The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) allows eligible young people to live and work in the UK temporarily. Canadians aged 18 to 35 can apply for this visa, which lets them stay and work in the UK for up to 24 months initially, with a possible extension to 36 months under current arrangements.

Unlike skilled work visas, the YMS does not require employer sponsorship. You must show that you have at least £2,530 in savings at the time of application to support yourself until you find employment in the UK. You will need to demonstrate that you have had the money in a chequing or savings account for at least 28 consecutive days. Day 28 must fall within 31 days of the date of application for this visa.

Visa holders can work, study, and travel within the UK, and self-employment is generally permitted, subject to limited restrictions. However, the scheme does not lead directly to permanent residence or indefinite leave to remain — time spent under YMS does not, by itself, count toward settlement.

Applications can usually be made up to six months before travel, and processing from overseas is typically completed within a few weeks. However, timing can vary with demand and local centre capacity.

You must not have dependent children to qualify for the YMS category.

YMS fees

The current application fee as of February 2026 is £319. You must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge upfront which is £776 per year.

*All GBP (Great British Pound) amounts can be converted to Canadian dollars using the official OANDA exchange rates.

Get more information and legal help

For further information about the YMS program, please consult Sterling Immigration Ltd.

								
You now have 3 options:
								

									
More answers about UK Travel and Immigration
									
Master List: 2,500 Legal Answers
																													
																		
Government Links