Over 3 years ago I posted about how to apply for a Tier 5 UK Youth Mobility Visa (previously called the working holiday visa) as an Australian. I’d struggled with finding the correct information so thought to share my experience with the world in the hopes it would help somebody else. The response to my posts has been nothing short of amazing since then so to all of you who’ve joined the discussing by leaving a comment and providing more information as the process has changed I can’t thank you enough.
With so many comments full of great information I’ve decided to pull the best bits out and bring them together into one easy to read Ultimate Reference Guide on the Youth Mobility Visa. If you have a question that’s not answered by the below please leave a comment and I’ll get it answered.
To get this underway lets run over the application process as a few things have changed and I want you all to understand whats required to apply for the Tier 5 UK Visa or working holiday as it was once called.
Youth Mobility Visa – Working Holiday Visa Guide
Eligibility Requirements
- Available to anyone from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Monaco, Hong Kong, Taiwan & Republic of Korea. (link)
- Must be over the age of 18 and under 31 years of age at the time of application. (link)
- Have £1,890 Pounds (Approx $3490 AUD as of 18th April 2016) in available funds at the time of applying. (link)
- You must apply for the visa outside of the UK or from a country where you have citizenship or a valid visa that allows you to live/work there (link)
Costs
- The Application cost for the Youth Mobility Visa is £230 Pounds (Approx $ 221 AUD as of 18th April 2016) (link)
- If applying from Brisbane, Canberra or Perth there will also be an application fee to pay of $105 AUD at the time of your biometric appointment
- To have your passport couriered back to you once it’s approved you can pay $24 AUD otherwise it needs to be collected from the office where you had your biometrics taken
Application Documents Required
- Complete application form online
or download and complete with a pen(offline applications are no longer accepted you must apply online) - Passport sized recent color photo (link)
- Original proof of funds document. This is recommended to be an official bank statement but a letter from your bank printed on their letterhead and stamped will also be ok. It must included your name, account number, date, balance in excess of £1890 pounds and logo from your bank. (link and link)
Completed Appendix 7 Form (link)– Seems to have been made redundant with the new online application process- Valid Passport for the duration of your visa period with a free page for the visa to be stuck on
- Completed IHS Healthcare form and paid the fee of up to £300 for 2 years in the UK. (link).
All the above needs to be original documents meaning no photocopies, eftpos receipts or falsified paperwork.
Application Process
The whole process starts with filling out the online application form. Most of this is fairly straight forward asking for details about you. As part of the application process you’ll get to pick the start date for when your visa will begin. Keeping in mind that this date must be within 3 months of when you are completing your application. So if you intend to arrive in the UK on the 1st September you’ll need to be applying for the visa no earlier than the 1st June of the same year.
Once completed you’ll be given the option to pick a time to attend your biometric appointment. This appointment is required for them to collect a copy of your finger prints which will be used when arriving in the UK on your visa. You’ll be asked to give (usually one finger) them when being processed by customs. The entire appointment takes all of about 30-45 minutes ( be there 15 minutes early) and you will need to bring with you the following documents:
- Completed and printed online application form
- bank statement and other supporting documents required for the application
- Passport photo meeting above mentioned specifications
- Appointment booking confirmation letter
- Passport
- IHS Reference Number
- A second valid form of ID like a drivers licence
Before you attend your biometric appointment you’ll need to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS). This is referenced as an IHS form. The first step is to run through this checklist to see if you need to pay a fee or not IHS healthcare checklist. If you are from Australia or New Zealand as of the 6th April 2016 you now need to pay a fee if you intend to live in the UK for longer than 6 months. The total fee is £300 to cover 2 years living in the UK.
To get your IHS reference number you need to go to this application page and click start now at the bottom. Follow the prompts and upon completion you will be emailed an IHS reference number that you should write down on your printed visa application. I’d also advise you to print off the email and take it to your biometric appointment as well due to how new this option is, it may save you some stress that way.
The biometric appointment process changed in late March 2014 and is now handled by a 3rd party visa processing company called VFS Global (except for in Adelaide which uses the old system). On attending one of their centers you’ll collect a token and wait for your turn to be called.
When called you will have your paperwork checked, pay your booking fee if applying in Brisbane, Canberra or Perth and then given a receipt which you need to keep for pickup of your passport if collecting it. At this time you can also pay to have your passport couriered back to you instead of returning to the processing office to collect it.
The second step is to have your fingerprints taken and have a digital photo of yourself taken, before they take all of your documents send if off on your behalf for processing. There is no need to provide your own envelopes for processing as the visa office is responsible for sending off and getting your passport back.
If applying in Adelaide then please follow the steps below, all others are to abide by the above.
You’ll leave the biometric appointment with a stamped application form and documentation on where to post your completed application and supporting documents off to. At last check you have 14 days from your biometric appointment to get your documents in the post to be processed.
It is advised to post your documents off in a platinum express post envelope and to included a second one for posting back to you. Take note of the tracking numbers on the envelopes for your own reference.
The above is a general overview for the entire application process. There have been major changes to the process this year (2014) with a revamped UK visa website and new processing options for applying. While I do my best to provide the most accurate information it is not always possible. If you notice a mistake or have details that can help others please leave a comment and I’ll update my records.
The Youth Mobility Visa FAQ
To make life easier I’ve also hand-picked a selection of questions and problems others have experienced and outlined them all below to save you trawling through over 500 comments.
Is the online application process confusing you?
In the last few weeks of 2013 the UKBA office rolled out a beta version of the new online application process. This has been met with quite a bit of confusion as sections of the application process have changed or aren’t being accepted correctly, which can be confusing if you’ve been researching the process online.
The problems I’m currently aware of are:
You receive an error when clicking Book Appointment – This error seems to have no solution other than to try and lodge your application again with a different email address.
UK Phone number being listed where your Australian one should be – This seems common and an obvious bug in the system, you can either leave it as is or hand write in the correct number. I imagine this will be fixed soon.
Your biometric appointment time is booked for say 2pm but it shows at 1pm on your letter – A fix seems to go back in and pick it again otherwise just turn up early so you don’t miss it.
I don’t have a UK Address or Phone Number
The new application form now ask for a UK phone number and address of you when applying. As you are yet to arrive in the UK I think this is beyond stupid to ask for but there you go. My advice is to put down the address and phone number of the place you intend to stay on arrival in the UK. This address will also form part of the where you will collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) from so be careful putting down just any address.
Not sure what a question is asking?
The Youth Mobility Visa form can be confusing so be sure to read the Guidance Notes provided by the UKBA office for help in deciphering exactly what they are asking for. This document lists notes for all questions asked on the forms to help you complete them.
How many points did you score for Attributes, English, and Maintenance?
On the application form you are asked for the number of points for Attributes, English and Maintenance. The English section does not need to be completed as it does not apply to this visa type. To calculate the numbers for the other box’s use the points calculator on the UKBA website or refer to your Appendix 7 form and get the numbers from that.
Can I fast track or get priority processing of my visa?
With the new changes to the visa process you can now apply to fast track your visa application. Costs to get priority visa processing are £100 for non-settlement applications and £300 for settlement ones. I believe this visa falls under the non-settlement category but can not confirm this.
To order priority processing of your visa you need to purchase it before attending your biometric appointment. To order the service you need to do so on this page. Then take the receipt of payment along to your biometric appointment for processing.
They aim to process all non-settlement applications within 5 days and settlement applications within 10. Again I believe this visa falls under the non-settlement category but can not confirm.
This service is not available to people attending an appointment in Adelaide.
Is there a biometric appointment office near me?
Processing offices for the biometric appointment are as below. Of note that all but Adelaide are run by VFS Global.
- Melbourne
- Sydney
- Canberra
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Adelaide
The address’ for these offices can be found here. If you don’t live near one of these offices then you’ll need to make the trip by land, sea or air to have your visa processed.
Do I post my application form off before the biometric appointment?
No you do not, even though the application form seems to suggest you should. You no longer post your application at all unless applying from Adelaide. All other applications are left with the visa office after your biometric appointment.
Where do I post my completed application to?
You only post your application if applying from Adelaide, all other applications are given to the VFS Global staff. The address to send your application to is:
UK Border Agency
GPO Box 2718
Sydney NSW 2001
It will then be forwarded to the processing hub in Manilla.
How long does the visa take to process?
Given my experience and feedback from others it takes anywhere between 1 – 4 weeks (usually within 2 though) from the time you post it. The processing times do vary depending on the time of year as well so recommend you check with the UKBA website here for a detailed listing of processing times.
However it seems with the new visa processing procedure a 2-3 weeks estimate seems correct at the moment.
I’ve not received any confirmation from the processing center, I’ve received one email, I’ve received nothing from the processing center?
The visa processing center has a history of not updating you on the process of your visa. Some people have reported getting emails to say their application was received, processed and shipped back while others have received nothing at all. You need not fear, there has never been a case of someones application form getting lost that I am aware of and most find their passport arrives the day after they freak out. All I can suggest is a little patience.
I have a question about the visa process who can I call or email?
You can contact the visa authority on 1300UKVISA ( 1300 858 472) but keep in mind this is a charged call of $3.50/minute and only payable via credit card. There is also an email address at [email protected] that advises you’ll receive a response within 10 days. Full details on calling for help can be found here.
Can I cancel my visa application?
If you’ve applied for your visa early or simply don’t want to go ahead with it you can cancel under certain circumstances. Refunds only seem possible if you’ve not attended your biometrics appointment yet. To cancel your visa go to the refund request page on the UKBA website and complete the form. You then wait 14 days to find out if you were successful.
Can I apply outside of Australia?
This seems to be possible but appears to be something new as previous documentation I’d read suggested you couldn’t. By visiting this section of the UKBA website you can select different countries around the world that accept visa processing. From what I can tell it will allow you to apply for a Tier 5 UK Youth Mobility Visa wherever there is a processing center providing you have a valid working visa with at least 6 months validity on it to be in that country.
When does the visa start?
You can pick the start date for your visa yourself during your application online but keep in mind it must be within 3 months of your application date. If you intend to travel around Europe before the start of your visa then you will be applying for your visa closer to the time in which you intended to fly out of Australia or allowing it to start before you get there meaning you miss some of the 2 years it is valid for.
When should the bank statement or letter be dated?
Your bank statement needs to be dated within 30 days of applying for the visa. So if you were to apply for the visa on the 1st of June your bank statement or letter must be dated after the 1st of May. The statement or letter must also show you have the total amount of funds required to meet the application requirements for the youth mobility visa.
The application form asks for my previous passports but I’ve lost it?
If you’ve had a children’s passport or an adult one and can no longer find it just state that on the form. If you have the passports great otherwise noting its lost seems to be perfectly acceptable.
Is this the same as the working holiday visa?
The working holiday visa was renamed to the youth mobility visa. During that change they also adjusted the conditions of the visa allowing you to live and work for the full 2 years of the visa where as before you could only work for 1 year.
What does family name mean?
The application will refer to your mother/fathers family name, this is asking about their maiden name.
Do I need a UK address or itinerary to apply?
Previously you did not need an UK address but on the new application form you are required to give one. You do not however need an itinerary when applying for the youth mobility visa. You will need to give a UK address to the customs officials upon entry into the UK. It is a requirement for all people entering the UK when completing the landing card.
Do I need to buy a return ticket?
There is no need to buy a return ticket when entering the UK on the Tier 5 youth mobility visa. With this visa you are essentially considered a citizen of the UK for the duration of the visa.
Will this visa let me stay in Europe for longer than 3 months?
The visa is only valid within the UK which encompasses England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Island. When travelling to Europe and in particular the countries that form the schengen zone you are only permitted to visit them for a period of 90 days within a 180 day period.
Will this visa let me work in Europe?
You will not be able to work for any company outside of the UK on this visa.
Can I enter the UK before my visa starts?
Yes but you will be entering on a tourist visa and as such are restricted to its limitations such as not being able to work. After your visa start date you should look to leave the country and re-enter on your youth mobility visa.
What if I have a DUI or criminal conviction?
During the application process you will be asked if you have any criminal convictions, this does not included fixed fines such as speeding or parking tickets unless you were required to attend court. If you have had a drink driving conviction or similar it is advised you included all paperwork when sending off your documents.
The visa office does perform criminal record checks so failing to document your record could be a reason for denying you a visa or them deferring your application until you offer more documentation to the entry clearance officer. To save potential problems it is recommended to get a print out of your court documents/extract, police reports and other supporting evidence including proof you’ve paid any fines associated with the incidents.
You are only provided a short time to provide this information if they request it so its better to have it all before you apply to save on missing out.
What is the BRP (biometric residence permit) and how do I get it?
From the 31st of May 2015 the visa office changed the visa permit process and introduced a biometric residence permit you collect once you’ve arrived in the UK. Full details on the BRP can be viewed on the UK website here
The short(ish) version of what this means is you now must enter the UK within 30 days of your noted start date for the visa. This is instead of being issued a sticker in your passport valid for the full 2 years. Now you now get issued a 30 day vignette which allows entry to the UK under your visa for a period of 30 days to collect your BRP card. If you arrive after that initial 30 day period you need to apply for another 30 day vignette (unsure of any fees or process to do this at the current point in time).
Once your visa is granted you’ll be provided with a decision letter stating at which post office and when you can collect your biometric residence permit card from. This is likely to be the closest post office to your noted address you used on the application. Please note the UK website states that you may get a penalty or your leave can be cancelled if you don’t pick up your BRP within 10 days of your arrival in the UK.
If you have queries about your BRP card or misplace documents needed to collect it you can refer to the following site for details https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/need-brp.
At this point in time I’m yet to speak to anybody who has obtained their visa and collected a BRP card so am unable to verify any of the details above and provide it as reference only. There has been some great discussions in the comments below so if you have been issued a visa under the new process I’d love for you to leave a comment below to help others out that are looking to apply.
UPDATE 06/07/2015
An amazing follower named Mirabai has done some digging on the BRP process and found out what you do if you are unable to claim the permit within the 30 day window and received the following details from the United Kingdom Visas and Immigrations International Enquiry Service.
If the applicant has been granted a 30 day vignette and fails to enter theUK within the 30 day validity period, they must make an application for a replacement 30 day vignette by applying for a Transfer of Conditions, not as a new application for leave to enter. Application can be completed online on Visa4UK and it costs £122 to transfer your visa.
On Visa4UK website at: https://www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk, you need to select the Visa Type accordingly:
Reason for Visit: Other
Visa Type: Others
Visa Sub Type: Vignette TransferFurther information regarding biometric residence permit can be found on https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/biometric-residence-permits-overseas-applicant-and-sponsor-information.
So it seems if you don’t enter within that 30 day window your visa can become quite the bit more expensive. A real issue for those of you applying to get in before the age limit or those unable to travel over as planned.
Do you have a question not already answered above? Then leave a comment below and I’ll try and find the answer for you as soon as possible.
Hi there,
I mailed my completed application off from Adelaide on the 9th April – I can see through the tracking number that it was received in Sydney the next day. The return envelope has not yet been posted, according to the tracking. I’m starting to became worried about this, as I leave on May 12th…
Do you think I should try to call the number provided above or sit it out for a few more days?
Hi K, with the recent changes to the whole visa application process (of which Adelaide is exempt) the times to get your passport back seem to have pushed out past the 1-2 week average I’m used to seeing. Most people are seeing their passport back in around 3 weeks so you are right on that limit now. I’d wait it out till Monday and if you still see nothing it can’t hurt to call up and find out what’s going on.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
just getting a little concerned about my visa application. I had my biometrics appointment in Melbourne on the 10th of April (which was exactly 3 weeks ago today) and i haven’t heard anything back from them. No email or anything and it has been 3 weeks! We have had 2 weekends lately where there have been public holidays, so I’m wondering whether this may have delayed the process at all?
Otherwise is there a way of calling them up and finding out what is going on with my application? I’m scared it may not have been approved or something like that!
Thank you!
Hi Audrey, seems a lot of people are waiting longer since the visa application process was changed. The visas are processed in Manilla last I saw so any holidays here in Australia shouldn’t have had to much of a delay on it. On top of that the visa processing center is notorious at not notifying people of the status of their visa. Some people just wake up to find its come in the mail, while others get some form of notification that it was received and/or has been processed.
I’d say your passport will be back with you in the next couple of days but if you want to contact them head to this site and get the details https://ukvi-international.faq-help.com/
Thanks so much for all this info.
Looking through the posts, I see that others have raised the topic of ‘father’ details.
My 18 year old Australian granddaughter has registered online and tried to fill out the application form but can’t complete it because she cannot give any details about her father – no name, nothing. There is no option to leave the form fields blank.
It seems most unfair that a girl from a disadvantaged background should meet with unexpected hurdles like this through no fault of her own.
The inability to complete her application form has been humiliating and distressing for her, and therefore for us as well.
I have followed all the contact instructions on the website including sending email, paying for web chat (which was unavailable), and trying unsuccessfully to ring the provided UK phone number during UK office hours.
If you can give some advice on this matter, we would appreciate it enormously.
Thanks
Hi Vynette, its unfortunate about your granddaughter’s situation as missing details like that for a visa to a foreign country would make the processing quite difficult due to needing to verify a person’s identity etc. Your best option if you haven’t tried it yet is to contact the UK support people via this website https://ukvi-international.faq-help.com/. Due to the recent visa application process changes they are moving everything around and that is now the preferred way to contact them.
Do let me know how you get on as I’d love to be able to include the answer on my site to help anybody else who’s suffering the same problem.
Hi Vynette,
I can’t comment on whether the UKBA requires father details in an application, but I do know that if you have any problems with the online form, you can put anything in the online field in order to complete it e.g. “Not known” (or whatever you need to complete it) and then add some text in the Additional Details section to explain your circumstances. I completed a dependant visa application recently and had issues with one of the questions so after much google searching found that I could just select any option to enable me to proceed online, and then once I printed the application, change the form with a pen and initial it. I mentioned this at the biometric appointment and was told that this is quite acceptable. It is the printed form that is signed and processed, not the online information, so from that I assume the online process is there to make the process “easier” and prevent errors, but in some cases, seems to make it a bit harder if you are not aware the printed form can be changed and the online text is not set in concrete once you have finished it.
Hope that helps. If I knew that at the time I would have saved a few hours of anguish during the application process for sure.
Cheers,
Steve
I have just booked in a time for my biometrics appointment.
What documents do I need to bring with me? Is it the printed and signed application form, bank statement and passport? Anything else?
Thanks!
Hi Linda, all the documents you need to bring are listed further up on the post. You hand over your paperwork so everything on the required list will need to be with you.
Hi Steve,
I have received today my email stating that my processed passport has been dispatched from the UKVI decision making centre WYNYARD to the UK visa application centre, {I elected to have mine sent to a home address in Tasmania}. I leave the Australia on the 9th May, am really worried it wont arrive in time, do you have any idea how long it will take to arrive now it has been dispatched. Thankyou so much for your help.
I have been stuyding here with a student visa in the UK.
I applied for YMS visa in Feb and got COS number with document and havent applied YMS visa yet because I need to go back to my home country to change visa.
However, the problem is my passport page is damaged. So I should get new passport. But there was notice that people can not get new passport after they get COS since there is passport number written on the COS document. So if I get new passport, my passport number will be different from the COS document I got.
Can you please give me any advice?
Hi Karina, sorry I’m not familiar with what a COS number is so can’t help you here I’m afraid.
I posted a few weeks back now and im happy to report I received an email from the Manila processing centre advising me that my visa will be dispatched shortly.
A few days later I received a further email advising my visa and passport had been couriered (with tracking number) and I can track the status of my documents from the ‘courier partner website’.
I haven’t thought too much about it since receiving that email but now I would like to track where it is at, the email is very vague on details for where to actually track my documents…. ‘courier partner website’? what is that?
If anyone has tracked there doc’s could you please advise what website you did this from?
My timeline is as below:
Applied online on – 01.04.2014
Biometrics appointment – 03.04.2014
Email from Manila – 23.04.2014
Courier email – 28.04.2014
I am yet to have a phone call to come and collect my passport and documents but I assume it will be possibly today or Monday. Ill keep everyone updated.
Hi Katelin,
Ive been looking for that same answer with no luck!
Biometrics – 7.4.2014
Email from Manila- 29.4.2014
Courier email- 1.5.2014
I was given a tracking number but have no idea of the courier service!
My flight is on the 6.5.2014 so it looks like i will have to change it. Considering you got that email on the 28.4.2014 and still haven’t got your passport.
Did you receive it today by any chance?
Its such a frustrating process.
Hi Katelin and MItch,
We got a courier email on 1 May and received an Express Post Platinum envelope in the mail yesterday (2 May) with all of our Passports (with shiny new Visas included) and all the docs we had submitted. Our courier email did not have a tracking number, but if you were provided with one, you could check AustPost online at http://auspost.com.au/track/ (I just retrospectively checked ours and it showed the delivery history)
We applied via Brisbane and live about 30km from the city, so that would account for the quick delivery time. If you are in a country area it might take a few days is my guess. I’d reckon if you’ve got your courier email, it won’t be too far away.
Our timeline for anyone interested (for 1 Ancestry and 2 Dependent Visas)
Applied Online 30 March
Biometrics Appointmemt 7 April
Manila Email 29 April
Courier Email 1 May
Delivered 2 May
Interestingly the max start date I could put in the application was 26th June, but I put 5th July in the online form and the actual Visa start date is 5th July.
Time to book some flights I suppose 🙂
I’ll put some notes together on the full Ancestry application experience and post here soon…
Cheers,
Steve
Hi Steve,
Great work with the visa’s!
Im in Melbourne. i opted to pick up my passport/visa from the VFS office. I was told by their staff it would be quicker to pick it up then have it couriered! (doesn’t look like it!!)
Hopefully its just sitting there in the office, fingers crossed ill go in monday morning and it will have arrived. I leave tuesday so its my last chance before i have to change flights :/
Ive tried my tracking number again with no luck, UK-AUS-AUM-080414-****-01-1. This is the format (with a few numbers out). Its strange it doesn’t work.
Cheers
Hi Mitch, i also opted for mine to come back to Melb biometrics office. Haven’t had a call from them yet to come and collect.
The tracking number i was given isn’t valid on the aus post website… so im a bit stuck too. I was thinking of heading down and trying my luck but the security gaurd there is full on so im not sure if it will be well recieved just turning up!??
Do let us know how you get on. If your’s is there mine might be there too!
Im not leaving until the 15th May so i have a bit more time but id rather have it sooner than later!
fingers crossed!
Hi Katelin,
I literally just walked out of the VFS office passport in hand with my approved visa 🙂
Tracking number doesn’t work, its more for the office apparently.
The guard was fine about it. I was told i was meant to receive an email first then collect it. Luckily it had arrived this mornings although it took 20 minutes to find it.
Im sure yours is there too, i guess they just take their time sending out emails to everyone. I leave tomorrow morning, couldn’t be more excited.
All the best with you passport and enjoy London!
Congrats Mitch, perfect timing 🙂
I don’t think the tracking number they provide is any use at all, I thought Katelin had been given a mail tracking number, but not the case. The number I tested was the tracking number on the parcel I received. Pity they don’t put that number in the email when they send it off.
All the best in the UK!
Me and a friend planning on moving to the UK next year, but before we move we first want to do a 45 day tour through Italy, Spain and France. Does this mean we will need to apply for the Visa to cover us for those 45 days or can we arrange for the Visa to start when we actually touch down in the UK?
How long does it roughly take for your Visa to get back to you? Just wondering because we plan on leaving for the tour in May but won’t actually arrive in the UK until mid July, I don’t want to apply for the Visa to late and it comes back when we are travelling or apply for it to early and then cuts into our 2 years, every where I look seems to give completely different time frames from 15 days – 90 days, if everything has gone through ok, how long does it take to get back?
Hi Paige, you get granted an automatic schengen visa (different to the youth mobility visa) when you enter Europe which allows you to stay and travel for 90 days in every 180 so you will be fine for your trip to Italy, Spain, France etc.
To apply for the visa you can expect the whole process to take around a month from the time you apply. You also have to apply for it before you leave Australia as your passport needs to be sent away. And lastly you can only apply for it within 3 months of when you want it to start.
Hope that helps.
Hey! This has helped me greatly!
However, I am worried about my current situation. I am currently on a Tier 4 student visa which runs out in August.
Am I still eligible to apply for the youth mobility visa?
Hi Stef, your student visa is different to the tier 5 youth mobility visa so you will be fine.
Did anyone else apply right before the Easter holidays?
I had my biometrics on the 16th and today’s exactly 3 weeks and still nothing.
I understand that its processed in Manila but they celebrate Easter too…
Anybody else applied the same week?
So anxious to get it and worried that it would somehow be declined =S
Hi Kate, it seems at the moment people are waiting 3-5 weeks to get their visa processed and from what I see the updates coming through to people are slow or non-existent. I highly doubt you will be denied and am sure your passport will be on its way back to you soon.
got my Manila email today advising that my visa will be despatched shortly. The courier email is yet to follow, which i originally thought was only for people that requested to have couriered directly to them instead of picking it up at the VSF office, but by the looks of it, everyone seems to be getting them…so I guess now we should expect 2 emails after biometrics:
1. Visa to be despatched shortly email
2. Visa has been couriered email…
Does this sound right to you Aussie Nomad?
Btw, a forum area would be fantastic on your site =)
Thank for the update on your progress K. And you are correct but people don’t always receive both of those emails or any at all. Seems very hit and miss but it does seem you should get the visa despatch email, the couriered email and a call/email from the visa office to come and get your passport.
As for the forum, its certainly something I’ve considered but need a bit of a restructure of the site to make it work well I believe.
Just wanted to update people on how long my application took.
Biometrics appointment 9th April, and mailed my application on the same day. (from Adelaide – I think this has now changed in other states?)
Finally received an email on 2nd May stating that my visa would be dispatched shortly.
8th May I received an Australia post card in the mail, and today (9th) I picked up my passport with visa from the specified post office, ready for my flight to the UK next week.
I recommend applying as soon as possible, at LEAST a month before your departure date – save yourself the anxiety!
I hope this helps others in some way, and thankyou so much Aussie Nomad for all your help!! 🙂
Hi guys,
Just to let everyone know i picked up my passport yesterday from the Melbourne VFS office.
I didn’t receive a phone call to come and collect, the only correspondence was the email from the processing centre in Manilia to let me know my application had been posted and i could expect it in 3 days, and also the courier email with the tracking number – which doesn’t work & as Mitch mentioned earlier, is more for the office use then our use.
My advice would be once you receive your email from Manilia stating your passport and documents are being sent back and can be collected in 3 days, give it a week’s grace then pop on down to the VFS office and collect yourself. I have a feeling mine had been sitting there for over a week because i was waiting for the phone call or email – that never came.
The process is quite tricky but this website is an absolute lifesaver when it comes to information needed and peace of mind during the waiting time.
Final timeline below:
Applied online on – 01.04.2014
Biometrics appointment – 03.04.2014
Email from Manila – 23.04.2014
Courier email – 28.04.2014
Collected passport from VFS office Melbourne – 07.05.14
Good luck everyone! Aussie Nomad, your a rockstar!
🙂
Thank for the details on your application process Katelin. Seems the new visa process has changed the usual turnaround time from 2 weeks to about a month which is a little disappointing.
Hi does anyone know what happened with priority service visa page? I really need this service to expedite processing time since I bought flight to London on 25th June, and still need to get schengen visa.
So shocked with the changing processing time for UK visa 🙁
Anyone ever tried this priority service before? The page seems to be down and offline.
Hi Debbie, I know one person who has listed they used the service but it was a few weeks ago and at that time I know the site was working. You may need to contact VFS Global to see what is going on with their priority service.
As for the schengen visa, there is no need for one of those as you get granted it automatically without need for any forms.
Thanks aussie nomad!! I’m actually indonesian citizen holding australian permanent residency. Am I able to apply uk visit visa from Indonesia?
I’ve checked processing time from Jakarta is away faster than from Australia.
Hi.
I am departing Australia on 23rd June 2014 to London and then travelling for two months until at least the 19th August 2014. As I am planning on being in and out of London during the two months between 23 June – 19 August, do I need my visa to start before I leave Australia, or can I make say around the 7th August, which is 3 months from the date intend to apply for it.
I’m a bit confused as I know I can’t apply for a visa whilst I am in the UK, but as long as I enter the country to work after my visa date is that okay? Just don’t want to lose two months of my visa.
I’m assuming i don’t put down the countries which I am planning on travelling to during these two months as I haven’t travelled yet, but would have by the time my visa starts.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Jill, you can only apply for the visa within 3 months of your intended visa start date and you must apply for it within Australia as your passport has to be sent away. But as you intend to travel for some time before you land in the UK there will need to be some lost time on your part to facilitate all of that before you leave. This is because at the moment the visa processing is taking people on average 3-5 weeks to complete and that would make things very tight to allow you to travel for 2 months as well.
I know its unfortunate but I’d just deal with the lot month or two in the UK. Also if you’ve not already applied for the visa you will want to get onto it very soon as the process is taking people some time to get completed. I’d want to allow 6 weeks at present to get the visa.
Hi all,
I applied for my Visa on the 23rd of April and booked an appointment at the British Consulate here in Adelaide on the 29th of April. I sent off my application and documents first thing the next day.
I just got the despatch email this morning from Manilla (it has been exactly 10 days since I sent it off) and I plan to pick up my passport in person. They said to give it 3 days to collect which I’m hoping will be there as I hope to fly out Tuesday afternoon, which is quite tight on time.
Am I pushing my luck and should I reschedule my flight?
This Tuesday being the 13th of May, sorry if that confused anyone!
Hi Rosie, I wasn’t aware Adelaide offered a pickup option as it has not moved over to the new visa processing system. Its going to be tight either way so I’d look into costs for changing your flight just to be ready for it. But fingers crossed all works out.
Hey, thanks for this site helped me so much with the application. Just wondering if you apply for a youth mobility visa do you need the funds in the account for a certain amount of time?
I had my biometrics in sydney on the 17/4 recieved an email a week later with a tracking number saying it has been forwarded to decision making centre. just wondering how much longer it may take i read above taking a bit longer than the 10 days suggested. flights booked for 2/6 so a little while yet but not sure about the funds thing.
thanks
Hi Josh, the funds just need to show proof you have the money now I believe and not show you’ve had it for any length of time. Timeframes seem to be around a month before you’ll get your passport back on average but it seems very sporadic at the moment.
Hi there,
Thank for the great information!
One question – if I apply for the Visa but then have to cancel, can I apply again in the future?
Thank you!
Jilly
Hi Jilly, if you’ve been granted the visa (ie its in your passport) then you can’t cancel it I’m afraid but if you cancel before sending off your passport you can apply again.
Hi everyone,
I am in a bit of a pickle I think, I would like to apply for the Tier 5 visa but will be travelling on a six month tourist visa in the USA before I get to the UK. This means I won’t be in Aus in order to apply for my visa 3 months before I arrive. Also, I don’t think I can apply from the US on a tourist visa…. Does anyone know any other options??
Thanks!
Hi Meeka, as you will be already travelling for some time you’ll have to apply for the visa before you leave for the US and have the visa start 3 months before you intend to arrive in the UK. This means you’ll miss out on 3 months or so of your visa time but will allow you to travel the US and then head to the UK.
Hi there, I am applying for my visa within the next few days and have a question.
I am doing t topdeck tour in Europe beforehand and wish for my visa to start mid August but am entering London Heathrow mid July. There’s a quetion that states ‘when are you entering the country’. Do I put my July date or August date? I want to get the maximum out of my visa, so I’m thinking August.
Thanks!
Hi Bek, to get the most out of your visa put down the August date. When you enter the UK the first time it will just be as a tourist so all will be ok. Just be sure to have proof of leaving the UK, be it your topdeck tour booking or a flight out of the UK to keep the customs folk happy.
Hi, I applied for a youth mobility visa and was refused because of my one time only drink driving conviction…. it was almost 5 years ago and I’ve long since paid the fine.
I’ve decided to use my already paid for ticket and go anyway, but as a tourist instead now, seeing as I’m not permitted to live or work there. Do I need to apply for a visa as a tourist seeing as I’ve been refused the youth mobility visa?
Thanks
Hi Kyle, sorry to hear you were denied mate. If you don’t mind me asking did you get any chance to defend your application by providing additional documents at all? Just trying to get as much details on the process to help others out.
Tourist visas are granted automatically on arrival and they shouldn’t in theory be impacted on by being denied the visa but I’ve no official statement on that. If you are unsure you should call the UK embassy to check as you’d hate to get over there and be turned away.
Hey Kyle,
Sorry to hear your visa got denied.
Just wondering how you found out? Do they notify you before returning your visa or did they ask you for additional documents?
I’m interested as I dont know anyone else thats ever been denied and I’m waiting for mine to come back now. I’ve received the emails saying its been despatched but without any indication of it being approved or not.
Thanks,
Hi K and Kyle,
I was wondering the same thing as K. Did they inform you via phone or email as to whether your visa was denied or did you just pick it up and discover it was denied? Also when did they give you the reason for them denying your application? Upon pick up of passport or before hand? Did you still be the despatched email?
K, Did you end up getting your Visa? I also received the email informing me that my visa has been dispatched. I am awaiting to hear whether it has been approved. I believe I filled out the form wrong and was thinking they would contact me to ask for further info. I will let you know how I go. Good luck and Thanks.
Hi H,
Yes I did so all in all complete timeline is as follows:
April 16 – Biometrics appt
May 7 – Visa to be despatched shortly email
May 12 – Visa has been couriered email
May 14 – Visa is ready to be collected at office email
Pretty much on the 3 weeks processing then the added postage time.
Good luck, think youre fine! They should def be contacting people before declining them is my assumption though I was just as nervous as you before I got my passport back in my hands =)
Hey awesome stuff your doing here mate, just a question i didnt check the box for previous passport but now remember i used to have a government official passport with a visa for thailand in it, Would it be wise to contact them about it to possible have it amended or just leave it be? I havnt had my biometric done yet.
Also i accidentally copied a date wrong from a stamp on my current passport by a day, would this be an issue you think?
Hi Dean, if you haven’t been to your biometric appointment you can just make a note on your application. The online form just facilitates you printing off the paperwork so making a note should be ok. But to be honest with the date I really don’t see it being a problem and as for the passport you should be fine there also. But for peace of mind it couldn’t hurt to amend it.
I just did another application and applied for a refund on the first(approved). Can you just pen amend anything you find wrong? or just write it down in the additional comments in pen at the end of the application?
Dean I believe you can just write on the form to amend any errors or add to the additional comments section. I’m sure others have done so in the past as the online application process is just for making it easier to complete the form.
Hey Nomad
Your posts have been an absolute goldmine, completely destroyed most of the trepidation I had for my upcoming trip to the UK so I thank you a million times over for that.
I’ve gotten through the entire Visa application process so far without a hitch (touch wood *tap,tap*), even as an aussie applying from within NZ, where I currently reside, however, I do have one curious question for you.
Do you know of or have heard of anyone being denied a YMS visa because there were no places left ? Or for any reason at all ?
The reason I am asking is because I feel like this process has gone a little too smoothly, whereas I’ve noticed a lot of other people have been having issues. Maybe it’s because I’m a suspicious person. Either way any of your awesome insight would be welcome.
Thanks once again for all the help !!
Hi Jordan, great to hear the post has been helpful as it makes all the work I put in to maintain it worth it.
The process should be straightforward and simple so glad to hear you didn’t have any problems. I’ve never heard of them ever reaching the cutoff limit in the 4 or so years I’ve been running my site so think you’ll be just fine.
Hi Nomad,
I am currently in the UK on a Tier 2 Youth Mobility Working Visa. Valid until 1/1/15
My grandparents are British and my dad has a British passport, is there anyway I can extend my tier 2 by applying for a UK Ancestry Visa?
Hi Christina, you can’t extend a youth mobility visa but you can certainly apply for the ancestry visa. Only problem is you’ll need to return home to Australia to apply for it as you need your parents birth certificate and a few other bits and pieces.
Hi All
Just got my passport and approved visa today. I am quite surprised as I was waiting for an email to say it had been shipped for processing or something to find out I had a parcel notice yesterday for it. Only took 4/5 working days.
Just thought I’d share something I found out with mine that was freaking me out. On the online form when you first apply it asks for the travel date. I started my application on the 23rd of April and it only let me go as far as 22nd July before it blanked out dates and you can’t select anyting. I had to get dates and info so I finished and submitted it on the 1st of May and bio appointment was on the 8th.
Now on the online form when filling it in, it asks for planned date of travel. I’m going to America for 6 weeks and Italy after before the UK so I put 11th Sept as a rough date thinking thats when I plan to be there and it already knows I want it to start 22nd July.
During the bio I notice it said application date 1st of May and Planned date of Travel was 11th Sept I freaked out knowing it was more than 3 months and changed it to the 1st of August. Got my passport back and my visa is approved for the 1st of August. Which is better for me anyway.
Sorry for the long story but I thought it might help anyone out who is worried.
Hi Ryan,
Did you pay for priority? I had my bio on the 5th of may (paid for priority) and got an email that day saying it just got dispatched, they said it would be 5 business days but has already been more.. Did you receive an email saying your passport would be dispatched to you or it just rocked up?
Thanks
Hi Michael
I did pay for priority and got an email the afternoon of my bio date which was a Wednesday. Then I got my parcel notice on the next tuesday that it was at the post office since I had it posted to me. But otherwise no email at all except for the dispatch one.
Thanks Ryan,
I just received my passport today with VISA.
Timeline for those interested: (note I paid for priority service)
May5th – bio test + email notifying me my passport has been dispatched to manilla.
May 19th -received passport and VISA
I did not receive any email notifying me my passport was being posted back. Funny thing is I called them Friday morning asking for an update and they said it was still being processed and they couldn’t give me a timeline or anything.
Hi Michael, That’s approx. 10 working days to have it processed. Isnt Priority 5 days?
Hi Aussie Nomad,
My friend and I will arrive on a Tier 5 Visa without jobs, so how do we go about finding/applying for jobs upon arrival and throughout the two years? Is it easy to pick up random and/or stable jobs along the way?
Are there jobs available that;
-allow you to take off time whenever you want to travel?
Or
-is it easy to find jobs with short contracts so that we can travel in between? Eg; work 2 months, travel 1 month then return, pick up another job then work a few months before leaving to travel again
I cant find info about this anywhere! Anything you know about anything to do with this would be great!
Hi Emma, finding work will depend on the kind of work you want to do. If its bar/cafe work its easiest to just hand in your resume at any/all shops near where you want to live or work. Many put signs in windows etc. If you want more career orientated work then you’d be best to look up online job websites or contact a job agency to help you find something.
As for a job that lets you take off time to travel… pretty sure they don’t exist as it would be the ultimate dream job so you may find it better to look for short term contracts and so on. I will say that getting a job can be difficult and you may want to look beyond London to make that an easier task. I’m not saying there isn’t work but you just have to work a bit harder to get it.
Hi,
Thanks for the great article! I’m turning 31 in August and wondering whether I can still apply before then? And then can I travel after I turn 31? or have to travel before August, 2014?
Hi Jasmine, you can still apply before you are 31 you just need to have the visa approved before then from my understanding of it.
Hi,
Thanks so much for your work in assisting with the Youth Mobility Visa. It’s hugely helpful.
I filled out my form and am doing my biometrics next week.
I answered that this was not my first passport, and cited a stolen passport. I forgot that I have also had a passport that expired. Is this a problem? Should I send my expired passport, even though I only referenced my stolen one?
Thanks!
Hi Jane, I don’t think you’ll have a problem with your passport details but if you want you can just add the other passport to your application as I believe they ask you to send all previous passports if you have them.
Hi,
I have just read all your provided info, which has been very helpful! So thank you! 🙂
However, now I’m panicking!
Under family name/surname for my mother, I wrote her married surname, as stated on her drivers license and passport. Not her Maiden name.
Will this result in my Visa application being rejected?
Thanks!
Lauren, seems to be a common mistake people make and I’ve not see anybody have their visa rejected because of it. If you haven’t had your paperwork sent away yet I’d just correct it with a pen otherwise all should be ok.
Hi Lauren,
Was your visa rejected because of this mistake? I made the same one and am currently waiting for it to be approved.
Hi Nomad,
Big thanks for the website. I actually read your information after I had already submitted my Youth Mobility Visa Application and was devastated after I read that the bank details had to be within one month, as I had sent in my most recent bank statement which was 2 months old. Somehow I was lucky enough to be still granted the visa although that was after sleepless nights and a lot of stressing and I just hope that most people do read your blog before applying because it really is a lifesaver!!! My recommendations would be to take your time with the application and ask as many people as you can who have applied previously, and hopefully someone can go through your application with you before your biometrics appointment because once it is gone you are unable to retrieve the application. I did hear of some people getting emailed to supply Manilla with further documents for their application and I was hoping that would happen for me, with supplying them a more recent bank statement so when I received my email I was sure they had rejected it. Lucky for me they were lenient. Anyway here is my timeline:
April 26th: complete application online and book biometrics appointment in Melb
April 28th: Biometrics appointments and application submission
April 28th: e-mail confirming my submission
May 14th: e-mail from Manilla hub saying that my Visa had been despatched (saying pick up in 3 days)
May 16th: e-mail saying that my Application was received from Post with time despatched from the UK Decision Making Centre
May 19th: Picked up passport with Visa inside.
I feel extremely lucky that my visa was processed as I had given them a bank statement too old. The lady whom gave me back my passport said that I could have picked up my passport on the May 16th afternoon although I would give it 3 days from the despatch email just to be safe. I also used this link: https://ukvi-international.faq-help.com/ to email and phone the UK visa helpers, however to be honest did not really get any useful information out of them. She also stated that if you are rejected you get a letter with the passport explaining why it has been rejected. I hope that this story helps ease some stress. Thanks again Nomad, really appreciate your site. It is a great thing you do. Thank you and keep it up! 🙂
H
Hi,
Thanks for all your help and advice. Just thought I’d share my timeline of events to keep people up to date on the new system and try and relieve some stress for others.
17th April – Submitted online application
29th April – Biometrics in Brisbane (deliberately a couple of weeks after submitting online as I had to be away overseas…long story)
15th May – Email from Manila saying visa approved and passport would be dispatched shortly
20th May – Passport delivered by courier (I had selected this option as it saved me having to take time off work to collect it)
I put on my application the details of my two previous passports which I have in my possession but didn’t send them in as I don’t recall it saying I had to. This turned out not to be a problem.
Thanks for sharing your timeline with everyone Mick, its really handy to get these updated reports from everyone.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Just to echo the sentiments of all the other commenters on here – this article/comment thread is saving my sanity at the moment!
While you have covered off some age questions, I just wanted to clarify the whole ‘turning 30’ thing with you…so I turn 30 in a few months (August) but don’t plan on actually moving to the UK until March/April 2015.
Can I:
– wait until January-ish 2015 to apply for the Tier 5 YMS visa, despite being already 30, and then that will mean I can pick my start/arrival date within the 3 months the application requires and then I will get 2 years in the UK from the date I land?
OR
– do I have to apply BEFORE I turn 30, pick a date within 3 months, and by the time I get over there in March/April 2015, I unfortunately would have just lost like 6 months of my 2 years?
My main concern is the turning 30 thing and if you actually have to apply prior to turning 30, or can you apply once you turn 30, and just be in the UK to start your 2 years before you turn 31…
And lastly, if while I am working over there, my employer says they will sponsor me; can I change to a sponsored visa? I have read that you can’t change visas if you’re on the Tier 5 YMS visa?
Thank you and massive props to you for answering everyone’s questions! Amazing!
Hi Coby, my understanding of the 30 age limit rule is that you need to have the visa granted to you its 2 year validity started before you turn 31. So you can apply in January but your start date for the visa must be before you turn 31. With that said your january application date and march/april start date should be all good.
In regards to the sponsorship arrangement, you can change to a sponsored visa but you must return to Australia to apply for it which I believe takes around 4 weeks on average as you send your passport away etc like for the youth mobility visa.
Hey there – great site, was so helpful when I was applying for my visa a few years back, so thanks!
Interested to get your thoughts – my visa is set to expire on 28 June so I’ll leave the country on 27 June and come back on 29 June for a couple of days on a tourist visa before flying out on the 4 July for a couple of weeks to return 19 July again for a couple of days before flying back to Australia on the 23 July.
I’ll have printed copies of all the flights/tickets (inc the one way to Sydney), accommodation for my holidays, letter from my Australian employer saying I’ll be starting work on my return etc. I’ll expect to get grilled, but If I have all of that info how do you think I’ll go coming back in based on the above?
Hi Liz, sounds like you’ve covered all your bases with the documentation you have, I’ve entered the UK with much less and while had some hassle got in ok. It really comes down to who you get at customs it could be a friendly officer or a painful one.
Hey Nomad,
Im applying for a YMS in Australia with a New Zealand passport. On their “Guide to supporting documents” it states “Evidence of your permission to be in the country where you are applying, if you are not a national of that country”
So do i need a document stating I’m a permanent resident?
Hi Wesley, thats a difficult one because as a New Zealander you have rights granted to you upon entry to Australia. So there is no paperwork to show as proof because its granted automatically. I believe you should be fine to apply as I know others have commented here saying they are either from Australia or New Zealand and applied from the others country.
Hi Nomad,
Good guide here – had my biometrics appointment today and both my partner and I paid for priority service as we’re flying out ~1st July and I also have an appointment in early June to get a France WHV (yes, there is obviously an overlap, but I’m pushing 30 and you can only apply for that Visa from within Australia!)
Although it wasn’t mentioned on your blog, for those who are applying within Australia but are not Australian citizens (my partner, for instance is a Canadian citizen here on a subclass 820 partner provisional residency visa), it seems you need “evidence of your right to be in the country from which you are applying”. DIAC in Australia don’t issue visa labels any more, so we provided a photocopy of her visa grant notification letter – the people at the biometrics office in Melbourne seemed satisfied with this, but I guess time will tell.
Additionally two points which were sloppy on the online form (I asked about both of these at the appointment and was told “not a problem…”):
1) The online form specifies “Mothers name – as shown on passport” – which is her married name…
2) The online form also says “List countries that you’ve travelled to, other than the UK, or a commonwealth country…” – then when you print it it just says “other than the UK” – again, asked about this – was told not an issue.
Hoping for a speedy turnaround – they told me within 5 business days for priority applications, but the reports on here all seem much longer than that… Fingers crossed!
Hi L- after you sent it on 22 May, when did you get your passport back since you paid for Priority
Hello again! Both my Visa & my partner’s have been approved and our passports returned, I thought I’d give an update on timeline for anyone who’s interested. Both myself and my partner paid for priority service.
Mine (Australian passport):
20/5 – Submitted online form
22/5 – Biometrics appointment
22/5 – Email advising passport had been sent to decision making centre
4/6 – Passport returned with visa inside
Partner (Canadian passport):
20/5 – Submitted online form
22/5 – Biometrics appointment
22/5 – Email advising passport had been sent to decision making centre
29/5 – Passport returned with visa inside
Hi L!
I’m also thinking about about getting both the UK YMV and the French WHV (31 before the end of the year!). Any tips for the French visa? French bureaucracy scares me and I’d rather not get it wrong! Do you mind sharing your timeline for getting that too?
Thanks!
My friend who is Male got his visa back today and it said Female has anyone experienced this error and has it affected there visa entry clearence.
Hi Jay, I’ve never seen that happen before but I’d be calling the UK visa office and looking to get it fixed as I’d imagine it could pose some problems when customs officers see it.
Hi, I was on a tier 5 youth mobility visa for the UK which expired on the 13/5/2014. I left the UK on the 16/1/2014 to return to Australia. Is there a certain amount of time which I must be out of the UK before returning for a holiday? If so, does this time start from when I left the UK or when my visa expired?
Thanks.
Hi Johnny, I’m not aware of any time limits you have to obey. I left the UK 2 days before my visa expired and returned 4 days after it and had no problems. Just be sure to have proof of onward travel out of the UK when you return for a holiday. Customs officers seem to be a bit more strict of people who’ve lived/worked in the Uk and are returning as they think you might be looking to work/live there again.
Hi Nomad
Great information here , will be using it when I get to London. I have one question which I cant find a solid answer for. Do you need to show the same proof of funds when you arrive in the UK?
Heard they don’t but in the event they do, I actually don’t have the same amount of money in the same bank account, have the rest of my money in an Australian bank account but I’m in NZ to can’t get an official statement. Don’t think I will have a problem but interested to know if people have had trouble because of this.
Cheers Ben
Hi Ben, there is no need to show proof of funds when arriving in the UK on your visa. The UK customs folks can be a bit painful if entering on a tourist visa but on your youth mobility visa you’ll be all good.
Hi! Thanks so much for all your information. It has been so helpful – the Visa4UK website is useless!
Can I enter the UK on a standard 3 month tourist visa, go travelling then enter the UK on a Youth Mobility visa?
Hi Britt, you can enter the UK on a tourist visa, go travelling and then come back to the UK on your youth mobility visa but do keep in mind you can only apply for the visa 3 months out from when you want it to start and you must apply for it from Australia or another country where you can legally live and work so your idea may not be possible.
Hey Nomad,
Got my Youth Mobility Visa back, all the info is correct, except the printing is not aligned – everything is seemingly a line below where it should be. I went back to the passport office where I got the Visa and asked them if this would be a problem. They said as long as all the info is correct it shouldn’t be a problem when going through customs. Have you or anyone else heard of this happening before?
Hi TJ, never heard of that happening I’m afraid. As long as everything is readable and nothing is cut off at the bottom I don’t believe you’d have a problem but if you aren’t sure call the UK visa office instead. They should have more of an idea than the office where your biometric appointment was done.
Hey 🙂
Just wondering, do they check your funds again as you leave aus or enter the uk? and is cash best for this? or is another bank statement suitable? And do i need to have a plane ticket when i apply for my visa? or is it fine to get that after i receive my visa?
Hi JP, the funds check is only to apply for the visa. You won’t need to provide that proof again. You will need a bank statement to prove it it needs to be a letter or official document.
No need for a plane ticket to apply either but you may find buying a ticket in advance a cheaper option.
Hi, I currently have 1.5 years validity left in my passport and wish to apply for the 2 year Mobility Visa. Is it neccesary to renew my passport before I apply for the visa, or can I get the visa with my current passport, arrive in the UK and then while there apply for a new passport?
Hi Daniel, you only need 6 months validity in your passport to apply. You can then apply for a renewal while abroad but for the visa you’ll need to carry both passports with you as the visa will be in your old expired passport.
Thankyou for the info, and the quick response!
Hey,
I had my biometrics 2 weeks ago and they said your photo must be within 6 months. Mine was 9 months (from when I got my last passport) and they wouldn’t accept it. The same thing happened with about 5 other people just in the time I was there. Lucky for us, there was a pharmacy downstairs that did passport photos for $15 with a 5 minute wait. Just thought I’d let you know as I haven’t seen this stipulation anywhere! All that is said is ‘recent.’ Well how are we meant to know how recent is recent?! Haha. Not long now for me, I should find out this week!!
Thanks for the details Bek. How did they know the photos you had done were more than 6 months old?
They stamp dates on passport photos usually 🙂
what if you have a section 10 “no conviction recorded” do you have to declare it as conviction?
Hi Ryan, I don’t know what that is I’m afraid. If you are worried about previous offences get a police check done to be sure.
Hi,
This page has been such a help towards my application but i can’t still help stress a little over my somewhat unusual application process.
I lodged my application on the 8th of May. It will be 4 weeks this Thursday since my lodgement of the Tier 5 visa and I have not received anything to say the visa is ready for collection. I find this odd, considering friends of mine who applied the same week (for a ancestry visa), have received their applications already. I am now getting really frustrated. Is this normal? I can’t help to feel there is something wrong and it will come back decline. As i am planning on leaving on the 16th of July, I need to know if i have enough time to either re-apply or send for an administrative review if it does come back declined.
Is waiting more than four weeks for my visa normal? Do you know any hold up at the moment making processing times a little longer than usual. I was told at my biometric interview it would only take 3 – 4 weeks.
Hi Anthony, the overall wait time for most people seems to be 3-5 weeks from what I’ve seen. It is however very comment to get little to no communication on your process. It seems sometimes they email you and sometimes they don’t. If you are worried I’d head into the visa center and see if your passport is just sitting there waiting to be collected. That is providing you don’t live to far away from where you lodged your application.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
This site has been absolutely brilliant, thank you so much for your time and efforts in running this! It has answered most the questions I’d had that I couldn’t find on the official pages in a really easy to understand and digestible format – thank you again!
What I do have further questioning on is what my options are for staying once that Visa expires? I read on the gov.uk guidelines for YMV that you cannot extend the Visa and that also “switching into any other Points-Based System route or into visitor status is not allowed”. This doesn’t mean you can’t switch to another Visa right? So far my understanding is that the Tier 1 Visa (work sponsorship) or the unlikely event that I get hitched to a UK citizen are my best ways of staying past the Visa expiry (no ancestry). Are there any other ways that I may not be aware of?
Also – and this puts a spin on things again, I have been a freelancer for a couple years now and I’d like to remain freelancing as much as possible, as that is pretty much the norm in my industry. However, if I did take on a part time job to stay at the end of my term so that I can freelance the rest of the time – what are the rules around this? Is it difficult to find sponsorship for part time roles? I’m also a New Zealand citizen, but I understand it’s much the same process for application as Australian citizens.
Hi Jules, you are correct the only real way to stay on in the UK once your visa expires is to be sponsored or get married. Most other visa loopholes have been closed now. In terms of getting part time sponsorship.. that would be difficult. Part of the sponsorship arrangement means the employer needs to make a case that they couldn’t employ a local to do the same job. I tried to get sponsored myself and the company needed to advertise the job and interview people for it. So for a part time role I’m not sure you’d have much luck unless you are qualified in a very unique field.
Hi there! Thank you so much for this very useful website. Since you seem to be very wise indeed I thought I might put forth my question to see if you know anything about it…. I am living in the UK on a Tier 5 YM visa and am almost at the 2 year mark. However, my long-time unmarried partner (male) is a UK citizen. I have an incredible job here and we have bought a house and I would really like to stay. I am looking into applying for the unmarried partner visa but I can’t figure out if I need to leave the country to do so or if I could do it from inside the UK? I have already booked a plane ticket home and have told my work I would need to be gone for between 4-6 weeks potentially… but if I could apply from here it would really make things easier. Any input on this? Also, we aren’t planning to get married but we have been living together for 3.5 years approximately (2 year shared residence in the UK). Do you think us not being married will jeopardize my chances? Any advice on completing the unmarried partner VISA application in general?
Hi Jenna, I *think* you can apply for the visa from within the UK as its a partner visa as opposed to a visa based on work or ancestry but I can’t say for sure. You’d be best to speak to the UK visa folks to get an answer.
However in saying all of that I don’t know if it would automatically grants you work rights once applied for and how quickly you’d be granted it so it may be worth pursuing a sponsorship from your work to continue your working rights until you can work out all the details on a partner visa.
Hi Aussie Nomad thanks for this :)! I want to share my experience about Priority Service in Sydney (Kent St).
I bought the priority service online via the vfs website ($190). You also need to pay for the courier service ($24)- so all up $214.
Upon getting there I had to write out my address on the courier envelope they supplied, as well as fill out a paper form for priority service (it was just application numb, name, address, email, tracking number of the courier envelope)
They took my application, passport, copy of my passport, bank statement with stamp after they got my fingerprints. They sent my application off.
The receipt for the Courier service also included the sticker from the courier envelope with my tracking number.
Turns out the priority service goes to Canberra and not Manila. The lady advised that I will get an email response by this Fri (3 days) and will get my passport in the mail on Wed (5 days) or Thurs (6 days) [Monday is a public Holiday].
Will let you know how it goes
Hi Sandra, thanks for the details on your application process. This feedback is great for everybody to learn from so really appreciate you taking the time to update us on how it works.
Hi Sandra, did your visa get to you within the 5 days and did you recieve any email notifications? I applied for my visa at kent street last Wednesday using the priority service and haven’t received an email from them as yet- they definately know how to stress people out! Cheers!
Hi Aussie Nomad,
I applied for the youth mobility visa in Jan 2013 and am currently in the UK.
When applying for the visa, I’m certain I read somewhere that the visa starts from the date you enter the UK (passport stamp) regardless of the start date I selected when applying, and that there’s a 3 month window to enter the UK from the time the visa is issued/approved.
Given the regulations are always changing I can’t find the webpage where I saw the above. Do you know if the above was in place at the time that I applied or have I lost my mind and imagined the whole thing?
Thanks!
Hi Catherine, your visa starts and ends by the date stamped on it in your passport. I’ve never known what you said to be correct so it could be a very old law or something that was made up by somebody I believe.
hey this has been very helpful!!
I have just applied for my youth mobility visa when it asked for convictions it said even traffic offences so i put down i had a speeding fine i noticed u said we did not need to include this will this affect my application??
Also i want to book flights in August which is 2 months away an i only applied today and my interview is next week should i wait for them to confirm my visa first or book flights now?
Seen i am in brisbane do i need to post anything away? in the application process i accidentaly put post instead of in person
Thanks heaps
Hi Kylie, the visa process has changed a little to what it was but my understanding of convictions is anything you went to court for or was of a serious nature. I don’t believe a speeding fine will give you any problems.
Booking flights before having the visa is a difficult one. I bought my tickets first as it was a great deal but I know some who waited to have their visa first. Its really up to you to be honest and I’d hate to advise you the wrong way and have you lose out on money or something.
As you are in Brisbane you don’t need to post anyting no. Take all your paperwork for the visa to your appointment and they’ll send the passport off for processing.
I applied for the youth mobility visa yesterday and I forgot to put a country that I traveled to. I’m freaking out thinking that I will be denied! Help! Are they strict with that? I don’t want them to deny me.. or think that I lied. I just forgot all about it.
Hi Candace, I’m sure you’ll be fine. Its not always possible to remember every single place you’ve been so missing just one won’t be a cause for concern.
Hi Nomad,
Thanks for your blog; it’s very useful.
Just a quick question: I sent off my Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) Visa application through the Sydney office on Friday 30 May 2014. Within the application I said that my anticipated date of travel to UK was 10 August 2014. Things have now changed and I now would like to go earlier (travel to UK late July).
As soon as (or if) I get my accepted Visa, am I able to travel on the Tier 5 Visa straight away or will I have to wait until 10 August 2014?
Cheers, Ben.
Hi Ben, your visa will start on the date you specified on your application. You can however travel to the UK before it starts but only as a tourist and without intentions to work. If you only have a short 2-4 week break between when you go and when your visa starts I’d just head over on the tourist visa but have a ticket booked to leave the UK so you can re-enter after you visa start date. Its a little more painful as the customs officers will want to know why you are entering the UK early but as long as you treat it just as a tourist and just looking around a bit before it starts they shouldn’t give you to much trouble.