UK Immigration News

South Koreans Can Now Access to the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme

Young people in South Korea will soon be able to apply for a Youth Mobility Scheme visa to the UK.

According to the agreement made by the UK and South Korean governments, 1,000 young South Koreans are now eligible to come to the UK annually under a Tier 5 or Working Holiday visa. They can live and work in the UK for up to 2 years and the same number of young Britons can also come to South Korea.

Scott Wightman, British Ambassador to South Korea said:

"We are extremely pleased to welcome South Korean young people to our youth mobility programme. This is a significant opportunity for both the UK and South Korea, an opportunity to strengthen and build on the cultural and economic ties that exist between us and to promote mutual understanding. It gives young South Koreans the opportunity to experience life in the UK and to improve their English, and for us to benefit from having them live within our communities. Likewise, this scheme provides a fantastic opportunity for young people from all over the UK to come and experience at first hand the vibrancy and fascinating culture of South Korea."

UK Border Agency's Asia Pacific director, James Sharp said:

"The youth mobility scheme, which comes under Tier 5 of the UK's points-based system for visa applications, will shortly be open to South Korean applicants. Under the scheme those aged between 18 and 30 will be eligible to apply, and will be able to live, work and study in the UK without the need for a sponsor."

The scheme is expected to open to applicants in South Korea sometime in the next few months. South Korean applicants will need a certificate of sponsorship issued by the South Korean authorities before applying for a UK visa.

A working holiday visa holder under the Youth Mobility Scheme must leave the UK at the end of their working holiday. It is not possible to apply for second working holiday visa under the Youth Mobility Scheme once one has been granted.

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.