top

Youth Mobility Visa Ultimate Guide

Youth Mobility Visa Ultimate Guide

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 Transfer

Further 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.

, , ,

1,934 Responses to Youth Mobility Visa Ultimate Guide

  1. BEK. E June 15, 2015 at 7:36 PM #

    I’ve just gotten the address of the UK hotel I’ll be staying at so can finally finish my application!
    However, the application says I need to type in my postcode and click ‘Find Address’. I tried to type in the post code I’ve been given in many different ways but it keeps saying “error” results not found’. Perhaps I’m getting the format of the postcode wrong?

    The postcode is for Croydon, and on the address I was given it says CR0 BRX. But I don’t know whether to type this whole thing or just part of it and do spaces matter? So confusing, I just want to finish my application and send it off!

    Thanks for your help!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 19, 2015 at 2:31 PM #

      Hi Bek, maybe look up the postcode on the hotel’s website to be sure they didn’t typo it on you. The post code looks correct to me in that its 2 groups of 3 numbers/letters.

      • BEK. E June 22, 2015 at 3:53 PM #

        Thanks Aussie Nomad, turns out it was a typo! 🙂

  2. TARRYN June 16, 2015 at 7:56 AM #

    Hi there,

    I have a question for anyone who’s applied from NZ. I sent my application off on Friday from Wellington to the UK visa office in Shortland St, Auckland. I read that it is automatically forwarded to Manila from Auckland. But according to the tracking on my parcel it has been sitting at the Shortland Postshop Box Lobby since yesterday morning waiting to be picked up. I thought they would be cleared daily so just wondered if anyone knows anything and whether I should be worried?

    Thanks if you can help.

  3. GEOFF June 16, 2015 at 9:00 AM #

    Hi Chris,

    I applied for a youth mobility visa in April with an arrival date of 1st June. Due to a few issues (death in the family!) I can’t get to the UK until late July at the earliest so will miss this so called 30 day biometric residence permit window I’m just hearing about. I’ve never even heard about the biometric residence permit. Do you think I somehow by-passed this process by applying before the 31st May?

    Cheers
    Geoff

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 19, 2015 at 2:31 PM #

      Hi Geoff, as you applied before the 31st of May then the BRP doesn’t apply to you. It’s only for applications after the 31st of May.

  4. JEMMA June 16, 2015 at 10:35 AM #

    Hey Tarryn

    Your best bet would be to contact NZ Post/courier company about the tracking – they’d be in the best position to advise if the online tracking details you can see are correct/updated or if there has been a delay with delivery.
    I applied from Dunedin a couple of years ago and the application was signed for at the Auckland office within a few days of me sending it. It was then automatically forwarded to Manila.

    Jemma

    • TARRYN June 16, 2015 at 4:08 PM #

      Hi Jemma,

      Thanks for your reply. I did call NZ Post and they said it was waiting to be picked up from the Box Lobby. But I’ll give them another call tomorrow as it seems a bit strange that it would just sit there for 2 days.

      Cheers, Tarryn

  5. JESS June 16, 2015 at 1:26 PM #

    Are there any work limitations on the YMV? eg. how many hours per week you are allowed to work or length of time you are allowed to work for one company. Do you get taxed more if you have a YMV? I am eligible for an Ancestry Visa, would I be better off getting that instead?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 19, 2015 at 2:33 PM #

      Hi Jess no work limitations unless you are going over to work as a doctor or in some other specialist field. Tax and all is the same as far as I’m aware, the visa allows you to be a resident for the 2 years you are there so it should be the same as if you were a citizen. Given the choice I’d opt for the ancestry visa if you have the time. Its valid for longer should you find you want to stay after the 2 years and makes life that bit easier to get around.

  6. STEELE June 19, 2015 at 11:08 AM #

    Hey Nomad,

    First off great site.
    So i started traveling in march 2014 and had the plan of heading towards London but after 8 months of that i actually had to fly back home to save some more money. This flight back was via London so they stamped my VISA on the way through. I have been working in Australia for the past 6 months and have a flight booked back for next month. My YMV is valid until 16/4/16. I was wondering if this was a problem being out of the country for so long?
    cheers, Steele.

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD June 19, 2015 at 2:35 PM #

      Hi Steele, the visa is valid for the 2 years and you can come and go as much as you like so shouldn’t be any problems for you. They tend to stamp the visa each time you enter (until you come and go too much) I found.

  7. ROGER June 20, 2015 at 12:42 PM #

    Hi there,

    I’m interested in anyones experience with collecting the biometric residence permit – doesn’t look like there is any feedback yet.

    I have a situation that the BRP now complicates. I do not intend arriving in the UK until January 2016. However as I turn 31 in early October this year, I was planning to apply for the visa in around August / September and just letting the time run from then. When filling out the online application, earlier this month, it would not let me select an arrival date more than 3 months from filling out my application, which didn’t initially bother me as I would just list the latest default date and arrive later.

    However now with the requirement of collecting the BRP within 10 days of the stated arrival date, that would mean I would have to fly to the UK to collect it a couple of months before I planned to arrive in January 2016.

    Interestingly, I retrieved my saved draft application today online and it let me select an arrival date in January 2016 (which it didn’t do earlier this month. Not sure if there has been a change in the system or this requirement to select an arrival date within 3 months of applying. Anyone know?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 2:00 AM #

      Hi Roger, at this point in time it seems the BRP still isn’t being issued to Aussie applications but that could change at any time. You are however still limited to the 3 months time frame from date of application to start of the visa.

      • ROGER July 11, 2015 at 6:20 AM #

        Thanks nomad. Can you point to where it refers to the 3 month requirement? I can’t see it anywhere

      • LINDA July 16, 2015 at 12:42 PM #

        Hi Aussie Nomad,

        I’ve just applied and paid for my visa application yesterday. Like Roger, I am also turning 31 in October and will not be arriving in the UK until this time and need to have my visa to be delayed by 3 months. I set my arrival date to be November 1st.

        There was no area within the application form to advise of the date you would like the visa to be activated. So now I am freaking out because I do not want my visa to be activated as of the date of my application since I need it to be delayed until October/November.

        (Note: I booked my biometrics interview for Monday 27 July in the Melbourne location).

        Would you be able to advise on this, as I am freaking out now…

        Thank you!
        Linda

        • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:48 AM #

          Hi Linda, you may already have your visa back now but if not the visa can’t be delayed anymore than 3 months from your application date. So if you applied on the 16th of July it will be valid and started from the 16th of October and you’ll have 30 days to enter the UK from that date to collect your BRP card. Failing to do that means you’ll have to apply for another 30 day vignette to allow you to enter later on. Saying all of that the 1st of november is within that 30 day window so I beleive you’ll be all ok.

  8. JACKIE June 21, 2015 at 9:26 PM #

    Hi

    I have just applied for my visa but when I got the bank statement printed out I was unaware that I was $600 short on my bank acc statement, which I can’t do anything with because I have my biometric apt tomorrow. I have included letter of redundancy which shows that I will receive approx $14000 6 days after I arrive. I also included a letter from someone who is buying furniture off me for $1000 at the end of this week. Do you think this will suffice????

    • JACKIE June 21, 2015 at 9:32 PM #

      Also the 2nd last transaction on my bank statement shows that I have the funds but then I accidentally didn’t take in to account that I was taking 600 to apply for the actual visa lol.

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:58 AM #

      Hi jackie, sorry for the late reply, hoping all went well for your visa application.

  9. AJ June 23, 2015 at 5:54 PM #

    Hi,

    I’ve read online that before allowing you to rent that the agency will perform a credit check.

    Just wondering how this works seeing as I wouldn’t have any credit history in the UK? Do they check Australian Credit History and if so, would a bad credit rating make it hard to find somewhere to rent?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:54 AM #

      Hi AJ, its very rare to get a place to live directly with an agent. Most people going over house share due to the costs and so you’d just be paying the people you live with and avoding all the agency stuff.

  10. ALLAN June 23, 2015 at 6:18 PM #

    Hi Aussie Nomad!

    I’m a successful Aussie applicant for the YMS with the 2 year Entry Clearance vignette in my passport. I believe I was one of the lucky ones to apply before the 31st May so the BRP doesn’t apply to me. I was freaking out thinking I needed to be in the UK within 30 days of my initial start date but already planned to go later than that! Such a slap in the face for being organised!

    So just making sure with the 2 year valid visa I can enter any time during that period? My visa is valid from the 16/07/2015 to 16/07/2017.

    To give others some peace of mind I emailed the BRP and they said I do not require a BRP as I have a valid visa. Here is the email below. Good luck to those who have to get the BRP…I agree with most of the comments that it is quite an inconvenience!

    “Thank you for your enquiry.

    You will not require a BRP as your visa is valid until 16/07/2017

    Accordingly, you should use the Entry Clearance vignette you have been issued in your passport to enter the UK and evidence of your right to be here.

    You will not receive a BRP.

    Please do not reply to this e-mail.

    Thank you

    Home Office BRP Collection Team”

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:53 AM #

      Hi Allan, thanks for the details and info from your email to the UK home office. This new BRP thing really is a shamble of a system since it still doesn’t seem to be activated despite us being long past the start date.

  11. TAHLIA June 23, 2015 at 7:46 PM #

    Hi Nomad,
    I had my bio appointment today and supplied my bank statement however they told me the money had to be shown in my account on the day I applied ONLINE. According to my bank statementI only had $58 in on that day. I since however have the required funds (over $4000). I leave to England in 5 weeks. From past experience, Is this visa going to be rejected??

    • KATE June 25, 2015 at 11:53 AM #

      Hi Tahlia,
      I had my appointment on the 18th and had the similar situation happen to me (I didn’t have the bank statement showing the date I applied online but had the required funds). I don’t know if anyone has been rejected because of it. I’ll let you know if I am successful.
      Kate

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:52 AM #

      Hi Tahlia, hoping your visa was granted but there’s a chance it won’t as the money should have been in your account before you applied for the visa and not after.

  12. PAULA June 24, 2015 at 6:34 PM #

    Hi Nomad,

    I recently got my YMS visa via the Sydney VFS branch. When I picked up my passport last Friday from the branch, was it suppose to include my BRP decision letter? As I didn’t have any letter there?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:51 AM #

      Hi Paula, if your visa stamp in your passport is valid for 2 years then you’ve been issued the old visa and not the new one requiring the BRP.

      • ALANNA July 26, 2015 at 9:24 PM #

        I also didnt recieve the letter from the Sydney office and the valid until date is 2 years long. So Should I email the BRP office to double check this or not, dont want to get caught out without the Brp. Why would they issue “old” style ones?

        • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:19 AM #

          Hi Alanna, if your visa is valid for 2 years then you are except from the BRP and need not worry about it.

  13. SARAH June 25, 2015 at 8:14 AM #

    I sent my passport off 2 weeks ago but haven’t received an email or anything yet! Should I be worried? They said 3 weeks processing, so does that mean I should have it in my hands in a weeks time or something is wrong?

  14. ANN June 27, 2015 at 7:39 AM #

    Hi Aussie Nomad, this is a great site, thank you. My son is in Edinburgh at the moment on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa. It is due to expire on 2 Dec 2015 and he wants to extend it (or rather apply for either a work visa or partnership visa to extend his stay). He has lived with his English girlfriend for the whole period. Is it possible to come home in Sept 2015 and apply for another visa then or does he have to come home when his visa officially expires. I cannot find much about it. I see he must come home and apply rather than stay there but he is coming in September anyway and if he could do it then it would save time, money and stress!! Thank you for your help, regards, Ann

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:44 AM #

      Hi Ann, you can’t extend a youth mobility visa so your son would need to leave and apply for a new visa and he can do that at any time he just has to come home to do it. H

  15. EMILY June 29, 2015 at 12:15 PM #

    Hi there!

    My partner and I are applying for our Tier 5 visas and it asks me if I am travelling with anyone and if yes, do they have a UK visa? The answer options are “yes,no,not required” my partner is applying for his at the same time so should we answer “yes” or “no” since we haven’t actually got them yet- or will choosing “no” make them question us and not get approved?

    Thanks 🙂

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:39 AM #

      Hi Emily, for the sake of keeping it simple just note down you are travelling alone.

  16. ALI June 29, 2015 at 3:48 PM #

    Hi Chris,

    You mention above to write down the IHS reference number on your printed visa application. Is there meant to be a specific space for this? As I’ve printed my application but I can’t see a space allocated for this.

    Appreciate all the great info on your site.

    Thank you,
    Ali

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:39 AM #

      Hi Ali, I don’t believe there is any space for it no. Just note it somewhere at the top and go with that.

      • ALI July 11, 2015 at 2:09 PM #

        Cheers, have applied, fingers crossed 🙂

  17. NATASHA June 30, 2015 at 11:40 AM #

    Hi Nomad,
    My visa is approved for entry from 21 August 2015 but we don’t plan to arrive in the UK until the start of October. Is this an issue?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:35 AM #

      Hi Natasha, if your visa is stamped as valid for 2 years in your passport you can enter whenever you want too. If its stamped as valid for 30 days you must enter within 30 days of the 21’st of August.

  18. DENISE July 1, 2015 at 5:12 PM #

    Hi,

    I was wondering if you have a breakdown of approximate times of each section of the entire visa application process.
    For example, the time you apply online, until the bio appointment. I understand from completion of the bio appointment, it can take roughly 4 – 6 weeks until approval and grant of visa.

    I’m currently overseas, so would like to time it that I apply online overseas, but fly back to Australia for the bio appointment and all other requirements of the visa process which requires me to be in Australia.

    Thanks in advance!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:32 AM #

      Hi Denise,

      Its hard to give an exact timeframe as you book the biometric appointment yourself after completing your application. Appointments I’ve heard can be easy and difficult to book in a short period of time but imagine you’d get one within a week of submitting your application. Then after the appointment you are looking at around 2 weeks to get your passport back on average.

  19. SARAH July 2, 2015 at 4:37 AM #

    Alright guys, never mind I received mine all good!!
    They only sent me mail to say it was being dispatched!
    Has anyone received theirs after the cutoff date for BRP’s being issued? I know I did, and mine still says valid for two years!!
    So I am confused as to whether I still need to collect one or not….

    anyway, here’s my timeline –
    applied online 2nd Jun
    Had appointment in Melbourne on the 12th Jun
    Received email saying application has been processed on the 26th Jun
    VFS emailed to say they had received my passport from manilla and that it would be couriered back to me
    Received my Visa on the 1st July! ( I live in Nth Qld and I applied in Melbourne, hence the time taken to post)

    Don’t stress as much as I did, please :p

    • ROGER July 2, 2015 at 7:41 AM #

      Sarah – does the visa in your passport say valid for 2 years or just 30 days (requiring you to collect the BRP in UK)?

    • JONATHAN July 7, 2015 at 6:13 PM #

      I applied for mine after cutoff date for BRP’s and mine is also two years, slightly confused, but from what I can tell we_maybe_ don’t need a BRP?

      I am really not sure though 🙁

      • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:28 AM #

        Hi Jonathan, if you don’t have a 30 day vignette in your passport then you will be all fine. This whole BRP thing is quite confusing and I’m yet to see anybody apply be processed under it.

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:29 AM #

      Hi Sarah, this whole BRP thing is quite confusing indeed. Interesting to see they are still issuing visas under the older system but good for you to avoid all the drama associated with it.

  20. LAUREN July 8, 2015 at 4:33 PM #

    Hi Aussie Nomad, thank you so much for all this info – it’s unbelievably helpful! I was hoping you could help me with my situation – I plan to travel Europe for almost 3 months (starting in Spain) before entering the UK on my YMV. I’m sure this isn’t an uncommon situation…I noticed that you yourself flew into Paris and traveled Europe before entering the UK! I was wondering if, upon entering Paris, you had to provide evidence that you would be leaving the Schengen Zone 3 months later? Did you have to book a flight or train ticket to the UK in advance, as evidence you wouldn’t overstay?

    I spoke to a travel agent today about booking a one-way flight to Spain and she refused to help me because she believed I would be sent back to Australia if I didn’t have a return flight. Of course, I plan to stay and work in the UK for 2 years so it’s impossible to book a return flight. But she (and her co-workers!) argued that I’d need to buy a return flight and then cash it in for a refund once I was in the UK. They said that Spain won’t let me enter without proof I’ll be leaving, and an approved UK YMV isn’t proof enough. Do you think they were wrong to advise me to buy a return ticket and then refund it once I’m over there? Surely a flight from the Schengen Zone to London would suffice – but is THAT even necessary??

    Thank you!!
    Lauren

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:25 AM #

      Hi Lauren, travel agents love to try and guilt you into buying all sorts of things but in this case they are sort of right. You are supposed to have a proof of exit from the schengen zone should customs ask but I’ve never been asked for it in all my travels before. I did not have any tickets other than an eurail pass with me but found I almost ran through customs in Paris, they didn’t care at all. Spain I believe would be almost the same as they are known to be fairly relaxed in the whole how long you’ve been in the schengen zone etc.

      So I’m sure you’d be more than fine to fly in without a ticket out of Europe but if you are worried grab a cheap ryanair ticket or similar to have as proof and you can just cancel it or just give it away as insurance.

      One thing you’ll want to be careful of with the recent changes to the youth mobility visa is you must enter the UK within 30 days of your start date or face having to pay a fee to obtain a new entry visa to the country to start your 2 years abroad. The new process has really limited the ability of people wanting to spend time in Europe before starting their visa.

  21. DAMIAN July 8, 2015 at 7:47 PM #

    Hello

    I have 2 questions about Youth Mobility visa, last year I applied for International Experience Canada (IEC), which is similar to Youth Mobility Visa. I got the approval for the IEC Canada, but I did not submit or finalize my application for a Canadian Work Permit, as I decided not to go to Canada. After few months I got an email saying my Work Permit to Canada is refused, even though I did not submit or finalized my Canadian Work permit ( I think they just refuse permits if an application is not completed). Will this impact my application to Youth Mobility Visa?

    Also do you know on what base do they approve the Youth Mobility Visa UK. I recently became an Australian Citizen and all my family are overseas, I do not have anything in Australian other than a permanent job. Will this impact my application?

    Thank you in advance

    Damian

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:16 AM #

      Hi Damien, I don’t believe the Canadian visa would impact your UK one as it;s for a different country and they don’t ask about refused visas for other countries. For the visa and requirements as long as you meet the requirements listed on the application everything else is irrelevant.

  22. HANNAH July 9, 2015 at 1:56 PM #

    Hiya,

    Just wondering if we need to show that the money in our account has been saved by us or is it fine if the lump sum is in there on the day of applying?

    Thanks!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:13 AM #

      Hi Hannah, previously they wanted to see the money in your account for around 30 days to avoid lump sum deposits days before you apply. I believe that is no longer the case you just need to have the money in your account. Still if you can get the money in there earlier I’d advise it.

  23. ANNA July 10, 2015 at 6:54 AM #

    Hi Nomad,

    Thanks for such a fab sight – so much helpful info!

    I’ve been offered a job in Scotland, and have been working with my employer to get a tier 2 general visa. Because the process is so lengthy, however, they’ve suggested it might be easier to apply for a youth mobility visa in the first instance (the job is only a two year contract, anyways).

    In 2005 I received a youth mobility visa (or whatever it was called then), yet I never actually used it. So, I was wondering if I’m eligible to still apply for this visa? I meet all the criteria.

    Cheers!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD July 11, 2015 at 1:11 AM #

      Hi Anna, you can only apply for the youth mobility visa once I’m afraid and despite you never going to the UK it’s still counted as used and expired so you can’t apply for it again I’m afraid.

    • WADE October 17, 2015 at 7:53 AM #

      You can in fact apply for another YMS given you haven’t entered the UK on the first one.

      https://www.gov.uk/tier-5-youth-mobility/eligibility

      ‘You can’t apply if you have:

      ##already been in the UK## under the scheme or in the former ‘working holidaymaker’ category’

  24. TAHLIA July 11, 2015 at 11:54 AM #

    Hi Nomad,
    Yes my visa was granted! Despite the money not being there on date of application!!

    I can give you information in the new visa process. My visa in my passport only has a one month validity for me to arrive into the UK. Once there, I have a week to collect my RESIDENCE PERMIT which then entitles me to the two years 🙂

    VERY happy!

  25. ANN July 11, 2015 at 12:23 PM #

    Hi Nomad, thanks for a great site. My son is in the UK on a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa. This expires in December. He wants to apply for a partnership visa so he can stay with his girlfriend. I understand that he must leave the country once the Tier 5 expires and then re-apply for a partnership visa but does he have to come home to Australia or can he go somewhere cheaper (France, Germany where he has friends he could stay with) for a few days while the visa application is being processed? They have been in a relationship for 3 years but only living together since he arrived in Dec 2013 so will only meet the 2 year eligibility once his visa runs out – could he apply for the new visa BEFORE the 2 year period is up? Are they flexible at all? Thanks so much for your help. Cheers, Ann

  26. IRENE July 12, 2015 at 3:07 PM #

    Hi Nomad,

    Your website has been so helpful, thank you.

    Here’s my timeline on my visa process:

    Application: 30th May 2015
    Biometrics: 26th June 2015 (Brisbane)
    MANILA Email: 8th July 2015 (notifying me that a decision has been made, and my documents are being returned to the Visa Application Centre (VAC))
    VSF GLOBAL Email: 10th July 2015 (notifying me that my documents can be collected) – so I went and collected my passport with approved visa 😀

    My visa states that it’s valid for 2 years (until 2017), nothing on the new BRP (biometric residence permit).

  27. AJ July 12, 2015 at 9:57 PM #

    Hi everyone,

    Just wondering how much most people moved over to London with?

    I’ll have about $10k AUD but I’m worried about this being enough? especially if I don’t find work immediately etc.

    Would love to hear what other ppl have moved over with

  28. MITCH July 13, 2015 at 10:37 AM #

    Hi Aussie Nomad,

    Fellow aussie applying here. I intend to leave Australia on the 23rd of September for 3 months of travel throughout europe, but want to make the UK my end destination on the 23rd of December. I have yet to make my youth mobility visa application, but hope I have not left it too late! My question is despite the 3 months they recommend, should I be safe to make my application roughly 2 months prior to leaving Australia?
    And my follow up question is if I set my visa start date a bit later in my travels (as late as I can within the 3 month range), will that delay my visa processing time?
    Thanks for all the information, it’s all so much more help that the UK visa website!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:54 AM #

      Hi Mitch, due to recent changes in the visa process you must enter the UK within 30 days of your visa starting so that sort of forces your hand with the 3 month travel window. If you apply 2 months out from leaving then you only have 2 month of travel around Europe before needing to enter the UK to collect your BRP card so I’d suggest making the visa start mid trip and take a quick stop off in the UK to collect the BRP and then head back out to Europe. It means a little loss of time to be in the UK but at least you’ll be all set with the required paperwork.

  29. ELLAYTCHE July 13, 2015 at 9:37 PM #

    Hi Aussie Nomad!

    Great site! And the number 1 reference point to the UK Tier 5 YMS!

    I have read a tonne of the comments, very useful, and my question is siiimilar, but I am still really worried, and would love some feedback from yourself and anyone who turned 31 before leaving Australia, and is happily plugging away at the 2years in the UK. There is some conflicting info on the UK gov sites.

    A lot of what I’ve read on the UK gov sites say “If you turn 31 while you’re in the UK, you can stay for as long as your visa is valid.”

    Key words: in the UK.

    Soooo… all this talk about application in, biometrics done whilst 30, got visa, turn 31, leave Australia, enter UK… what is the latest?

    I have my biometrics appt July 15th, turn 31 end of Aug, and was planning to NEED to enter the UK in little over a month (so my application has aug 12th as the date of planned arrival), in order to skip between a few of the European countries (like Italy, Cyrprus, Netherlands) ‘collecting’ work visas BEFORE I turn 31… so that they all clock over and give me a year at least to work in their countries (mostly I am interested in doing volunteer work, not specialist paid employment, but for this, I believe one still needs a proper working/holiday-type visa.)

    Assuming all works out ok with the European visas (ie. if I can apply for those, and get them in Australia before turning 31 in Australia, I would be sorely tempted to spend a little bit longer in my beautiful country downunder (having just come back from two years in another corner of the world!)

    Thoughts?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:51 AM #

      Hi Ellaytche, as long as you’ve applied for the visa before you turn 31 you are all good. I’ve had reports from a few people now who’ve applied for the visa and had the start date for it happen after their 31st birthday. However I will add a note that applying late for the visa may potentially still cause problems so if possible I’d aim to have the visa start before you turn 31 just to rule out any possible issue or complication. Don’t want you coming back telling me you couldn’t get the visa as you applied too late 🙂

      • MARC August 28, 2015 at 11:18 AM #

        I applied under the new BRP process. Applied for Visa 19th June, turned 31 on the 26th of June, Visa start data 19 September. Had no issues getting the YM Visa 🙂

  30. SHAUN July 18, 2015 at 6:53 AM #

    Hi Nomad,

    Thank you so much for the info on here! It has been a lifesaver!!!

    I just have one question, My application date was the 16th July and my intended date of arrival is 17th October. However, I don’t intend to travel til 2016 but because of the age cut off I had to apply before my bday at the end of the month. So I put the 17th October to give me more time to get to the UK. When I went to the interview I was told that I will need to enter the UK within 30 days of that date to collect the biometric residence permit. Was wondering if you knew, can I enter the UK before my intended arrival date to pick this up? Considering that my visa will apparently start from the 17th July. I will be travelling close to the UK in September so it would be easy to get it beforehand.

    Thanks again for all your help with this.

    Cheers,

    Shaun

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:44 AM #

      Hi Shaun, you must enter within that 30 days window to collect your BRP card but the BRP card will take 7 days or so to arrive from your intended arrival date. it’s all a bit tricky unfortunately and utterly confusing compared to the old system. Hope that answers your query.

  31. DR July 23, 2015 at 11:59 AM #

    Hi Aussie Nomad, thank you so much for your extremely helpful and thorough advice!! A quick question for you…I have my biometric appmt on the 27th July and have a flight booked for a holiday to South East Asia on the 16th August….do you think I have a good chance of getting my passport back in time or should I consider paying the extra fee to fast track my application? Cheers…

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:37 AM #

      Hi DR, sorry for the delayed reply, I think you’d be ok to get the passport back in time but it would be close. If you were worried I’d have paid for the fast track option.

  32. GEORGIE PIE July 24, 2015 at 6:18 AM #

    Hi Nomad,

    Thanks for the Great Article, lots of useful information. Just a quick question. In the application There was a question for list all the countries you have visited. I have been to about 20 or so most of which I listed in the supplementary disclosure page of the application. I did have a transit stop in KL, Malayasia for like 6 hours when I left the airport and came back after a few hours, which I failed to mention as it completely skipped my mind. My passport has stamps so they can defintely see it in there, but I did not mention it in my application. Do you think this matters?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:36 AM #

      Hi Georgie, I doubt you’d get pulled up for that small entry in KL. I think it’s more to get an idea of your travel movements as its impossible to remember every little detail.

      • GEORGIE PIE August 11, 2015 at 1:03 PM #

        Nomdad,

        Thanks for getting back to me. Just wanted to let you know that you were right and I got YMS approved and in the mail the other day.

        For future reference for others:
        I did declare speeding tickets and a traffic infringment I received and this wasnt an issue and my YMS application was approved. Just in case if anyone is wondering, as to whether they should list this or not in the application.

        Cheers.

  33. RICHARD July 24, 2015 at 1:33 PM #

    Like many others I have been caught by surprise by this new BRP process. I will not be able to enter the UK before my vignette visa expires, which is ok, since I can reapply for a new one. But I don’t understand the purpose of having one.

    My understanding is that its only purpose is to allow someone to enter the UK to pick up their BRP.
    As an Australian, I can enter the UK as a tourist without a visa, so my question is.

    Do not reapply for the vignette visa and enter the UK as a tourist (visa waiver program) pick up my BRP, go to another country in the EU for a few days and re-enter under my Tier 5 visa?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:34 AM #

      Hi Richard you make a good point about being able to enter the UK regardless of the vingette. I believe its purpose is to notify the system to send out the BRP card once you enter the UK because the BRP card is only sent out to the collection point 7 days or so after you enter and I’m unsure if they would just leave it sitting there for weeks after the approved collection window of 10 days. The whole new process is absurd really and complicates a system that worked wonderfully. If you do follow through and re-enter without applying for a second vignette do let me know how you get on as it would be valuable info for others going after you.

  34. LUCY July 25, 2015 at 5:27 PM #

    Hi – another query as I attempt to navigate the new UK visa process and BRP requirements. If my partner’s Visa starts on August 19, and we travel to Europe via London on this date and then return to the UK within 30 days, can he choose to enter as a tourist on the first instance and on his YMV on the second so that he can collect his BRP within 10 days? Has anyone had any experience with what the BRP penalty is, or what the chances are of being let back into the UK 1 day after the vignette has expired if we have already travelled to the UK but not yet picked up the BRP? Thank you,

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:26 AM #

      Hi Lucy, if your boyfriend enters the UK after the visa has started then he’s entering on that visa and not a tourist regardless as the visa is valid and already started no matter if you enter on the first day or the last day of it. I’d advise you to collect the BRP card there and then to avoid issues later on as while you can apply to get a new stamp in the passport to enter I’m not entirely sure you can do so from abroad.

  35. PREM July 27, 2015 at 9:29 PM #

    Hi Guys,

    My question is do we have to pay taxes in Australia for the income earned in the UK?

    Regards
    SP

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:18 AM #

      Hi Prem, you have to declare your UK income in Australia when you do your tax return but you won’t pay tax on it as there is an agreement between the countries.

      • PREM August 5, 2015 at 4:05 PM #

        Hi Nomad,

        Thank you for responding. I have two more queries please
        Can you please let me know what is the best way for me to lodge tax return in Australia while am overseas? Or can I wait till I get back to Sydney?

        I am not too good with taxes so I’ll probably want to get a tax professional back home to do it for me.

        The other question is, I am currently working in the UK but also have to do some contract work for my previous employer back in Sydney. They salary from my employer in Sydney is being paid to my Australian account. Do I need to declare that in the UK?

        Kind Regards
        Suresh

        • SAMMI August 18, 2015 at 3:49 PM #

          I may be able to answer this as I just had my tax done and spoke to my accountant about it. He stated if it is a simple job only tax refund all I will have to do is email him and scan across my info, he will then scan the form back to me to sign and scan back that was through H&R block, perhaps give your accountant a call.

  36. VANESSA July 30, 2015 at 10:27 PM #

    Hi Nomad,
    Thank you for your information 🙂 I got a question about visa activation. I have been granted a tier 5 YMS visa valid from 1 August 2015 to 31 August 2015. But I have already arrived UK on 21 July 2015 due to my uni graduation last week, when I arrive the airport the immigration officer just ask me a few questions about reason of my arrivals and I answered her to participate my uni graduation then find jobs in UK, after that she just put a stamp exactly on my visa page in my passport. I just wonder is this indicate my visa is being activated? Do I need to re-enter UK? This is really confusing me….
    Thanks, Vanessa

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:15 AM #

      Hi Vanessa, technically you are not in the UK on your visa no as you entered before the date it was due to start. If it were me I’d leave and re-enter the UK just to be on the safe side but for now see if you can go and collect your BRP card so you have that already and then its less an issue for you.

  37. ANDREW July 31, 2015 at 8:49 AM #

    This page was so helpful, thank you so much.

    Just a quick question though; I’m applying for my visa in the next few days. I have enough money in my account, however in the last few days before I got my bank statement I’ve have lumps of money transferred into my account. These sums are $800 (lent my sister the money a while back, and she just paid me back) and $600 (sold my Xbox and TV). Will they be suspicious of these sorts of transactions being made prior to application? Should I attach a letter or a note with my application explaining these transactions? Or will they not worry about it as long as I have the money? I also have a job lined up as soon as I get there too.

    Thanks for your help!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:12 AM #

      Hi Andrew I’ve had people deposit the money the day before and be all ok. I think as long as the money’s in your account you’ll be fine.

  38. ALEX July 31, 2015 at 11:08 AM #

    Hi Nomad,

    Thanks for a great site! 🙂

    I was wondering if Tier 5 YM Visa would allow me to work in Gibraltar?

    Cheers!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:11 AM #

      Alex thats a damn good question. I don’t believe Gibraltar is classed as part of the UK so I wouldn’t believe it is covered but you’d need to ask the relevant authorities of which seem to be linked on this page http://www.visitgibraltar.gi/

      • ALEX August 5, 2015 at 8:57 AM #

        Hi Nomad,

        Thanks for that! 🙂

  39. ANDREW August 2, 2015 at 1:01 PM #

    Hi Nomad,

    Im just a little unsure about the dates on my tier 5 visa in my passport. I know you have said in previous posts that it doesnt matter if you dont come on the start date of your visa all it means is you have less time to use your visa during the 2 year period. However I checked my visa and it says my visa is valid from 7/10/15 to 6/11/15 does this mean I have to come to the uk before 6/11/15? The accompanying information sheet also says my UK Visa is only valid for 30 days otherwise my visa will expire and i will have to reapply for a replacement visa? Please help

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 12:02 AM #

      Hi Andrew, the visa process changed recently in that you now get a 30 day window to enter the UK and collect your BRP card of which you’ll use as proof of living in the UK should you come and go from the UK within the 2 years you live there. Failure to enter the UK within that 30 day window and collect your BRP card (read up on the BRP card in my post above) means you need to apply for another visa stamp to enter the UK and collect it. The short version of all of that is they’ve changed the whole process making it so much more complicated and annoying.

  40. BRENDAN August 4, 2015 at 5:52 PM #

    I am in the process of filling out my visa application online and am trying to book an appointment for September. However there is nothing available at all in September, nor the for the subsequent months. I assume there must be a limited time before one can book an appointment. Does anyone know how far in advance an appointment can be booked?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 4, 2015 at 11:59 PM #

      Hi Brendan, I believe (may be wrong) they allow bookings for a 30 day window from when you are looking as you must attend your appointment within 30 days of lodging online. So that may be why you are seeing no appointments in September as yet.

  41. TMC August 4, 2015 at 8:25 PM #

    Hi Nomad,
    Echoing everyone else’s comments thank you so much for taking the time to provide this amazing resource and go above and beyond answering queries. Just wondering whether you had any update on the BRP 30 day issue yet? My girlfriend falls into the almost-31 bucket, with her dates being:

    – Application submitted 30 July
    – Appointment in Syd 3 August

    In the appointment apparently they pressured her to put down a window (which I assume was the vignette window) which ended up being 30 Oct – 30 Nov. Has anyone had any experience in this process yet? Any replies greatly appreciated

    • TMC August 4, 2015 at 8:27 PM #

      (should add her 31st birthday is end of August)

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 4, 2015 at 11:57 PM #

      Hi TMC, your girlfriend will need to enter the UK between that window period or face having to apply for a new vignette as I’ve heard that the new system is now in place. Providing she’s applied for the visa and been granted it before her 31st bday she’ll be fine to enter the UK.

  42. HAYLEY WRIGHT August 5, 2015 at 12:49 AM #

    Hey buddy,

    Thanks for doing such a good deed and helping us all out with our questions!

    My Tier 5 via expires in April next year but I want to stay on as a tourist for part of the British summer (weddings and festivals etc)

    Do you know how long after your visa has expired you must remain out of the UK before being able to re-enter? I have tried searching to the answer for this question for sometime now and to no avail.

    Hopefully you will know! A massive thanks in advance 🙂

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 5, 2015 at 1:02 AM #

      Hi Hayley, in theory you can re-enter the next day if you wanted but the customs folks are likely to be majorly difficult about it all. In saying that they tend to be difficult about it no matter how long you’ve been out for. So to ease the problem when you re-enter make sure you have your flight booked for home to Australia printed and with you, proof of money to support yourself while back in the UK, any references to a job you are going home to with a start date and any other proof you can find to show them you won’t be overstaying or working again. Also I think flying back into the UK is easier than going via train as I’ve always been grilled about returning via the eurostar.

      One other option is to re-enter via Ireland. Fly into Dublin then fly back over from Belfast as there are no customs checks that way except for going into Ireland as Belfast is part of the UK.

      • SARAH October 18, 2015 at 5:09 AM #

        Hi Aussie Nomad,

        Have you ever heard of a person being refused entry back into the uk as a tourist after their 2 year visa has expired?

        Also does my flight out of the country have to be back to Aus ? It would probably look a little suss if it wasn’t i guess.

        thanks

        Sarah

  43. ALICE MURRAY August 8, 2015 at 10:59 AM #

    Hi there,

    I have applied for the tier 5 youth mobility visa for the UK. I was planning on travelling for a few months before arriving in the UK in Feb. However on my visa it states that I have to arrive between 18th Oct 2015 – 17th Nov 2015. If I apply for a vignette transfer do I need to send my passport away again? And would I be able to change the 30 day entry period to start in Feb 2016?

    Thanks for your help,
    Alice

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 28, 2015 at 5:44 PM #

      Hi Alice, I’m not very familiar with the application of getting a new vignette unfortunately. Your passport would need to be sent off again yes to have the new vignette added to it but am unsure if you can date it for feb next year. To get that date I’d suggest waiting a little while to apply for it.

  44. MICHAELSON August 10, 2015 at 7:40 PM #

    I am planning to apply for a YMS visa for use in 2016. Like many others before me, I am planning to do some travel before I head to the UK – probably around 6 months of it.

    I was aware of the rule about the start date of the visa having to be no later than 3 months after the date of application, but having gone through a number of resources (including the YMS informational website, YMS guidance note and the section of the Immigration Rules that relates to the YMS), I have not seen this in writing anywhere.

    Have I missed where the 3 month requirement is formally stipulated? Have the rules changed? Or is it buried deep in some legislation?

  45. JAMIE August 12, 2015 at 9:38 AM #

    Hello! You have a great website..Not sure if you will know but cannot find this info ANYWHERE and the consulate is no help at all 🙁

    Last year I was granted a 2yr- Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, but didnt end up going do to family reasons…. It is still valid till next year and I’m under the understanding that as the 3 month grace period that I said I would be there has passed, that I cannot use the rest of the Visa to work in the UK.

    But what I’m wanting to know is can I still use the remainder of the visa to enter the country and do some backpacking without having to buy a return ticket to Australia??

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you!

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 28, 2015 at 5:35 PM #

      Hi Jamie, you should be fine to use the remainder of the visa while its still valid. You are entitled to come and go as much as you like during that 2 year period so there would be no need for a return ticket in my eyes.

  46. NATALIE August 14, 2015 at 3:08 PM #

    Hi,

    Awesome page! I have a question about bank statements- the bank printed a bank statement and a letter for me, verifying that I have the funds needed for the visa. I don’t have the official bank statement and it all just looks like it was printed from a computer. However the bank would not stamp any of the pages for me. They said it’s against their policy and said no branch would stamp it for me.

    I send off my application because there is nothing I can do. Will it get rejected now?

    • MADELINE August 19, 2015 at 11:18 AM #

      Which bank was that?

      • NATALIE August 30, 2015 at 9:22 AM #

        Hi Madeline, It was commonwealth bank. But I have since gone to other branches to check this out and it turns out they do stamp! That particular branch in South Australia must have been full of idiots.

  47. JOHNNY August 15, 2015 at 11:06 AM #

    Hi there, awesome work on this post!

    I need to submit a NEW application with a date within the 3 month range.

    I’ve yet to attend my appointment for my old application with the wrong arrival date, so I cancelled it and am now trying to get a refund.

    On the refund page, after entering my reasons for withdrawal, I click on the Apply for Refund button— except it doesn’t work. Instead the Payment Date field is highlighted. No error message or anything.

    Any idea what is going on? And can I submit/pay for a new application anyway, while the old one is on hiatus.

    11th August – Submitted/paid old application with incorrect date
    13th August – Cancelled appointment. Tried to get a refund. Payment Date field said 13/8/2015
    14th August – Tried to get a refund again. Payment Date field said 14/8/2015. (Payment also finally appeared on my credit card transaction history)
    15th August – Tried to get a refund again. Payment Date field said 15/8/2015.

    Argh!

  48. IZZY August 15, 2015 at 12:16 PM #

    Hi,

    Thank you so much for answering all our questions!! You are a champ!

    I also have a question about proof of funds. The name on my bank account up until yesterday was different by one letter than the name on my passport and therefore my application. I didn’t think it would be an issue but then I decided to change the name on my bank account anyway just to be safe. They printed me a new statement with a name that matches my application name but the statement is dated two days after I applied online.

    I also have letters from the bank confirming my funds but the letters are dated two weeks after the application. The bank also printed me a transactions list- which dates back to when I applied online but does not have all my details, like my address and only has my last name on in. However it does have my account number that they can match to my bank statement and is stamped by the bank alongside all my other documents.
    Do you think that’s enough proof of funds?

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 28, 2015 at 5:26 PM #

      Hi Izzy, I’m sure that will be more than enough proof. But if you are unsure query it with the staff when you have your biometric appointment before it’s all posted away for processing.

  49. MARC August 16, 2015 at 2:21 PM #

    Hi,

    Thanks for all the useful information on your website. I’m wondering if you could help me please?

    My YMV ends on the 15/9/15….unfortunately just before the rugby world cup…gutted!!! my girlfriends visa doesn’t expire until December this year so she’s fine.

    We are planning on travelling Europe from the first week October journeying back home to NZ/Auz. I far as I can see I have 2 options, do I pop away for a week before my visa expires and re-enter as a visitor with proof of all my forwarding flights, proof i’ve finished work etc and risk not being allowed back in? or overstay just for the 2 weeks and we leave together on the first week of October?

    any help would be greatly appreciated

    Cheers
    Marc

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 28, 2015 at 5:24 PM #

      Hi Marc, I’d opt for the first plan as thats pretty much what I did. Customs give you a bit of a hard time coming back so soon but given you want to return for the Rugby I’m pretty sure they’ll be fine with letting you in. Maybe have a ticket for the rigby with you as proof of that scenario as well. Its all about showing proof I’ve found so the return flight and anything else to show you are only staying for a shorter time and not trying to get back in and keep working.

  50. JOHNNY August 16, 2015 at 4:36 PM #

    If anyone is on Mac OSX and is applying for a refund, do it through Firefox.

    I’ve been hitting Apply for Refund button for a few days and drove me crazy because it wasn’t working on Chrome/Safari. Surely there’s nothing wrong with these modern browsers I thought.

    Boy was I wrong!

    ps. Awesome site

    • THE AUSSIE NOMAD August 28, 2015 at 5:27 PM #

      Hi Johnny, thanks for the tip on the refund process. You’d think all modern browsers would be supported wouldn’t you.

Leave a Reply