TIER 5 Youth Mobility |
Tier 5 of the points- based system came into force on 27 November 2008. Tier 5 enables young overseas nationals to experience life and culture in the UK and also permits workers to undertake short term or temporary employment in the UK. Tier 5 replaced the following immigration categories:
Tier 5 consists of two main categories under the points based system; the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) and Tier 5 (Temporary Workers) which is made up of five sub-categories, as follows:
Tier 5 (Youth Mobility)A. About the schemeApplicants will only be able to apply for the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) scheme once in a lifetime. Those who have previously spent time in the UK as a working holidaymaker will not be eligible for this scheme. It should be noted that each country listed in Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) will have an annual allocation of places under this scheme. If a country exceeds its allocation ‘quota’, no further applications will be accepted from their nationals. The Home Office will now check that applicants are genuine and that they intend to meet the conditions of the leave they apply for. B. RequirementsApplicants intending to apply under this scheme will need to satisfy the following criteria:
It is important to note that individuals will not be eligible for the YMS if they have children under 18 years of age who are living with them or for whom they provide financial support. Applicants will need to score a total of 50 points for the above criteria which is detailed in the next section. C. Points AssessmentApplicants will need to satisfy a points test and maintenance requirement under this scheme. A total score of 50 points is required in order for applicants to successfully submit an application for the Tier 5 (Youth Mobility) scheme. Points are awarded under the following headings: (i.) National of a country participating in the Youth Mobility Scheme – 30 points (ii) Age – 10 points (iii) Maintenance (Funds) – 10 points D. Visa Validity and ExtensionApplicants successful under the Tier 5 (YMS) will be granted Entry Clearance valid for 2 years YMS migrants are therefore able to stay in the UK for the full period of the 2 years. Please note that applicants on the YMS are not entitled to extend their stay on this visa OR switch into any other immigration category whilst in the UK. E. Applying for Entry ClearanceApplicants are able to apply for Entry Clearance under the YMS from the following places:
Please note that applicants for the YMS can only apply from outside of the UK. Applications from within the UK will not be accepted. F. What work is allowed under the YMS?YMS migrants have the freedom to access the job market during their stay in the UK, except employment as a professional sportsperson or a doctor in training. Migrants are also permitted some self-employed activities however these are subject to conditions. It is advised to seek advice on what types of employment/self –employment are permitted as any work or business activity which does not fall in line with the terms of the YMS will breach conditions of leave under this scheme. Further guidance is available at present on the Home Office website. YMS migrants are also entitled to study in the UK if this is privately funded and/or engage in voluntary work and au pair placements in the UK. Administrative ReviewApplicants who have their applications refused under the points based system are entitled to have the decision reviewed free of charge. Individuals who wish to exercise their right for an Administrative Review will have to make this request within 28 days of the date of receipt of the refusal notice. The applicant is not entitled to send any additional documents or fresh evidence with the review request. Finally, applicants will only be entitled to request ONE review request per refusal decision. What services we can offer?
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