Legal News

Independent think tank Migration Watch UK has said in a briefing paper that Home Office figures released in the third quarter of 2016 show the number of Youth Mobility visas issued increased by 11% in the period 2009-2016.

Home Office Visa Statistics reveal that 50% of the Youth Mobility visas issued in 2016 were issued to Australians – followed by 18% to New Zealanders and 15% to Canadians.

Youth Mobility Visas are a Tier 5 visa – Tier 5 is for those allowed to work in the UK for a limited period of time to satisfy primarily non-economic objectives.

Tier 5 is split into Youth Mobility and Temporary Workers – the Youth Mobility visa was introduced in November 2008 to replace the Working Holiday visa and allows participants to live and work in the UK for up to two years.

Holders must be aged between 18 and 30, have proof of £1,890 in savings and be from Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea or Taiwan.

The visa does not lead to settlement and applicants must pay the healthcare surcharge. People with dependent children are also not eligible to apply, including those who have children who live with them – or children for whom they are financially responsible.

Also ineligible are those who have already been in the UK under the scheme or under the former Working Holiday category.

Citizens of Hong Kong and South Korea must also obtain a certificate of sponsorship reference number before they apply – this is a unique reference number that holds information about the job they will do, along with personal details.

The certificate of sponsorship is not a paper document, however – and applicants must apply for their visa within three months of receiving their certificate of sponsorship.

Duncan Lewis Business Immigration Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Business Immigration Solicitors are one of the UK’s leading firms of immigration specialists and are able to advise on business immigration and right to work in the UK, Tier-2 visa applications and appeals, student and graduate visas, spousal visas, Youth Mobility visas and visa overstays.

Duncan Lewis immigration lawyers can also advice on illegal entry to the UK, the Modern Slavery Bill, and UK immigration law and the Human Rights Act.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities, including more than 20 offices across London and the southeast.

Our specialist business immigration solicitors will be able to advise businesses and individuals on any changes to UK immigration law during Brexit negotiations and post Brexit.

For expert legal advice on international recruitment and UK business immigration law, call Duncan Lewis business immigration solicitors on 0333 772 0409.