Determine whether your country participates in the U.K.'s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS). As of October 2009, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan were the only nations that had joined the program. British overseas citizens, British overseas territories citizens and British overseas nationals are also eligible to apply and do not require sponsorship. Otherwise, your national government is your appointed sponsor under the YMS.
Make sure you have a complete understanding of the Points-Based System (PBS). This system manages the migration of prospective workers and students into the U.K. by awarding points according to how many sections of the application process you are able to fulfill. Use the Self Assessment Points Calculator on the U.K. Border Agency website (see Resources) to learn how to earn points and what evidence is required with your application.
Complete application form VAF9 online with your basic information. Then use the points scoring information obtained from the Self Assessment Points Calculator to download and complete Appendix 7 from the U.K. Border Agency website. Contact the Visa Application Centre nearest you (see Resources) to ask if you're required to submit your application there or at the British mission in your country.
Provide a valid passport and a recent passport photo of yourself. The color photograph must be 45mm x 35mm in size, taken against a white background. It must be a frontal portrait of the face without sunglasses, hats or head coverings, with the exception of religious attire worn on a daily basis.
Submit application forms VAF9 and Appendix 7 at the application center or British mission and provide your biometric data -- scans of all 10 fingers and a digital photograph. The procedure is done on-site and takes about 15 minutes.
Pay the Youth Mobility Scheme visa fee of £125. It is nonrefundable and normally paid in your local currency. The Entry Clearance Officer will typically have your visa processed in two to 15 days, at which time you can retrieve it from the application center or designated office. Your entrance clearance in the U.K. will be issued for two years.
