Youth Mobility Scheme: photo and application guide
Young people (typically aged 18-30) from participating countries can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.
Quick answer
45 × 35 mm photo · £298 visa fee plus £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge for 2 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 £298 visa fee plus £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge for 2 years. Processing 3 weeks standard. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa (Tier 5) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Young people (typically aged 18-30) from participating countries can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. |
| Application route | Online application via GOV.UK with a sponsorship token (allocated through the YMS ballot in some countries) |
| Fee | £298 visa fee plus £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge for 2 years |
| Processing time | 3 weeks standard |
| Biometric appointment | Yes — at a VAC; biometric is reused for BRP on approval |
| 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 VAC takes a fresh photo for the BRP card.
| Size | 45 × 35 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 29 to 34 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain light grey or cream, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 800 pixels, maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Youth Mobility Scheme
Some Youth Mobility nationalities (Australia, New Zealand, Canada) apply through a ballot system because demand exceeds quota. Once the ballot is won the photo and application processing is the same as any UK visa. The biometric photo flows to the BRP.
Frequently asked questions about the Youth Mobility Scheme
What size photo do I need for a Youth Mobility Scheme?
45 × 35 mm portrait orientation. The Youth Mobility Scheme uses the standard UKVI biometric photo: head 29 to 34 mm chin to crown, plain light grey background, neutral expression. The biometric capture itself happens at the VAC appointment.
How much does the Youth Mobility Scheme cost?
£298 visa fee plus £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge for 2 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 VAC; biometric is reused for BRP on approval.
Will I receive a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)?
Yes — most Youth Mobility Scheme holders receive a BRP card on arrival in the UK (or by post for in-country switches). The photo on the BRP is the one captured at your VAC appointment, and the card is valid for the visa duration.
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.