United Kingdom: Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwan Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot to Open February 4, 2025

• Ballot period. The first ballot will open at 00:01 (Hong Kong SAR time) on February 4, 2025 and close at 00:01 (Hong Kong SAR time) on February 6, 2025. There is expected to be a second ballot in the middle of the year.
• Program details. The ballot is open to Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwanese between 18-30 years old, at the date of travel under the Scheme, who have savings of at least GBP 2,530 and who have no children below 18 with whom they live or support. Individuals selected by ballot then have 90 days to apply for a visa under the scheme, pay the visa application fee (including immigration health surcharge) and provide biometrics.
• Quota. There is no quota for the ballot but each group is allocated 1,000 places under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
• Costs. Entering the ballot is free but it costs GBP 298 to apply under the Scheme. Those who are not chosen in the upcoming ballot can submit another application in future ballots.
• Application. When the application window opens, interested applicants will be able to submit a ballot for the program via an email process.

The Scheme provides a specific entry pathway for those from a participating country or territory with a relatively short processing time as compared to other schemes.

• Youth Mobility Schemes. The United Kingdom has established multiple Youth Mobility Schemes (YMS), which allow a person from a participating country or territory to experience life in the United Kingdom and work without sponsorship. It has established YMS pathways for Australians, Canadians, Icelanders, Japanese, New Zealanders, South Koreans, and Uruguayans, among others. Quotas and age eligibility requirements vary according to each program.

There is continuing debate as to whether the United Kingdom will expand the youth mobility scheme with various European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. So far neither side are able to agree terms of any expansion of the scheme.