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,
This application process is slightly confusing doing it by yourself. So when i go to my biometric appointment in Adelaide next week just wanted to confirm what i have to take:
1. My application form printed off the UK Visa website.
2. My biometric appointment letter printed off the UK visa website.
3. My passport.
4. A passport sized photo (?)
5. Letter from the bank saying i have 1800 pounds in savings (?).
Is this correct or are # 4 and # 5 only to send off with my actual application after the biometric app?
Thanks for clarifying. Also Austrailans do not need a tuberculosis check, right?
Amy.
Hi Amy, you’ll be best to take all of what you’ve listed with you as recent changes to the application process have made it all the more confusing. You definitely need your passport photo as they sight and stamp your form about that. And no, no need for a TB check.
Hi Aussie Nomad, I am shortly going to London. I have my student mobility visa and the two years will kick of shortly. After about one year on that visa, I hope to gain a place as a student at a university in London. Can I switch then to a student visa? Do I have to come home to do that and if so, do I have to remain in Australia for a certain amount of time before I can go back on a student visa? Thanks so much for your efforts on here.
Hi Michelle, I’m afraid I don’t know the details on the student visa. I’d imagine you would need to return home to Australia to apply as that is the case for all visa to the UK. But I honestly don’t know for sure. I’d be asking the options from any schools you are applying to as I’d imagine they will know the answer.
Hi Michelle and The Aussie Nomad,
I know this is an old post but I thought I should give it a go anyway. (I have written in the past before 🙂 )
I will be in a similar situation as Michelle, as I am soon going to apply for the Youth mobility visa tier 5 for the UK (in 3 weeks). My question is am I eligible to apply for a student tier 4 visa while I will be still in the UK before or after my tier 5 visa expires? I couldn’t find much information on switching from tier 5 to student visa as many people do study first then apply for tier 5 to work lol. I am going to do a reverse here, as to do work first then apply for to study.
How did you go about this Michelle since you were in a similar situation, have you found any info on that? or The Aussie Nomad would you know anything about this situation by any chance at all?
Hope I can get some insights.
Oz
Hi Ozan, as far as I’m aware you are unable to apply for other visas while in the UK on a youth mobility visa.
Hi Aussie Nomad. I am currently applying for a UK tier 5 YMS visa and have a question regarding convictions and criminal records. Unfortunately I was a lot stupider in my younger days and have a couple of convictions. I was wondering what is the best documentation to provide. Court records or an Australia-wide police certificate in name or an Australia-wide police certificate in name and fingerprint? Cheers!
Hi Jake, I’d apply for your national police check to see just what is recorded on your record and then provide whatever court records and so on that you can to go with your application. The national police check can take some time to come through so apply for it early to have when you send off your forms. I’d add a cover letter explaining the situation as well. The more you can do to help your cause the better.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
I have been in the UK for nearly 2 years on the youth mobility visa with my husband who is also on the same visa. I am lucky enough that my job is willing to sponsor us to remain in the UK on a tier 2 visa, everything is almost sorted with the sponsorsip.
I’m just wondering if you know (or know where to find the information) about possibly ‘staying’ in Ireland to come off the youth mobility visa and applying for the Tier 2 visa in Dublin? It seems a long way, a lot of money & a lot of time paying London rent and not working to return all the way back to Australia and waiting the 3 weeks for the visa. From what I can see Aussie’s don’t need a visa to ‘stay’ in Ireland.
The new UK visa website doesn’t give enough information for me to know what to do.
Many thanks!
Hi Jessica, as far as I’m aware for any form of sponsorship you need to return to Australia to apply for it on your end. Mainly because your passport has to be sent away and as you don’t have residency in any other country which means you need to come home. Your best bet would be to call the UK immigration folks to find out the best answer as you are right their websites aren’t great.
Hi Jessica,
I am in a similar situation – on Tier 5 and work willing to sponsor, tier 2. Was wondering what your experience was like and if your work had to conduct a Resident Labour Market Test?
I am going to be continuing to work in the same role so assume this would not be required after reading through the info on the UK home office website.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Many Thanks,
Sam
So Im about to turn 31 on July 26. I’ve done my online application, paid and have my biometric appointment on Tuesday 22nd July. I know it won’t be approved or even received by my 31st birthday.. They go by the date I have paid right? Secondly, I put intended uk arrival date 10th Oct. This is within 3months just, but should I have put start date as my 31st birthday even if I’m not ready to go then? Thanks a million for clarifying.
Hi Amy
I was in the exact same situation as you last year and you should be fine, as I was. I turned 31 on 27 May last year. Had my biometric appointment on 12 April and elected my entry date to be 1 October. I received email confirmation of my Visa on 2 May and when I received my passport back, the Visa date start date was 12 July (so 3 months exactly from my biometric appointment). So yes, I’m pretty sure they will go by the date of your biometric appointment, even if you have already turned 31 by the time you are officially ‘approved’.
Don’t put your birthday as your start date otherwise you will lose three months from the Visa if you are intending to go in October.
Incidentally, I wasn’t able to go in October last year and am about to leave for the UK in a week and a half – I’ll only have a year left on the Visa but better than nothing!
Thank for the details on your visa application process Karen. I have had nobody comment thats applied so close to their 31st bday and report on the outcome. Hope you enjoy the time you have in the UK.
Thanks Karen, I had a little panic with 2 wks to go before i turn 31 wasn’t sure if i wanted to go to the UK or not. Last minute decision so hopefully it goes through otherwise i will have just wasted $400 and obviously not get another chance to apply.
Hi Karen,
Can you confirm that you were able to use the visa after it has activated? My visa activated in Feb but I am planning to go to the UK in September but a travel agent told me I had to enter the UK once my visa started.
Hi Jo, while I can’t speak for Karen I can say your travel agent is an idiot. If your visa is valid you can come and go to the UK as much as you like. You also don’t have to enter right on when it starts either. You can go a year after its been valid if you so wanted too.
Hi aussie nomad,
My boyfriend is sorting out either his tier 2 visa or his ancestral visa as he has been offered a well payed 2 year contract in london for work. I am going with him and am looking into getting my Youth Mobility Visa to join him for travelling.
Do i need to provide enough money in my account to fully support myself like i would for an ancestral visa? How much money would this be as i am able to live in the share-house that has been appointed to him for work, does that matter? Is it a cold hard set-amount i need in my account when I apply? Can he sign a guarantor form of some sort to say he can financially support me while over there if i don’t have the funds? I have around $5,000 Australian dollars right now and maybe another $1000 by the time i apply.
I have also looked into getting an ancestral visa but have had trouble gaining the answers to how much money i need in my account for that one…
Sorry if these questions have been asked and answered before, I had a couple of unique questions to ask
Hi Rhiannon, your application will be separate to your boyfriends so you’ll still need to show proof of the required funds(amount required in post above) in your account. There is no need to provide anything more than that. What you do or how you divide expenses once in the UK is irrelevant to the application process. I’m not familiar with the ancestry visa so can’t help you with that application I’m afraid.
Hi Aussie Nomad
Thanks so much for this site – it was an absolutely essential resource for me when I applied for my Visa last year.
I’m about to leave for the UK on my Visa and am just wondering if customs require your bank statements for proof of finances when entering the country? Or was that all taken care of when the Visa was approved?
And the UK address upon entry is a new thing since I applied for my Visa – can this be a hotel? We are planning to spend 4 nights in a hotel in London (already booked and paid for) before holidaying elsewhere in Europe.
Thanks! Karen
Hi Karen, thank for the kind works about the site and for your other comment on the application process. As for bank statements, no you don’t need to provide customs with anything. You only needed that information to get the visa.
The address can be anywhere you like, its a stupid rule to have as who on earth knows where they’ll be living at the time of the application of the visa. Use the hotel you have and then just whatever address you need the next time.
Hi Chris,
This is a fantastic thread and really has some great information that has been hard to find elsewhere.
I just wanted to inquire about the restrictions on Tier 2 visas after holding a previous visa.
I spent my gap year in 2009 in the UK under what was then a GAP visa, now a Youth Mobility visa I believe. I am hoping to go back to the UK for work and wanted to know if having had this category of visa will prohibit me from the Tier 2 or similar visa.
Thanks in advance for any help you are able to provide.
Cheers,
John
Hi John, having had the working holiday visa/youth mobility visa previously should have no impact on getting another visa. They are both significantly separate items with a lot of different conditions.
Hey there,
Does anyone know what the passport pick-up times are in Sydney?
Thanks so much,
Angela
Hi,
My Tier 5 visa is ending in May 2015 🙁 I realise I can’t work in the UK after this time, but how long can I stay in the country before I have to head back to Australia?
Thanks!
Hi Laura, when you visa expires you’ll need to leave the country. If you stay after the expiry date you’ll be in breach of the immigration rules and face being deported. If you plan to do some holidaying or a tour I’d leave the UK and then re-enter on a tourist visa which you get granted automatically upon entry. Just be sure to have proof of travel out of the UK like a flight or train ticket and be able to show you have money to support yourself. Re-entering the UK just after a visa has expired tends to make the customs people think you are coming back to work there illegally. So have a good story for them so they don’t harass you to much.
Hi Aussia Nomad,
This site is super helpful! Thanks for all your hard work on it! I am a Canadian who holds a British passport. I will be moving to the UK shortly and my boyfriend wants to come with me. I have a few friends on Youth Mobility Visas and they told me that they had extreme difficulty finding real (non minimum wage) employment because employers were turned off by their visa type. Have you heard similar stories? We could opt for a married partner visa (we can’t do unmarried as he only changed his address recently), however we don’t want to rush a wedding and would prefer to do youth mobility and then switch to married in a years time. However, we may go the married route if the youth mobility option truly doesn’t open many doors professionally. I’d love to hear your opinion. Thanks,
Mad
Hi Maddie, I’ve never heard of employers being turned off by the visa type. It allows you to live and work there for 2 years so thats an appropriate time to get decent work out of you. I’ve known quite a few people who’ve got work on the visa so don’t believe its a problem. The only thing I could say is it depends on the type of work you are looking to get and how you present yourself. If you are good at your job I’d hardly say the visa would stop them employing you, and if you are really good there’s always the chance to be sponsored to work there.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Awesome amount of Info here, helped me out a ton, thanks.
I just have a question about what happens after the biometric test. I was told within 15 days ill receive an email to let me know if my application has been successful, but do I receive one before that time to say they have received my application, or that it is in progress.
Thanks for all your help
Kev
Hi Kev, the notification system is somewhat terrible at times. You tend to only get notifications once it’s processed and then when you need to go and pick up your passport. But many don’t get all of those notifications either. Overall the process can take up to a month so don’t worry too much if you’ve only just lodged it.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
I have been studying in the UK on a student visa. I have just graduated, and am now intending to work in the UK. I am returning to Australia shortly to apply for the YMV and am currently filling out the online application form. It asks me about my permanent address. Do I put my address in the UK, or an Australian address? I could use my dad’s address where I used to live. It asks for my permanent country of residence, and my permanent residence address.
Also, it asks about travel to the UK over the last 10 years. I have been to several European cities during my three years here in London, but they are not really trips to the UK, they are trips from the UK. Do I need to include these?
My situation is a bit different given that I am currently living in the UK on a student visa that expires in November this year. Many of the questions are for people not living in the UK. Hope you can help.
Chiara
Hi Chiara, the visa is to be applied for as an Australian with an address here as you can only apply for the visa from Australia. So for any details assume they mean details of your address etc from Australia and not the UK. I beleive they want as much travel details that you can provide so add anything you think is relevant.
Thanks for your response. I have submitted the application and then went to book the biometric appointment in Melbourne. For some reason it is only showing three days available – July 30, 31 and August 1. The rest of the year is unavailable! Or I assume that it is because they only take bookings three days in advance? I don’t arrive back in Australian until August 3 so need an appointment during that week.
Chiara
Hi Chiara, thats really strange on the dates as people should be able to go in at anytime now that the visa process has been handed to a 3rd party company to do. I’d wait and see if you can book one in later this week and see if the dates change for you.
Hello! Your website is incredibly helpful, thank you!
I am 29 years old, Australian, and have been married to my British citizen husband for several years now. He has been in Australia for 8 years, and we’ve now decided we’d like try our time in London.
Would I be eligible for the YMS visa, even though I’m married to a citizen? I meet every other requirement for the YMS, I just wasn’t sure if having a British husband would complicate things as technically I’d be eligible for the Spouse Visa as well… We’re reluctant to go down the spouse path due to the strict financial requirements.
Also – if I do get a YMS visa, am I right to believe that I can apply for a spouse visa while in the UK, without having to return to Australia first?
Thanks!
Hi Tash, as you are under 31 you’d be eligible for the YMS visa yes. There are no restrictions about who you are married to etc. As for applying for the spouse visa once you are in the UK I don’t know sorry.
Thanks very much for the update. this has proved helpful. I wanna find out how long one can re-apply on returning from the United Kingdom to their country. You know it is sometimes difficult staying away so long a time from your family. say my visa expires in August, when can I re-apply for a u.k visa
Hi Esther, you can only have the visa once so you cannot re-apply for it ever.
Hi,
I have been struggling applying for a teir 5 visa but the information I found on your page was more helpful than anything I could find on the government websites, thankyou!
Hi Krys, glad to hear the sites been useful to you.
sorry if you have covered this earlier. My 18 daughter and her friend are currently in the UK on a 3 month holiday, which includes Europe. They love it so much they want to stay and are confident of getting work as they have contacts.
BUT none of us have any idea about Work Visas. Can they apply from the UK or a neighbouring country? Where do they go and what do they do. Is it do-able? Sorry, its so confusing though.
Hi Ellen I’m afraid they will need to return to Australia to apply for the Youth Mobility Visa. All other details they need will are listed above in my article.
Thanks again, Chris. Picked up my visa in Melbourne yesterday!
If anyone’s interested, my timeline was as follows:
July 20 – Submitted online form
July 22 – Biometrics appointment
July 30 – Email from Manila saying my visa had been dispatched and should be available in three days
August 4 – Email from VFS Global saying visa is ready for collection
August 5 – Picked up my passport with visa in side!
Two weeks to be processed is pretty impressive given that I didn’t request priority processing.
Jen that is a great turnaround time, maybe the visa processing folks have lifted their game.
Hi Jen!
Just wondering, did you need to book an appointment or go in at a certain time to pick up your passport ? or was anytime between 9-5pm ok?
Many Thanks.
Hi Sophie!
Haven’t been back to this page in a few weeks, so have only spotted this comment just now!
Not sure if you’ve picked up yours but if not, there’s no need to book an appointment (not in Melbourne, at least). The man on the door even recognised me and let me straight in … I went first thing in the morning, so didn’t have to wait at all.
Good luck!
Hi there.
Great advice – thanks. I’ve done something a bit ditsy though. I included all my old passport details in the application then sent if off (Monday this week). I realised yesterday I hadn’t included my old passport. I phone the helpline – they just said either it will be denied or I will be contacted. Do you know what the likelihood is that they contact people in the event of missing documentation?
In NZ you can’t fastrack this visa – I’m a little worried as I have two other visas to get before we leave in early October so I really need this to be approved first time round!
Thanks
Courtney
Hi Courtney, I don’t think you’ll have a problem by not sending off the old passport. I know of others who’ve forgotten to do the same here in Australia and not had a problem. I guess it depends on the person processing the visa. I’ve never heard of someone being denied for not providing it either.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Thanks for all the info, much easier to follow than the official websites.
I’m a NZer living in Dublin and looking to apply. I only have about a month window before I am travelling to Spain so really need my passport back as soon as possible.
Any idea on the time frames if applying from Ireland? Is there a fast track service available?
Cheers
Hi Jon, unless you have a work visa for Ireland then you’ll need to return to NZ to apply for the visa I’m afraid. If you do have a work visa for Ireland I still can’t help unfortunately as I’ve not known of anybody applying from there.
Hi again,
I’ve now got my UK visa so thought I’d give a quick summary of how it went.
I applied from Ireland and there is a place here where you can get the biometric testing done. It’s in a niggly location but once there it only took about 20mins.
I had opted for the priority service but apparently it doesn’t apply for the Youth Mobility Visa. The guy I dealt with said this was a recent change but they still might prioritise my application.
It was last Thurs the 21st of August I had my appointment and I received my passport back today, 1 week later so it either was prioritised or they are extremely efficient.
Just in regards to the date of my visa commencing, it actually uses the date I entered on the application as my intended arrival date in the UK, rather than my application date. So if anyone is intending to do some travel before arriving in the UK you won’t be eating into your 2 years.
Thanks again for all the information, it was a great help.
Cheers,
Jon
Hi Jon, I am moving to London in a month and an employer that I have applied for a job with needs to see my approved visa documentation before I can progress any further with my job application. Is it alright for me to send a scan of my Visa from my Passport to the agency? Thanks
Hi Charlotte, I don’t see you having a problem sending a scan of the visa stamp in your passport as proof. When I started working in the UK the company I worked for took a copy of my stamp for their records.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
I am currently on the Youth Mobility Scheme expiring at the end of December this year. My current employer is keen to sponsor me but I am a little confused about how to do this. I’ve seen on the UKBA website that if you are already working for an employer then you don’t need to prove the resident labour market test. How does this work if I were to leave to get a new visa and come back? Would I still be able to be legally employed by my employer in the space in between the two visas? Or would my employment have to be terminated in the interim?
Thanks!
Hi Grace, I’m not 100% up to speed on the sponsored visa process but my understand is your employer needs to be registered to sponsor people to work (last I saw it costs them around 1000 pounds) then they can begin going through the process of sponsoring you. You do need to return to Australia to be granted the visa so for ease of processing I’d look to go home before you existing visa expires so that you can stay technically employed the whole time.
I would however be getting the legal department of the company you work for to look over all that is required and applying to be able to sponsor you now as in my experience with a failed sponsorship application it can take a few months for the company to get registered to sponsor you in the first place.
Hi,
I’m just in the process of filling out the Youth Mobility Visa and am stuck on the question “Please Enter Details of what permission you have to stay in this country” – what does this exactly mean? And how do I answer it?
TIffany
Hi Tiffany, I’m not sure on the rest of the context of that question but I imagine they are asking you about the permission you have to be in the country in which you are applying for the visa, which will be Australia and in that case it would be as a resident.
Hey, I would just like to say your blog is really helpful, so thanks a lot.
I was wondering – the visa is 2 years long, and you can only get it once in your life, so what happens if you only want to work in the UK for 4 months or 6 months or 1 year? Does the rest of your visa time get wasted, or does your visa “pause” whenever you leave the country?
Thanks!
Hi Mila, the visa is granted once and then runs continuously for 2 years from the date of issue. There is no way to pause it or put it on hold when you leave the country. So if you don’t go back you just waste the rest of the time.
Hi there,
fantastic information- I’ve found it so helpful!
I leave for the U.K on the 18th of September. If I start my online application today, do you think it’s worth paying for priority processing, or should that be an okay turnaround? (I’ll just pick it up in Melbourne).
Thank you!
Hi Indigo, I’ve seen reports of people getting their applications processed in around 2 weeks lately but most have been about 4 weeks so I’d consider the priority service to avoid any problems. Last thing you want is to have to change/cancel your flight because you don’t have your passport back.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
Thank you for taking the time to write this, it is no doubt helping out a lot of people going through the visa process including myself.
I am curently filling out my application online and I wanted to check whether I am answering certain questions correctly
1. Do you currently hold, or have you ever held, any other nationality or nationalities?
I was born in China and migrated to Australia in 1995 and became an Australian Citizen. I don’t think I ever had a physical chinese passport, only one that was connected to my mothers.
Do I answer yes to this question? If so, what documentation do I need to provide with it as I don’t have any old copies of passports
2. Is this your first passport?
The current Australian passport is the only one that I have. It was issued in 2009. I’ve thrown out any previous Australian Passports that I’ve had. How do I best answer this question?
Thanks in advance,
Tracy
Hi Tracey, you’d need to write down that you were originally a national from China on the form and as for documentation if you have none its hard to provide any, do you have a birth certificate or anything of that nature? They may want to query you is all so anything you can provide would help your cause I’d imagine. For the passports you can say you had others but no longer have them in your possession.
Hi there, I am in exact position as you, how did you get on? Did you have to provide anything? Thanks a million
Hello
I would love some advice on getting the Youth Mobility visa. My boyfriend is applying at the moment (I am from UK living in Australia, he is Aussie). We are on a time limit as he turns 31 in a month so will fast track to be safe. We plan to go to UK in December. We just realised though that his passport is valid until August 2016 which isn’t the full two years. Will they still give us the visa if his passport runs out within the two years? Is this classed as valid?
Thanks
Hi Anna, his passport only needs to be valid for more than 6 months to travel on so that won’t be a problem. All he’ll need to do is when the passport is renewed he’ll need to keep the expired passport with him as the visa will be stamped in it and UK customs will want to see it every time he enters the UK.
Thanks so much for that. One other question…….they say that as long as you are not 31 years old before lodgement you can apply. Do you know what is classed as lodgement? Is that when you go in for the biometric appointment and process everything or is it not until it has been sent off and looked at? My boyfriend turns 31 in 4 weeks so we don’t know if we should get the fast track to be safe or if he will be okay. His appointment in Melbourne is this Friday for the biometrics and application documents.
Hi Anna, I’d consider lodgement sent off to them for processing so make sure its in their hands before he turns 31. But to be honest I’d be doing it as soon as possible. Its not worth chancing it to get a few extra days time before your visa should start.
Thanks. Just had another couple of questions too! It says you need to lodge the visa before your 31st birthday. When is classed as lodgement? My boyfriend turns 31 in 4 weeks so we don’t know if we need to do the fast track just in case or if when he has gone to the biometric appointment that this is counted as being lodged and so it’s ok as it is before his birthday.
Does anyone know also about rebooking the biometric appointment. We want to book in but are waiting on the bank statement so don’t know if we can cancel easily and rebook if it doesn’t get here by the appointment date.
Thank you so much.
Anna I’ve known of one other person who missed their appointment and had all sorts of trouble getting a new appointment so be sure to have everything before you make it.
Hey mate, I am turning 31 soon (in Oct 2014). But due to work etc I can’t go until Jan 2015. Question is: Do I have to enter the UK before I turn 31? Or as long as I have applied before I am 31 and have the Visa confirmed, I can go whenever in the 2 years even after I turn 31?
Cheers!
Sid this is a difficult one but my understand (and this is just my interpretation) you need to have lodged your application before turning 31. You don’t need to be in the UK before you are 31, you just need to have had the visa approved. You can come and go as much as you like in the 2 year period so you not arriving for a few months won’t have any impact.
Hi Aussie nomad,
Firstly, thank you again for having this great resource / info available to us….
I had my bio-metric appointment on the 15th August in Melbourne – however, I never got a confirmation email from VFS global that my documents have been submitted or sent offshore for further processing. Quite a few people have mentioned that they got a confirmation email on the same day as the bio-metric appointment – should I be concerned?
Kind regards,
Sunny
Hi Aussie Nomad!
Thank you for being so helpful and patient with everyone! You must deal with the same questions all the time.
I wanted to share my experience with the YMS as well – I literally just received my passport in the mail 2 minutes ago! It all went through fine! YAY!
PREVIOUS PASSPORT/ LOST PASSPORT
I couldn’t find mine, so using Facebook, emails etc, I was able to work out the rough dates of previous travel for the online application. Stating that it is lost, and NOT submitting it for the application is totally fine!
INCORRECT/INSUFFUCIENT FUNDS IN BANK AT TIME OF APPLICATION
So I applied for the YMS on a Wednesday with the intention of depositing money the same day (I have a cash in hand job), but it was a public holiday here in Brisbane! I had a massive freak out as I thought I read that we have to have the funds BY the online application date!! ARGH I was pulling my hair out!
So I had to deposit on the Thursday! My interview was on Friday. And everything was fine, so definitely just have the money by the interview and on your statement!
BANK STATEMENT/TRANSACTION LISTING
I bank with NAB, and they give out a “Transaction Listing”. On the bottom of the page, it literally says “This is NOT a Statement”. I handed that in along with a “Certificate of Balance”, which any experienced teller will be able to give you. (If you bank with NAB, you can tell them to find it in the “forms catalogue” of their computer). Some of the more strict tellers will say that they can only give you the Certificate for the balance for the previous day, as the Certificate states “We, NAB, certify that [person] had [$XX] at the close of business of [date].” So beware of that.
I’m pretty sure those were the things I was most concerned about! GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!
Eva
I forgot to add the price of it all!
$395 for the Visa
$190 to have it expedited (My interview was on a Friday 15th, I got my passport today (20th)! Super fly quick! I have to add that the application goes to Manila, but my passport went to Canberra, when you pay to have it done quickly 🙂 Usually it all goes to Manila 🙂
And then when I was at the appointment, they said that the $190 doesn’t actually include the VFS fee, which is $112! Lol. Way to make so much money off me! They accepted my card (debit or credit is fine, with a pin 🙂 )
So $697 all up! Crazy!
Congrats on the visa Eva and on the quick turnaround for the expedited application. A shame about the fee, its become a lot more expensive since March but before then you could not expedite the visa process so you have to take the good with the bad.
Hey
I’ve seen a bit of discussion on applying for a UK youth mobility visa from outside your normal country of residence and thought my experience might help a few of you.
Basically the UKBA website and phone line says you can apply for a visa from outside of your country of residence so long as you have been granted at least 6 months residency in that country and that they have a visa application centre.
I’m a New Zealander and have been living in Ireland on a temporary 6 month visa since May 2014. In August 2014 I applied for my UK youth mobility visa from Ireland, despite only having a temporary visa for Ireland and having only lived here for a few months. I sent the normal documents (application, biometric testing, proof of accounts in my Irish bank account, NZ passport etc) plus a letter from the Irish immigration stating my visa status. I was told it would take up to 3 weeks to process the visa, but 7 working days later it was ready for collection – approved!
The whole process was pretty stressful as I received a lot of conflicting information from various websites and blogs, but reassure it all worked out perfect in the end.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
I have trawled through all the comments trying to find an answer to my question but admittedly gave up half way through because there are so many!
I have a British partner and we currently live in Kenya. I am applying for the visa in case the likely scenario of work options in Kenya drying up occurs- and also because I am nearly 31 so my opportunity to live and work in the UK is drying up!
There are a number of questions asking for details of my partner- name, passport number, do we live together etc. As we will be travelling together I am filling out these details, but just wanted to know if that will have any impact on my visa application- I know that some countries with a similar scheme (eg France) make a big point of stating that their working holiday visa scheme is not designed for people wanting to spend time with their partners etc.
The other question is the previous travel in the last 10 years. There seems to only be room for 20 countries which I have exceeded so I put the rest in additional information. Do you think this is a suitable solution?
Thanks so much- I had a list of questions the length of my arm before I read your blog so I am most impressed that it has ended on just 2!
Hi Zoe, its been awhile since I went through the whole application process but find it weird it wants to know that much detail about your partner. Generally where possible I tend to omit those details and just apply as a single to avoid any potential hiccups like you’ve mentioned.
As for the list of locations, yes it seems to be a stupid question and lacks enough space as well for an online form. I’d do as you did and fill in what you can in the space and add the rest to the additional page of your application.
Oh, and another quick question- I would like to get my visa processed as priority. I have already booked and paid for my appointment and didn’t really see a chance to do that- although I wasn’t really thinking about it that hard! Since I have tried the link that you left and it seems to say that priority processed is for visitors visas (excluding student visas). Does this still include Youth Mobility? The price they are quoting is $190, by the way!
In any case I entered all of my details in attempting to purchase priority and it told me “your passport is duplicate”…whatever that means! Anyone else experienced similar issues? Or can you pay for priority when you go to the visa processing center? (I will be going next week in Melbourne).
Cheers!
Hi Zoe, priority processing is available for the youth mobility visa as quite a few people have used it. I do believe it has to be paid for online before the appointment thought. But I’ve never heard of that error you received, did you try again at all?
I tried again and it was successful- got my visa back in 5 days. They also offered the service at the biometric scan interview.
In the end I did put all the details about my partner (just didn’t want it to bite me later on if we end up applying for defacto) and that obviously didn’t stop my visa. My other concern on the day was the ‘original statement’ my bank sent me was just a black and white print off that was clearly something I could have done myself, but I just took it in and got each page stamped by the bank and again, that was obviously adequate (even though the woman who was sorting my docs at the biometric interview seemed worried.) And finally, I read on the list they provide that you need to take your old passports with you to the interview- mine is at my house in Kenya so I got a bit worried, but they didn’t ask.
Hello!
Im landing in London on the 28th of August with a UK tier 5 youth mobility visa that commences on the 29th of August. Do you think Im going to get drilled by customs upon arrival? Ive heard they can be quite brutal. I don’t have a return flight booked as I am planning on staying to work, and now that I have just noticed that my dates don’t match up I am quite nervous!!
Hi Laura, sorry for the delayed reply I believe you’ll be in the air by now. You might have some explaining to do arriving a day before your visa starts. What you’ll have to do is leave the country and re-enter to be legally in the UK on your visa. As you are entering a day before you’ll be entering on a tourist visa and so don’t have rights to work etc. Hopefully all goes well for you.
Hi there, I just finalised my application today and they sent me a copy to take to my appointment tomorrow. And I was looking over the application, and I have entered my last name in the “Given Name” box and My first name in the “family name” box, so they are around the wrong way. Does this mean it will get declined?!
Hi Sarah, I’d have just crossed out your names and put them around the right way. The only form is only a guide completing the paper one so all should be good if you’ve adjusted it. The guys at the appointment office could help you with it as well.
Hey Aussie Nomad
My friend just sent me to your sight and it is so incredible. i have recently and rather spontaneously decided to move to the UK, more likely though ireland. i have three months until my flight leaves.
I was wondering if you know if a visa is needed for Ireland, not northern of course.
Thank you so much for the time and effort you have put into this sight and helping us all!
Hi Abbie, if you want to live in Ireland for more than 3 months you’ll need a visa yes otherwise just show up and have proof of a return ticket and all will be good. Ireland has a working holiday visa just like the UK does so that would be your best option.
Do you happen to have a link for that visa, as i am not sure if i will be staying in the uk or ireland to work so i would like to have both just in case. i have probably been looking in the wrong spots online.
Also is that consecutive months or an accumulative total of 3 months?
Thank you
Hi Abbie, try this link https://www.dfa.ie/travel/visas/working-holiday-visas/
As for staying in Ireland I believe you can stay for 3 months in every 6 month period just like mainland Europe.
Hi guys, I know this may seem like a stupid question. but I’m planning on going to the UK at the end of this year (just finishing year 12) however I will only turn 18 half way through next year. am I able to get accepted for this visa? or am I still seen as being a minor and therefore not able to travel and work like this?
Cheers
Hi Brandt, you can only apply for the visa when you are 18 years old so you’ll have to wait till then before you’ll be able to go I’m afraid.
Hello. How does one go about driving a car in Britain on an Australian (Victorian) licence? From the research I have conducted on the http://www.gov.uk website you can drive on a foreign licence for up to 12 months. I intend to stay for the full 24 months, can I apply for a UK driving licence like a resident would do?
Also how would I go about owning a car in Britain? Am I even allowed on a foreign licence? I imagine the latter would not matter as ownership of a vehicle is irrelevant in Australia to your ability to drive it.
Driving and having my own car is a must for me.
Thanks Aussie Nomad
Hi Joshua, you should check out this post I wrote up on the very topic http://www.theaussienomad.com/travel-tips/driving-in-the-uk/. You’ll be find to buy a car from my understanding, especially if you are there on the visa. but unless you intend on living outside of London you may not even need a car as public transport is everywhere.
Can I drive in the UK on a Victorian Probationary Licence (P-plates) and later transfer it to a UK licence after the 12 months limit on foreign licences? The reason I ask is the DVLA state that you can transfer a full licence from designated countries (which includes Australia) to a UK licence. But it seems the definition of full licence is different. They have provisional (learners) and full. In Victoria, and im pretty sure most states, you have learner, probationary (p-plates) then full. Obviously to get our Pplates is the equivalent test to getting a full licence in the UK.
Thanks heaps 🙂
Hi Josh.
I came over here with my Provisional 2 licence (NSW) and when it expired last year (well, just before it expired), I transferred it to a full UK licence. It cost me 50 pounds and was a pretty simple process. Just download the application form online or get them to post it to you (https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence). If you want to be able to drive in the UK with your current Aussie licence I don’t think you can do it on your Provisional – unless you have an international licence. I got mine before I left Aus. It’s just a paper part that accompanies your AUS licence. But I never ended up driving before I got my UK licence anyway.. And it might be different for different states.. check here for more details https://www.gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence.
Hope that is helpful. Let me know if you’ve got any more questions 🙂
Grace
I sent an email a couple of days ago to the DVLA which is Britain’s licensing authority, this is the reply I got:
Probation, provisional and restricted licences are all acceptable to exchange. These licences would be valid for driving and exchange purposes in Great Britain (GB).
We cannot accept Learners licences or L categories.
You can drive in GB on your valid licence for up to 12 months from the day you became resident in GB. If you have not exchanged your licence for a British one before the end of the first 12 months of becoming resident you will need to stop driving.
If you are visiting GB you can drive on the probationary, provisional or restricted licence for a period of up to 12 months from the date you entered the country as long as it remains valid.
Thanks for the details on your research Joshua. Good to hear you can exchange your P plate licence in the UK as I was unsure.
Hey,
Firstly thank you ALL for being on this forum and special thanks to Aussie Nomad for initiating it! I just got my visa and information here helped me quite a bit!!
Just thought I would share my timeline :-
10th Aug: Completed & submitted online application / Booked bio metric appointment (Melbourne)
15th Aug: Bio metric appointment at VFS Global and submitted my passport with other documents and completed application form
18th Aug: Resigned from my job (just wanted to fit that in for fun! :-))
22nd Aug: Got an email from Manila advising that my visa has been dispatched
25th Aug: Email from VFS global advising Visa is ready for collection
26th Aug; Collected my visa
Looking to get there around early October… Don’t know anyone – no job lined up – no accom fixed… It’s scary and yet so exciting. Can’t wait!
Hi There,
Thanks for putting this online – I have come back to it a couple of times to clarify things over the last year and a bit! I have been in the UK for a year already on my Tier 5 YMS visa (and really enjoying myself).
It might seem a silly question, but can I leave the UK and visit Morocco & come back & keep working? (I’ve been to UK & EU countries.. but no where else..) From reading the info on the UKBA website, I’m under the impression that it is fine. But I just wanted to check. Do you happen to know if this is correct?
Thanks again for all the info you’ve made available! Very helpful!
Grace
Hi Grace, you can travel anywhere you want and return to the UK. Enjoy Morocco.
Thought I would give some feedback from when my boyfriend went to the visa office for the biometric part of his visa. When we logged onto the online part the other week there were lots of appointment times for several days ahead. When we logged back in two days later there were only two days for the next week and the only times were 7:30am or 7:45am which seemed odd. This was for the next two to three weeks. So my boyfriend had to get up really early and got to the visa office for his appointment. On arriving they asked him to pay $95 because he had booked a premium time. He refused and said he had not booked in a premium time. There was nothing on the website to say this, they were the only times available and they certainly didn’t say about charging extra. There was another lady there too who exactly the same thing happened to. They told my boyfriend he’d have to pay or cancel his appointment and then try to reschedule another day – for their mistake! The other woman ended up having to pay as she had driven from Point Cook and had a child with her. My boyfriend argued more and they said they could fit him in for a “normal” appointment at 9:15am. So he finally got the application processed. So far no news on it being received or processing so here’s hoping it goes ok. But just be warned, they seem to be messing up on the website and these early appointments cost much more – really disorganised and bad practice.
So I have just booked my biometric appointment for Adelaide and submitted my application – only problem is that on the Appointment Confirmation page the passport number is completely different to my actual passport number.
On the actual application I have printed out the passport number is correct. And both the application and appointment confirmation have the same GWF number, same name and same date of birth.
I have not been able to change this through the online site.
My appointment is in 3 days and I’m stressing that they will not let me proceed with the appointment when I arrive with an appointment confirmation letter with the wrong passport number, any advice?
Hi Alicia, given its only the appointment booking form that has the wrong passport number I’d say you’ll be fine to just tell them on the day as that paperwork isn’t sent away. That form is only for your appointment to have your fingerprints taken so I don’t see a problem. Just notify the people when you get there of the mistake so they are aware.
Hi there
I applied for and received a youth mobility visa last year and never ended up travelling to the UK due to an unexpected situation. I have booked tickets to London for May next year and intend to stay and work although my visa expires not long after I get there. I am just wondering whether I am able to renew my visa(and re pay?) so I still get the full two years there or not
Hi Hannah, you are unable to renew or extend your youth mobility visa I’m afraid. if you want to stay after the visa expires you’ll need to look at a sponsored work visa or some other offering as you can only get the youth mobility visa once.
Hi Aussie Nomad,
In reference to the bank statement/available funds say I was going for my biometrics interview on nov 1st as long as the bank statement/letter was dated within Oct 4th and Nov 1st showing available funds it would be accepted? i.e it doesn’t need to be completely recent just within the 28 days?
Hi Chloe, that’s correct it just needs to be dated within 28 days of your application. So don’t send them something thats like 4 months old is what they are getting at.
hi aussie nomad,
a couple of queries..
1. my partner is turning 31 early October, we have just decided we want these visas! it wouldn’t be an issue except he needs the passport back for an OS trip 20/9. Can we pay for the application, do the biometric tests & then upon his return post the documents (it will be just over 2 weeks after the tests & he would’ve just turned 31)?
2. it asks about partners & if they are travelling with you & hold a valid visa…we are applying for the same visa type at the same time – what is best to answer here as we both don’t hold the visa yet, is it best to say we are not travelling together?
Great site, finding this very helpful!
Hi Jules, unless you are applying for the visa from Adelaide when you do your biometric appointment they take the passport off you there and send it off. It’s only from Adelaide that you are required to post the application off yourself. I’d advise you to look at the priority processing option to get it all sorted before he needs it on the 20th.
In terms of the partner option I tend to tell people to apply separately and don’t mention your significant other. It just saves on completing the application process.
First of all, wow, thank you, this blog has been a huge help! I thought I read a comment regarding bank statements a few weeks ago but I can’t seem to find it now. My problem is that I have misplaced my bank statement and am now in Sydney (for my interview tomorrow). Is it possible to print an estatement and have the bank stamp and sign it? Or can I walk in to St George and ask me to print some kind of proof of funds letter for me?
I hope this question makes sense, I’m a little stressed.
I now have another question. I was just going over my printed application form and realised I accidentally put my dads year of birth as 2014 which is obviously impossible. It’s such a silly mistake so I don’t think it would be a huge deal. Should I cross it out and put the correct date?
Thanks again for all the easy to understand information
Hi Zoe, your comment was here waiting approval. To make life easier I’ve combined both your comments into the one. in terms of your bank statement as long as its printed on the bank letterhead and stamped by them it will be fine.
As for your dad’s birthday, just cross out the date and fix it with a pen. You can check with the people at the time of your appointment but am sure that will be fine because obviously your dad can’t be born in 2014.
Just wondering whether anybody has had difficulties recently with a DUI conviction and approval of a visa?
Mine was from 2010, it was a mid range conviction, loss of license for 6 months. I have sent various documents including court extracts, record of driving offences, payments summaries and payments receipts, but I am now worried they may ask for a police record (which will take weeks to arrive) or completely refuse altogether.
Can anybody provide a little assistance with this?
Hi Alicia, I only know of one person who was denied due to a DUI conviction. If they query it they’ll ask for more info but that more info is normally your police report which takes far too long to get in time for them. Fingers crossed all goes ok.
Just an update with the timeline (and I had a DUI conviction on my record from 2010 of mid-range drink driving for anyone who is in a similar situation)
Monday September 1st – submitted application
Thursday September 4th – biometric appointment in Adelaude
Thursday September 4th – posted documents
Thursday September 11th – email saying ýour visa has been despatched’
Im hoping this means I have been approved?!?!?
Also the supporting documents I sent were:
– court extract
– payment notice from the fines unit
– payment receipts from the fines unit
– summary of offences on driving record
Hope this helps anyone who was wondering who has a DUI conviction, and hoping the email I got today means I’m getting a visa