Youth Mobility Scheme: photo and application guide
Young people from participating countries can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. The age limit is 18 to 30, or 18 to 35 for citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea.
In this article · 6 sections
- —45 × 35 mm photo · £340 visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year — £1,552 for the two years · biometrics at VAC
- 01Application route
- 02Photo specification
- 03What to watch out for with the Youth Mobility Scheme
- 04Frequently asked questions about the Youth Mobility Scheme
- 05Other UK visa categories
Quick answer
45 × 35 mm photo · £340 visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year — £1,552 for the two years · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared UK 45 × 35 mm format. Biometric photo is captured at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. Fee £340 visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year — £1,552 for the two years. Processing 3 weeks standard. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa (T5) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Young people from participating countries can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. The age limit is 18 to 30, or 18 to 35 for citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Korea. |
| Application route | Online application via GOV.UK with a sponsorship token (allocated through the YMS ballot in some countries) |
| Fee | £340 visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year — £1,552 for the two years |
| Processing time | 3 weeks standard |
| Biometric appointment | Yes — at a visa application centre; the biometric record stays with the Home Office and is checked when you enter the UK |
| Official portal | GOV.UK — Youth Mobility Scheme ↗ |
Photo specification
The Youth Mobility Scheme uses the shared UK biometric photo standard. The digital photo uploaded with the online application is checked against this spec; the biometric capture at the visa application centre takes a fresh photo for the Home Office record.
| Size | at least 600 × 750 px, portrait orientation |
|---|---|
| Head height | head, shoulders and upper body in frame — do not crop |
| Background | plain light-coloured, with your face in clear contrast to it |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Only if you have to wear them; not tinted, eyes clearly visible |
| Digital file | jpg or jpeg, at least 600 × 750 pixels, vertically orientated, file from 50KB to 6MB |
| Checked against primary sources. Updated . | |
What to watch out for with the Youth Mobility Scheme
For some nationalities and territories the Youth Mobility Scheme runs a ballot before you can apply. Once you are through, the photo and application processing is the same as for any UK visa: your status is issued as an eVisa in your UK Visas and Immigration account, not as a plastic card.
Frequently asked questions about the Youth Mobility Scheme
01What size photo do I need for a Youth Mobility Scheme?
at least 600 × 750 px, portrait orientation, file size 50KB to 6MB, in jpg or jpeg. The Youth Mobility Scheme uses the UKVI digital standard: head, shoulders and upper body in frame — do not crop, background plain light-coloured, with your face in clear contrast to it, neutral expression. The biometric capture itself happens at the visa application centre appointment.
02How much does the Youth Mobility Scheme cost?
£340 visa fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year — £1,552 for the two years. The visa fee is paid online during the application; the VAC service fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are separate charges.
03How long does the Youth Mobility Scheme take to process?
3 weeks standard. The clock starts after you attend the biometrics appointment, not when you submit the online application.
04Is the biometric appointment mandatory for the Youth Mobility Scheme?
Yes — at a visa application centre; the biometric record stays with the Home Office and is checked when you enter the UK.
05Will I receive a card with my photo on it?
No. Plastic cards (Biometric Residence Permits) are no longer issued: Youth Mobility Scheme status is held as an eVisa in your UK Visas and Immigration account. You prove it with a share code through the "view and prove" service — that is what border officers, employers, banks and landlords check.
Other UK visa categories
Prepare your Youth Mobility Scheme photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the UKVI 45 × 35 mm format and biometric framing automatically.