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.
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 |
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 — check the eligibility requirements on GOV.UK to see whether yours is one of them. 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
What 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.
How 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.
How 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.
Is 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.
Will 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.