to be a bit all over the place with notifications and details for picking up your passport so just take the printed email in with you and that should be all you need.
I am currently in Southern Ireland, but am moving to Belfast on the 1st of January. I have the youth mobility visa and it began on the 9th of December of this year. However because I flew into Dublin on the 1st of December I do not believe I have entered the U.K. On the visa. Do I need to leave Ireland and the uk and re enter the country. For example go over to France and come back on the visa? Thank you
Abbie
Hi Aussie Nomad,
I am a US citizen and an Australian permanent resident living in Australia, can I apply as an “Australian”? Just not sure if it would effect my application because I’m not an Australian citizen.
Hi Alex, I’m afraid you need to be a citizen of Australia to apply for the visa. Just being a resident doesn’t count.
Hi!
I’m doing a working holiday to the UK, leaving March 10th and this is the best visa for me to get, however, I only turn 18 on the 3rd of Feb. I have been told that you can apply for it before you turn 18 as long as you pr 18 when the visa actually begins, but on the application form you must fill out your birthday and it says ‘are you 18 years of age’ which I’m not, so I can’t tick this box.
Will I have to wait until my birthday to process my visa or can I still go ahead? I need to book flights as well, but I was hoping to get my visa first, but beginning of feb is leaving it a bit late to get flights!
Thanks in advance 🙂 x
Hi Amelia, you do need to be 18 to apply for the visa so you won’t be able to start that process until after your birthday in February. That will still leave you enough time to get your visa processed given you leave on the 10th of March but yes does leave it tight if you want to get flights after getting the visa. For me I’d get the flights now and then the visa later on.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Cheers for all this info.
I’m currently in the UK on my Tier 5 Visa. As I’ve been traveling/out of Canada for quite a while now, I’m no longer covered under their medical services plan. This makes getting any kind of travel insurance damn near impossible. I know I’m covered under the NHS here, but what if I wanted to travel within Europe? Any recommendations for companies that will insure me if I’m not British, but covered by the NHS?
Many thanks!
Alex
Hey Everyone,
I’m traveling to the UK with my partner with our flights booked on the 8th jan. I have my visa, yet unfortunately my partner doesn’t have his yet 🙁 – he had to apply for a passport has he had never been overseas- he paid for priority processing on this but we both didn’t realise that by doing so you have to pick it up from the passport office and upon calling to find out where it was we were told it was sitting in the offices (which are now closed until the 31st due to the holidays) gah! So he will be in first thing on the 31st to pick it up!
Managed to get all passport deets over the phone for the visa ap, and have booked the earliest appointment being 8.30am on the 5th Jan.
We are now going to push back our flights, but we’re wondering if anyone has had experience with the priority processing over this period and whether the day of the appointment is considered one of the five business days. Wanting to reschedule our flights within a safe timeframe but also as soon as possible, will even drive to Canberra to pick the bloody thing up if need be haha!
Love all the info here, I’ve spent the day eating Christmas chocolates and trawling through the website 🙂
Hi Jess, sorry to hear about the problems you’ve had. For priority processing it takes on average a week I’ve seen based on the feedback people have given me here. But honestly build in a little extra buffer just in case of problems as you never know when visa processing.
Hi,
Great website, really useful, but so many questions i haven’t been able to read them all! hopefully this hasn’t been answered……
im 29 and am hoping to apply for a working/holiday visa. I turn 30 in 6 months. If I apply in the next few months before turning 30 will I still receive the full 2 years? They wouldn’t kick me out after a year and a bit when I turn 31?
thanks!!
Hi Jessica, you can apply for the visa right up to before you turn 31 and you’ll always get the full 2 years of the visa period. You can be on the visa and turn 31 without problems as thats what happened to me, turned 31 halfway into my visa.
Hi,
Do you know if getting a YMV affects whether you can get a student visa in the future? If I enjoy my two years in the UK I’d like to consider going back to study a degree.
Thanks,
Sam
Hi Sam, I don’t think one visa has any impact on the other. You just need to meet all the requirements and all should be ok.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Quick question I plan on moving to the UK in September 2015 to teach. However I will be leaving the country in June to travel to America to also teach at a Summer Camp what time should I be looking at applying for my Visa?
I wanted to get a jump early on the whole process and to make sure I have the visa before I make any concrete plans, but you suggest you need to do this 3 months before you leave.
Hi Mark, you’ll be needing to apply for the visa and get it before you leave Australia as your passport needs to be sent away and that can’t be done while you are abroad. So look to apply in May to give yourself around a month to have it all processed and back to you before you leave. Just remember that the visa start date must be within 3 months of when you apply for it so you may miss out on a couple of months on your visa time depending on how long you are in the states for.
Hi there,
Firstly thank you for this site! Its been a great assistance to me so far in my time in the UK.
I have a youth mobility working visa that expires on 5th July 2015. I have 2 questions regarding what this allows.
– How long are you able to reside in the UK after this Visa expires? Do you have any grace period?
-I’m going to Spain to volunteer for the month of August 2015 thus planning to be out of the UK for 2 months then I was hoping to pop back in on a travel visa. Do you know if this is allowed and if so for how long you can re-enter the country for?
Thanks so much for your advice!
Sarah Bell
Hi Sarah, you must leave the UK by the date of your visa otherwise you will be illegally in the country. You can leave and re-enter on a tourist visa just expect a few questions if you re-enter shortly after your visa expires. On the tourist visa you can legally be there for 6 months but again be prepared for questions and proof of funds to support yourself etc. The customs folks get a bit difficult and think you plan to come back and keep living there.
Hi my name is Abbie.
I’m currently in Ireland (Republic) however I am planning to live in Belfast which is obviously part of the UK. I have the youth mobility visa for 2 years. It began on the 9th of December this year (2014) however because I flew into Dublin on the 1st of December 1) I flew into Dublin therefore not the UK 2) I arrived before my visa started. Do I need to leave Belfast and enter into the UK (England itself) in order to be on my visa. Or does it start automatically?
For example do I need to fly to France for instance them fly back into the UK on my visa?
Thank you
Hi Abbie, you are stuck in a difficult situation as the Irish government will see you as having entered the Ireland and must depart before your 90 day travel visa expires. Regardless of the fact you’ve headed north to Northern Ireland. Having no border control to verify you left/arrived is the problem. To solve the problems I’d be flying out of Dublin and then back into Belfast to legally register you in the UK and out of Ireland. Its complicated I know but saves a lot of headaches I think.
Hi there,
I started my Tier 5 Youth visa on Oct 2014. I used this site extensively and it was a lot of help, so thanks for all of the great information. I just wanted to give some tips of my experience so far.
– Visa – No real comments as this is covered pretty well above. The whole process is easy once you navigate the UK website.
– Accommodation – get onto http://www.spareroom.co.uk. This is by far the best website for shared accom in London. You can rent whole properties direct from the landlord or room share. Almost all places want a months rent for a deposit as well as rent one month in advance.
– UK Bank acc – Go into a Lloyds branch with your Aus passport and they will setup an account. You do need a permanent address (hotels not allowed) however you do not need proof of address. The easiest way is to use a friends address as I did. Basically they need somewhere to send the bank cards.
UK Mobile No. – If you have an iphone with ios8, you can get a pay as you go sim card from any of the major branches (O2, EE, 3 ect.) for £20 and it will work no problems.
Jobs – Don’t bother applying before you leave. The UK runs mainly on recruitment agencies and they only put you forward for a position if they can speak to you or even meet you first. If you have good experience in your field and some education you will pick up a job pretty easily. Just spam the internet job boards when you get here and make sure your CV has a UK number.
Money – Get the 28 degrees mastercard before you leave, lets you spend Aus dollars without a bank fee per transaction. You use bpay to pay off the credit from your Australian account. You will need about $10k AUD to start off your UK trip, even if you have work within the first few weeks you still wont be paid until the end of the month.
Overall the experience has been really positive and I would encourage anyone thinking of doing the trip to do it. It’s a bit cold at the moment but it should warm up in 4 months or so…
Isaac, thats great feedback for people looking to head to the UK appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Hello, I am struggling to find information on something and am wondering if you know anything about my question?
I’m an Australian and I am about to finish up 5 months of university study in Sweden, and I only have 5.5 months on my student residence permit/visa. Will I still be able to apply for the tier 5 visa in the UK? I don’t want to have to fly all the way back to Australia and wait for three months before I can go into the UK.
I have applied for a visitor’s visa to stay in Sweden a few extra months, will that help for me to apply for the tier 5 visa from Sweden? I cannot find any official government document telling what sort of permission I need, other than that it is six months permission from a residence permit, green card, or visa. It is not very specific. Do you think I should apply for the tier 5 visa anyway, just in case?
Thanks in advance for an advice you can give me 🙂
Hi Prudence, to apply for the youth mobility visa you’ll need to return to Australia as a visitors visa does not qualify you to live/work in Sweden only to stay longer. Had you applied while your student visa was still valid for say a month or more you may have been ok but I’m not 100% sure on the ability to apply for the visa from Sweden in the first place. You can begin the process online from Sweden if you like and it should offer you some guidance on what is possible as you’ll be required to list where you are staying and what permission you have to be there.
You would only need to return to Australia for around a month to process your visa not a full 3 months and you can shorten the time by starting the process before you fly out of Sweden.
Hey I have a ‘spent conviction’ for a minor offence some 8 years ago. Will this be required to be disclosed? I don’t want to request one if not required as it will hold up my visa application.
Cheers
Hi Pete, they require you to list any convictions in your lifetime so I’d be including it on your application. This is the official wording from the UK visa folks.
“You must record ANY convictions you have obtained during your lifetime in any country including the UK. Convictions will not necessarily result in automatic refusal. However failure to disclose any conviction will be taken into consideration. If you have any convictions you must submit the official record of the conviction, detailing the crime you were convicted of along with any sentence received. Please include your supporting documents. We will carry out criminal record checks on all applicants and dependants. You must give details of all unspent and spent criminal convictions. This includes road traffic offences but not fixed penalty notices (such as speeding or parking tickets) unless they were part”
Hi,
I noticed it says you don’t have to declare speeding fines when applying for tier 5 youth mobility visa but when I rang the assistance line they said I do have to declare speeding fines.
Were they wrong? and more importantly, if I don’t declare them now, will they have kept the call on record (they took my full name, email and credit card details) and then see that I did not declare it on the application???
(I also sent an email which they never answered).
Thanks so much
Hi Sam, I think it’s all in the interpretation of the wording. As on the spot speeding fine does not equal a criminal conviction in my eyes unless you’ve gone to court about it. I know others who have not noted down speeding fines (myself included when I applied) and all was ok so only provide the info if you are worried about it.
Hi,
Does anyone know if it is possible to apply while still 30 but actually land in the UK and activate the visa once you’ve turned 31?
Thanks
Hi,
Just a question on passport validity. I have about 16 months left on my current one and will be submitting a visa application in the next two months. Do I need to first get a new passport before making my application so it covers the entire visa duration of two years? Or is it possible to renew my passport in London and have the visa details transferred?
Thanks for the help!
Hi Emily, you can renew your passport once you are in the Uk but you’ll need to continue to carry your old passport with you as well because it has the visa stamp in it. Getting it transferred costs around 700 pounds so thats not worth the trouble. To save on problems I’d look to renew your passport first then you can avoid problems later on.
Hello The Aussie Nomad,
First of all, Thank you SOOO much for this website! Definitely a great relief from all the anxiety that the application process may cause, really.
I am planing to do my Masters degree in the UK, hoping to be accepted by September intake this year.
I have 2 questions,
1 – Instead of applying for Tier 4 student visa, i thought applying for Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa will be a wiser thing to do as it would give me more flexibility there. – I have not applied for YMV before, do you reckon will I face any difficulties as my main purpose is to study there not to work (even better if i could find a part time job)?
2- I am a dual citizen and I have studied in the UK with my another passport where I had a student visa for 6 months (was an exchange student there in 2009). Do I have to declare my other passport with them, or do i have to even mention about my dual citizenship? i just don’t want to confuse the people there.
Thanks for the help in advance!
Oz
Hi Ozan, you can study while on the youth mobility visa so there should be no problems in the UK while on that visa. As for your dual citizenship, I don’t believe you need to declare your other passport as you’ll be applying just on your Australian passport. Just don’t use your other passport when entering the country as then you won’t be entering the UK on your visa.
Hi, Thanks for all the information!
I have been searching through all sites/forums trying to find approximate times from when you ‘submit’ your online application to how long you wait until the biometric appointment.
Can you speak from personal experience?
My problem is that I intend to arrive in the UK in May ’15 so therefore have to apply no earlier than Feb ’15 for the visa, unfortunately I have made plans to travel to New Zealand from March-May so I am concerned that 1, The appointment will not fall between Feb-March and 2, I will not have gotten my passport back.
I would really like to book my flights to New Zealand but obviously since I cannot seem to find any information about this and there is also no number to call I have been holding off because I have no idea what to do.
Hi Madison, you book your biometric appointment yourself once completing the application so it can be as soon as you like but not more than 30 days from the date of the appointment. So that should free you up to travel to New Zealand and make your appointment.
Hi,
Once again, thank you for working so hard to answer all the questions, it really is an amazing effort!
Do you know if it is possible to apply while still 30 but actually land in the UK and activate the visa once you’ve turned 31?
Regards,
John
No problem at all John. As long as the visa is issued and your start date is before you turn 31 you’ll be all ok.
Hi AN,
Your website is hands down the best available online for any information regarding this visa! Thank you!
My gf and I are planning to go to the UK under this visa but a bit confused on when we should submit our application.
We’ll be travelling to Indonesia in early May and be back to Australia early June for a wedding.
Our intention is to fly to London on June 9, stay for about 5 days before heading to Europe for travel for one month. So i understand that on the first entry, we’ll be entering as tourists initially and then activating the visa upon return from the European trip. This would be early July.
When would you suggest is the best time to apply for the youth mobility visa? Keeping in mind we’ll be away from Australia in May.
Early April? Would the visa be approved and passports returned before our trip in May?
This is the only scenario I could think off. Again thanks for all the helpful information in your site!
Hi Paulo, thanks for the kind words on the site mate, really appreciate it.
Now as for your visa situation. You can only apply for the visa within 3 months of when you want it to start. Given you will be out of the country in May and don’t want to be in the UK to start your visa till July you can really only apply in April to be as close to having the full 2 years on your visa when you arrive in July.
So for arguments sake you want to be in the UK on the 5th of July and have your visa start on that day. That means you can only apply from the 5th of April as that’s 3 months out from your application date. The visa takes on average 2-4 weeks to process (less if you get priority) so applying at the start of April would be your best option. This gives you time before you leave for Indonesia and still ensures the visa starts early July when you plan to get to the UK. Just be aware that if you arrive in the UK before the visa starts you’ll have to leave and re-enter again to make it valid. So having it start a couple of weeks before you intend to arrive is best just in case.
Thanks so much for your quick response. Really appreciate all the effort you put into responding to each question!
Regarding opening a bank account, someone above mentioned Lloyds bank but he used a friends address to open the account. Wondering if yourself or anyone knows if it’s possible to open a bank account if you’re staying in a hotel?
I have looked at opening the accounts here in Australia but it costs over $200 and it takes over 3 months from application.
Hi Paulo, for opening a bank account you need an address you can receive mail at and most hotels won’t allow that. I used my hostel address at the time after asking staff and it was fairly common I think.
Thanks! And just one more question if you don’t mind – do you know how the quota system works? i.e. there are only so many visas issued each year. Is it first come first served from January?
I’ve no clue how their quota system works unfortunately but I do know its never been reached so you should be fine.
Ah well if it’s never been reached probs not an issue then! thanks
Hey there, thanks for creating such an awesome website.
Just a quick one-
As I’ve stated on my application form that there are other passports used in the past, am I required to bring them to my appt? On their gov website it doesn’t state that (only a photo, bank statement and passport), but on the supporting docs guide it says “Previous passports- These are to show your previous travel history”.
Guess I may have to change my apt as I thought I was smart could do my bio whilst in QLD on holidays (though I’m from WA) haha Oops
Hi Bek, most of the time I tell people to write down your old passports are lost to save on the trouble of needing them with you. You may still be able to tell the people that when you go in for the appointment. Also if you are attending an appointment out of your home state be sure to get your passport shipped back to you because by default you’ve got to come and collect it which might be difficult for you if you go home before it gets back.
Thanks for the quick reply, changed it back to Perth to save the hassle. Have a good week 🙂
PLEASE HELP
I am booked for my Visa appointment on Monday 12th January 2015 in Sydney. From what I have read, this appointment requires me to leave my Australian passport at the appointment office to later be posted to me, is this correct? I have a flight out to Canada on the 31st January 2015, and because I live 400km from the appointment centre collection in person will not be possible. Is this correct or have I misunderstood the information?
Thank you
Hi Genevieve, yes you do need to hand over your passport as its sent away to have the visa stamp put in it. You can pay to have the passport posted back to you but timing would be tight to get it back to you in time for your trip to Canada. You can order priority processing but you must do that before your appointment and take in the receipt. Priority normally gets your visa processed within a week so that may be your best option unless you can push your flight to canada.
Hi Aussie Nomad
Your website is amazing, I wish I found this ages ago as I’m currently stressing over my application. I had my biometrics on the 22nd of December and was told that day that I require a Criminal record before I send off my application. That day I applied for a criminal record and it said it takes 20 working days not including postage. To make it worse the ministry of justice was closed from the 24th of December until the 5th of January, so now I’m freaking out that its not going to arrive on time.
Will my visa be declined if I wait until the final day and send it off with my criminal record? Because If i missed the send off date I have to re-apply and I’m assuming that means to repay the fee.
Hi Samara, you only require a criminal record report if you’ve had convictions that you declared on your application, if not then you do not need it. You can still submit it while needing the report as they tend to ask you for more information while processing the visa but there is only a small window of time for you to get it to them.
For your application I believe you need to have it sent off within 30 days of your application so you should be fine if you wait a little longer but timing is tight for you.
I’m confused, I thought you had 30 days after your biometrics, and that everything had to sent off in that time frame?
Hi Samara, when you attend your biometric appointment due to the changes with VFS Global now processing the visas the officials take all your info and send off the paperwork at that time.
Unless you are applying in Adelaide and in which case you do still have up to 30 days from the biometric appointment I believe.
Do they usually decline your application if your missing a criminal record?
Hi Samara, if you have criminal convictions and don’t provide details of it then yes they do deny you a visa.
Great blog and very helpful!
Quick question, do you know if we can be self employed or open a private company under the Youth Mobility scheme? If so, would you know what steps are required and anything I need to look out for? I’ve been looking into it for a while and can’t seem to figure it out.
Thanks!
Hi Jay, you can be self-employed/start a business but I don’t know the details on what you’d need to do. Best ask that of an accountant in the UK to be honest so you know you get it all right.
Just thought I’d give an update on my partners experience with the visa timeline- we organised priority processing.
January 5th- interview
January 7th- email stating the visa application was received at the Visa Application centre.
January 8th- visa arrived on our doorstep!
Four days!!! That’s got to be a record!
Thanks again for the guide Aussie Nomad!
Jess that has to be some sort of record, I’ve never heard of a visa being processed that quickly.
Thanks for such a great resource Aussie Nomad!
I have a trip booked to the UK for 3.5 months (March – June) and will be returning for 4 or 5 weeks before moving to the UK to work on the Youth Mobility visa.
Can I go on a General Visit Visa for the first trip (not working), and then still get approved for the 2 year Youth Mobility to start in August? Or do I have to get the YM visa before my first trip, and just come home two years after March?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Paula, you can go over for the first trip on a normal tourist visa for sure. That would only give you 4-5 weeks to apply and get your youth mobility visa on return which might be tight unless you pay for priority processing but its certainly doable.
Thank you so much for this, very useful.
This is a must see blog for any Australian applying for a Youth Mobility Visa!
Hi there,
I recently submitted all forms & like an idiot I only checked the form once, so here goes my list of mistakes:
1.Where it asked for my dad’s details I accidentally put in my own.
2. I printed off my statements from my online banking & for got 2 pages :/
3. I only supplied as back as 8 years of my passport history ( 1 is a recent one the 2nd one goes back to 2007) I didn’t write that I had lost my previous one.
My question is , will they email me asking for the documents? or is that it? they’d most likely reject me?
Hi Mak, for your passport history I’m sure that will be fine. As for your bank statement it should not be a printed online statement unless stamped by the bank to prove its real so that may be an issue for you. On your Dad’s details again may or may not be a problem but its hard to say.
Given that all applications are checked at your biometric appointment these days I’m surprised they didn’t pick up on these for you.
As for denying you the visa I do know they generally don’t request update details unless its to do with criminal convictions so you would need to apply again if you are denied. It’s hard to say if they will deny you but the bank statement would be the reason if they did.
SUCCESS! I was granted the visa!!! I was sure they would’ve rejected it, in light of what I had advised you off so happy!
Hello! I’ve found your Visa Guide so helpful, so thank you so much!
I just got an Interim Statement of Account printed for me at the bank, but it wasn’t stamped. I’ve read that others have been getting theirs stamped, do you know if this is essential? Thank you in advance!
Hi Elly, as long as it was printed at the bank so on their letterhead you should be fine. It’s just done this way to avoid you printing off any old thing at home yourself and faking it.
Hi there
Wow this article and all the comments are amazing. I’ve been reading through for awhile but I don’t think the answer is posted. So there is a question about listing all the countries you have visited. Well I’ve been to about 30 countries during my world trip, my passport has about a million stamps in it. How many do you think I need to list? All of them?
Thanks in advance!
-Ritu
Hi Ritu, I’d look to list the last couple of years and leave it at that. I don’t know why they even ask the question as its impossible for people like yourself to list everywhere you’ve been.
Hi and thanks for a great post. Do you know whether there is an issue with getting the visa just before turning 31 and then moving a couple of months after turning 31? Do you need to be in UK by your 31st birthday?
Hi Brett, its a difficult period for the visa so to avoid problems I always tell people to apply and have the visa date started before you turn 31. Once the visa is granted and started you are all good to go no matter if you turn 31 after that or not.
Your website is amazing and so helpful. A BIG thank you!
Sorry I may have missed this from an earlier comment, but the pre-requisite of ‘are aged 18 to 30’ = you must apply between this range.
But post turning 30 (and before turning 31), you can still apply? It looks like a yes from all the comments.
Hi Linda, you can be 30 and still apply just not 31.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Your posts have been an amazing help to me. Just wondering, I have a dual citizenship, Australian and Croatian. Can I apply for the Youth Mobility Visa to work in UK as an Australian whilst I’m in Croatia? Or do I have to apply in Australia?
Thanks
Hi Jess, as you can legally live in Croatia you could apply from there but if there is no UK embassy nearby you may need to travel some distance to apply. Possibly look up the nearest embassy and give them a call to be sure.
Hi, I firstly want to thank you for this wonderful post. I have been reading through it back and forth and am finding it extremely helpful. It is also great to see someone extending help without expecting anything in return!
I have a question in regard to ‘The Holiday Working Club’ company and I believe you may be able to help me out with it. My partner and I have been considering using their services for the “Tier 5 Visa Guarantee service” which is $199 (Aus). This does not include what they call the ‘British High Commission Fee of 207 british pounds. Basically it is just them guaranteeing you the visa and you do not have to pay if you do not receive the visa. Also, the provide personally support and assistance throughout the application process.
I guess to make a long story short, does their fee of $199 not really contribute towards the payment of the visa itself and if we went about getting it on our own terms we would only be paying that ‘207 british pounds’ for the visa. Hence, making the $199 some extra cash we will have for our travel funds and not give to this company.
Thank you in advance (and I hope this question made sense),
Shaun
Hi Shaun, you are correct you can apply yourself and not have to pay the $199 fee. That fee is just for them to process your visa application for you which you can EASILY do yourself. There is also no way to guarantee getting the visa you just apply and then the visa folk decide or not. I’d save your money and do it yourself, all the info you need to apply is on this very page.
HI there – firstly thanks for this post, I have now been in the UK on my Tier 5 for 18 months and followed your post like the Bible when I made my application in NZ – and all went very smoothly!
My employer is now looking at sponsoring me back in on a Tier 2, and whilst I know I have to return home to apply for this at the end of my Tier 5, do you know at all if there is a ‘stand down’ period between my Tier 5 expiring and reentering the UK on a Tier 2?
Hi Kim, congrats on getting a sponsor option I just missed out on that and was devastated about it. In terms of one visa ending and another starting there is no period you can’t come back for or anything like that. Just fly home at the end of your current visa, get the new one and fly straight back. You can even have both at once if you’d prefer.
Thank you – that’s what I was hoping to hear!
Thankyou for the amazing post it has been so helpful!
Could i ask a question – I have already booked my ticket to England (May 3rd) and tick all the boxes to get a Visa.
But i do plan on taking a family trip to bali at the beginning of March, When you apply for this visa, do they take your passport for a amount of time? (Because i would need it to travel) if so, how long do you think they would have it for? and should i wait til i get back from bali (6 Weeks before leaving) or start the process now which would cost me two weeks because its still over 3 months away?
Thanks in advance for your response 🙂 (And sorry if you have already answered this)
One more question – I went to court to challenge a “No right turn” Traffic offence 5 years ago, i got fine but did not have a conviction recorded. Do i have to declare that?
Hi James, you’d be safe to leave that out. It’s only if you’d been convicted of drink driving or something more serious that you’d want to list it down.
Hi James, when you apply you must send your passport away yes. It can be away for anywhere from a few days to 2-3 weeks depending on if you go with priority or they are a bit slow. I’d say you should be ok to to process it once you get back but if you are worried either pay for priority or apply before the family trip to Bali.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Thanks for the great info! Wondering if you could help me out..
I have applied for a Tier 5 youth mobility visa and wish to book an appointment next week however I’m going on a quick holiday to NZ for a week. Obviously I need my passport and will not be able to both. My concern is that I have already completed the application form and could not put the NZ trip in the list to the countries that I have visited outside of Aus. Will they look into this as an issue or am I worrying for nothing?
Thanks heaps!
Hi Blake, don’t stress the trip the NZ not appearing on your application. It’s hard to add a trip that is after your application was submitted.