The Home Office has recently introduced a new ballot system for migrants seeking entry into the UK under the T5 Youth mobility visa. This sought after visa allows migrants of certain nationalities to live, work and study in the UK for a period of 2 years.
When will it open?
The ballot runs twice a year, in January and July.
The Home Office guidance suggests that most applicants are chosen during the January ballot with the remaining places allocated in the July ballot.
The ballot for July 2021 will open for a 48 hour period from Monday 12 July 2021 until Wednesday 14 July 2021.
Who will it apply to?
It will be open to nationals of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong nationals who hold an SAR passport. Applicants must be aged between 18-30 on the date of the application.
How does it work?
Applicants will firstly need to check that they meet the requirements of the T5 Youth Mobility Worker visa.
If an applicant is eligible, they will need to send the following information, in English, to a designated mailbox.
- name
- date of birth
- passport number
- mobile phone number
| Nationality | Number of ballot places available for the period of July 2021. | Details of mailbox and deadlines |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong (only applicable to SAR holders) | 200 | Email [email protected] between midday Monday 12 July 2021 and midday Wednesday 14 July 2021 (Hong Kong time). |
| Japan | 700 | Email [email protected] between midday Monday 12 July 2021 and midday Wednesday 14 July 2021 (Japan time). |
| South Korea | 200 | Email [email protected] between midday Monday 12 July 2021 and midday Wednesday 14 July 2021 (South Korean time). |
| Taiwan | 200 | Email [email protected] between midday Monday 12 July 2021 and midday Wednesday 14 July 2021 (Taiwan time). |
The applicants must send information in a specific format, details of which can be found here.
Only one ballot entry is permitted per person and successful applicants will receive an email by 16 July 2021. Unsuccessful candidates will receive an email within 1 week of the ballot closing and will be able to reapply for the next round in January 2022.
Further details, including the next steps once a ballot has been allocated, can be found here.