The Home Office has announced that the ballot to apply under this category, will open from 11:59pm on Monday 24 July 2023 and closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday 26 July 2023 (local time). Entries can be made anytime within this period at no cost.
This ballot is specifically for nationals from Hong Kong (SAR passport holders only), Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan between 18 to 30 years old, with access to £2,530 in savings to support themselves in the UK.
Applicants can enter the ballot via email and must ensure that the subject line includes ‘Last name First name – DD/MM/YYYY – Passport Number’ in this format. The body of the email must include the same details as the subject line along with a contact mobile number. If any of these details are missing from the email, the request will not be considered.
Once the email is prepared, it must be sent to the relevant team during the ballot opening hours, as listed below:
- Hong Kong nationals: [email protected]
- Japan nationals: [email protected]
- South Korea nationals: [email protected]
- Taiwan nationals: [email protected]
Duplicate entries will not be counted as part of the ballot, and only remaining places from the January ballot will be allocated during the July ballot.
If successful, a confirmation email will be sent by Monday 31 July 2023 and an application under this visa category must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the successful notification. Upon approval, the visa will likely be issued for up to 2 years and entry to the UK must be made within 90 days from the approval date.
Whist in the UK, this visa permits study, work in most jobs and self-employment. However, it is important to note that the YMS visa holders cannot extend their visa further, access public funds, apply with family members or work as a professional sportsperson.
Unsuccessful entries will receive an email within 2 weeks of the ballot closing and may apply for the next ballot in January 2024.
We are also able to confirm that for the Indian Young Professionals Scheme, the next ballot will open at 1:30pm IST on 25 July 2023 until 1:30pm IST on 27 July 2023. Entries can be made by Indian citizens, aged between 18 -30 years old, anytime within this period at no cost.
For any questions or support in relation to this UK visa category or the ballots, please contact your Magrath Sheldrick LLP advisor for further information.