United Kingdom: Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwan Youth Mobility Scheme Ballot to Open February 10, 2026
January 16, 2026
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At a Glance
- The UK Home Office has announced that the first Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) 2026 ballot for Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwanese nationals will open on February 10, 2026 and close on February 12, 2026.
- Those selected under the ballot will be able to apply under the Scheme. Successful applicants will be able to live, work and study in the United Kingdom for a period of 24 months. There is expected to be a second ballot in the middle of the year.
- Each group is allocated 1,000 places under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
The situation
The UK Home Office has announced that the first Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) 2026 ballot for Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwanese nationals will open on February 10, 2026 and close on February 12, 2026. Under the scheme, successful applicants can live, work and study in the United Kingdom for a period of 24 months.
A closer look
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- Ballot period. The first ballot will open at 00:01 (Hong Kong SAR time) on February 10, 2026 and close at 00:01 (Hong Kong SAR time) on February 12, 2026. 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.
Impact
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.
Background
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.
Looking ahead
There is continuing discussion regarding the United Kingdom establishing youth mobility schemes with various European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland, as well as the European Union more generally. We are continuing to monitor developments in this space.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
