Youth Mobility Visa Supporting Evidence 

The Youth Mobility visa is the most common visa option used by Kiwi’s & Aussies. Two of the most frequently questioned areas of this visa are the bank funds requirement and the working restrictions. The home office recently provided more guidance surrounding these areas which we have summarised below.

Bank Account Funds Required

Your balance must show that you have the equivalent of £1,600 in your account. Evidence such as bank statements must be dated no more than one month before you apply. The amount is assessed on the exchange rate of the date you pay your fee and have your biometrics taken. The OANDA website is the official site used by the UK Home Office to assess the exchange rate.

Your supporting document must be original. It must either be on official letter-headed paper or on stationery of the organisation that has the official stamp of that organisation.

Your funds must be in the form of cash funds. Other accounts or financial instruments for example, shares, bonds and pension funds are not acceptable. If you wish to rely on a joint account as evidence of available funds, you must be named on the account.

Working and conditions

When you are in the United Kingdom under the youth mobility scheme you must not claim state benefits. You can do any work you like during your stay, except you must not be employed as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach) or as a doctor in training. You
are only allowed to be self employed if you do not own permanent premises from which you do your business; the total value of your equipment that you use in your business is not worth more than £5,000; and you have no employees.

For more information see http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier5/youthmobilityscheme/