United Kingdom: Hong Kong SAR Chinese and Taiwan Youth Mobility Scheme Second Ballot to Open July 15, 2025

• Ballot period. The second ballot will open at 00:01 (Hong Kong SAR time) on July 15, 2025 and close at 00:01 (Hong Kong SAR time) on July 17, 2025. The first ballot took place in February.
• 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 per year under the Youth Mobility Scheme.
• Costs. Entering the ballot is free but it costs GBP 319 to apply under the Scheme and pay the immigration health surcharge which is usually GBP 776 per year. 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.

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

• Importance of Scheme. The importance of the Youth Mobility Scheme as an option for the entry of overseas recruits has been heightened as the United Kingdom proposes to tighten the eligibility requirements for and increase the costs of its sponsored work routes.
• Expansion of Scheme. There has been progress on the expansion of the youth mobility scheme to various European countries, including France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland. Although the terms of an expansion have not yet been agreed, the European countries have confirmed that they are willing to negotiate a related deal.