Everything you need to know about the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa Ballot system

By Gabriel Okei, Legal intern

The Youth Mobility Scheme Visa is for young adults from certain countries to live and work in the UK for 2 years. This is part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system, and one of the main sub-routes for the T5 (Temporary Worker) route.

Youth Mobility Scheme Visa: Ballot system

The ballot system is designed specifically for applicants from Hong Kong (SAR Passport holders), Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Applicants from these countries must be eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa and only one ballot can be submitted per person. 

How does the ballot operate?

The ballots usually open in January and July each year and are open for 48 hours. During this time, all emails received from applicants are sent an automatic message confirming their entry. Applicants are selected usually during the January ballot and the remaining places are then filled in the July ballot but should make sure that they meet all eligibility requirements before they apply for the ballot.

British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens or British Nationals (Overseas) do not need to apply for the ballot. 

How to apply for the ballot

To apply for the ballot, you must send an email to the email provided to you based on the country you are from. 

The email must be in English, and the subject line must include 

1. Your name
2. Date of birth 
3. Current passport number as shown in your passport

Format: Last name First name – DD/MM/YYYY – passport number. 

The email must contain your: 

1. Name
2. Date of birth
3. Passport number
4. Mobile phone number.

Hong Kong

There are 200 ballot places available in July 2021. 

Email: HongKong.YMS2021@FCDO.gov.uk 

Ballot opens: 12 July 2021 at 12 pm (Hong Kong Time).

Ballot closed: 14 July 2021 at noon (Hong Kong Time). 

South Korea

There are 200 ballot places available in July 2021.

Email: SouthKorea.YMS2021@FCDO.gov.uk 

Ballot opens: 12 July 2021 at 12 pm (South Korea time).

Ballot closed: 14 July 2021 at noon (South Korea time). 

Japan

There are 700 ballot places available in July 2021.

Email: Japan.YMS2021@fcdo.gov.uk

Ballot opens: 12 July 2021 at 12 pm (Japan time).

Ballot closed: 14 July 2021 at noon (Japan time). 

Taiwan 

There are 200 ballot places available in July .

Email: Taiwan.YMS2021@FCDO.gov.uk

Ballot opens: 12 July 2021 at 12 pm (Taiwan time).

Ballot closed: 14 July 2021 at noon (Taiwan time). 

What’s next after submission?

If successful in the ballot you will receive an email by 16 July and you will have 30 days to submit your application. 

After you have made the payment, you have 30 days to book your appointment at your Visa Application Centre (VAC) and submit your application, and should get a decision in 3 weeks after providing your fingerprints and a photograph at your appointment. You may be able to get a faster decision depending on the country. 

Your visa will be valid for 90 days from when you receive it, and you must travel to the UK during this time. If you cannot travel at the time, then you will need to apply for a replacement vignette to come into the UK but will not need to reapply for the ballot and the expiry date on your visa will not change even if your arrival in the UK was delayed by Coronavirus. 

If successful you will be able to live, work and study in the UK for up to 2 years. 

If unsuccessful in the ballot, you will receive an email within a week of the ballot closing stating you have been unsuccessful, and you will be able to reapply in January 2022.