New Zealand Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
Live and work in the UK for up to 2 years. Here's how New Zealand nationals qualify in 2026.
- Age range
- 18–35
- Annual places
- 8,000 (2026)
- Ballot required
- No
- Max stay
- 3 years
- Application fee
- £340
- Savings needed
- £2,530
The UK Youth Mobility Scheme lets New Zealand nationals aged 18 to 35 live and work in the UK for up to two years. There are 8,000 places available to New Zealand nationals in 2026. You can work for any employer, in any job, and even be self-employed.
It's one of the few UK routes that doesn't need an employer to sponsor you upfront, but it is time-limited. Many people use their two years to find a licensed sponsor and switch to a Skilled Worker visa before the clock runs out.
New Zealand Youth Mobility visas issued
3,185 New Zealand nationals were granted a Youth Mobility Scheme visa in 2025. That's down 26% on 2024, down from a peak of 5,322 in 2023. Grants fell to a low of 633 in 2021 during the pandemic.
Source: Home Office Immigration Statistics (Vis_D02), year ending March 2026.
After the Youth Mobility Scheme: staying in the UK
Your Youth Mobility visa lasts up to two years. To stay longer, find a licensed sponsor and switch to a Skilled Worker visa before it ends.
Frequently asked questions
Do New Zealand nationals need a ballot for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme?
No. New Zealand nationals can apply directly at any time, with no ballot. Places are limited each year, so applying early in the year is wise.
How much money do I need for a UK Youth Mobility visa?
You must show at least £2,530 in your bank account, held for 28 consecutive days before you apply. The application fee is £340, plus the healthcare surcharge of about £776 per year of your visa.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from the Youth Mobility Scheme?
Yes. While on a Youth Mobility visa you can work for any employer, and if you find a licensed sponsor you can apply to switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK, a common route to staying long-term. Browse sponsor-backed jobs on Hunt UK Visa Sponsors to line one up before your visa ends.
Can I apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme more than once?
No. You cannot apply if you have already held a UK Youth Mobility Scheme visa before. It is a once-in-a-lifetime route for most nationalities.