About This Guide
This is a step-by-step guide to applying for a Tier 5 YMS visa for the UK, while located outside the UK.
If you’re reading this post, I suspect you’re considering or are in the process of applying for your Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa for the United Kingdom. Welcome! Before we get started, please have a look at my Disclaimer page.
Last Updated: 7 Jan 2020
Why waste time sifting through 10 different resources when you can get it all in one place? The Essential Youth Mobility Visa Handbook: Everything Canadians Need to Know about Getting the Visa and Moving to the UK contains 56 pages of useful information that will help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality!
Get it now!Eligibility
- Canadian Citizen
- Age 18-30 (you can apply at 17, but you must be 18 on or before the visa start date; you can move to UK at 31, as long as you were 30 on the date of the application)
- No dependents (children under 18 either living with you or for whom you are financially responsible)
- A minimum of the equivalent £1890 (~ $3220 as of January 2020) in your bank account
- Not currently in the UK
You can apply for this visa if you are not in Canada, as long as you are legally allowed to stay in that country for more than six months and there is a UK Border Agency where you can have a biometric appointment. For example, you are in Australia on the working holiday scheme for one year, then you may apply from Australia and attend your biometric appointment in Sydney.
How to Apply for the UK Youth Mobility Visa in Canada
This Official Guidance Document will give you information on all of the requirements for your documents as well as the limitations on the work you may do. Read it twice, if not three times.
Once you’ve done that, Apply Online Here.
What You Need:
- Current passport and all previous passports (if you have them)
- Dates of all international travel, including travel to the UK
- Birth dates and birthplaces of your parents
- Accurate UK postcode to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (your permanent work/residence permit)
- Credit card to process payment for Visa Fee, Immigration Health Surcharge, and User Pay office (if applicable)
- Your proof of funds (do it now and you won’t have to worry later! 🙂 )
Steps
1. Gather the information needed and fill out the application. If you run into information you don’t have – don’t lie! Save the form and get it, or tell the truth (e.g. you lost it, you don’t know, etc.). Make sure your name is filled out exactly as it appears on your passport. I failed to put my middle names on the application, which I was able to amend at my appointment.
2. Fill out the intended date of arrival as accurately as possible. The vignette you receive in your passport is only an entry visa, so you must enter the UK within 30 days of that date or apply for a transfer of visa. See the FAQ for details on the Biometric Residence Permit and the temporary vignette.
3. For the international trips – visiting the USA counts even though there may be no stamps in your passport if you went by car. Put the trips you remember and explain in the comments section at the end of the application. If you forget a trip, don’t sweat! Just mention it in your appointment.
4. Make the payment. The fee for this visa is £244. It is charged in USD because the visa processing office is in New York.
5. You will be directed to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £300. You must complete the payment and return to the application page within 30 minutes. This link has all of the documents you will need to hand to make the payment.
6. Print out your completed application. Confirm all the information is correct and sign and date where necessary. Write your IHS number on the front page.
7. You will be directed to the VFS Global website to book an appointment at their office in Toronto. Choose the date and time that is convenient for you. If you are not in Toronto, other offices include User Pay Offices in Edmonton, St John’s, Vancouver, Halifax and Ottawa.* There is a $100 USD fee to use these Offices. Print out the appointment confirmation notice.
** Halifax and St John’s User Pay Offices are only open one or two days a month. Be sure to take this into account when applying. **
The Visa Appointment
I should point out that this is officially what is required – I do not have experience with the VFS Global application service, as I used a Worldbridge office when I applied. Please refer to the comments if you would like to know about other people’s experiences with VFS Global.
What You Need:
When you attend your appointment, you should bring:
Information and Documents
- Current passport. It needs to be valid for at least 6 months but your BRP card will be your permanent visa (so you have to keep it on you at all times!).
- Proof of funds dated within 30 days prior to the date of application. Refer to the Official Guidance Document above for specifics. For this visa, you need to have the minimum maintenance amount on or anytime within the 30 days before the date of application. Here are some examples of what this means:
- A hard copy bank statement showing the balance received before your application (no older than a month);
- A letter from your bank on official letterhead stating your balance on the date of your application;
- A print-out of your bank summary from the date of your application showing your balance with an official stamp from your bank.
- The date of application is the date you paid the fee to the UKBA. Maintenance funds required is £1890 (Canadian Dollar amount is calculated using the rate of exchange from the date of your application). My accounts were a chequing account and my TFSA. You must have access to these funds in cash, i.e. they cannot be held in stocks, assets, or credit cards. Lines of credit and joint bank accounts are okay as long as your name is on them.
- Appointment confirmation, visa fee receipt, and VAC (User Pay) service fee receipt.
- You no longer require a passport photo as VFS global now takes it. Be sure to double check if you are applying outside of Canada.
- Print out of your application form (should be available when the application is complete), signed and dated.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Number
- Your hand and your face
Steps
1. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appoint to check-in. Someone at the desk will verify you have all the required documents. If you don’t they may have them on hand but you can be asked to come back. The person at the desk will put them in a folder and give you a number. If you have any last-minute questions, the manager can advise you on your application.
2. Sit and wait for your number. Watch the “Visit Britain” video they play on repeat. (I can not confirm that they have these videos at the VFS Global locations 🙂 ) You are not allowed to have any electronics, food or drink. Also, don’t leave your bag unattended – they will treat it as a bomb threat and evacuate the building which almost happened when some guy left his bag on a chair for 20 minutes.
3. When your number is called, you will go see an agent who will look at your documents and then put them in a DHL bag to be mailed to New York. Yes, it’s silly that Canadians get their British visas processed in America…but you know. Budget cuts
4. You have the option of picking up your visa in the office in Toronto or having it delivered to you for US $37. I decided to have it mailed. You can also have someone else pick it up for you with an authorization letter.
5. Sit and wait again. Become British by osmosis. Your number will the called by the person at the desk and your photograph and biometric data will be taken. They scan your fingerprints and take a picture.
You are now free to go!
7 Days Later…
From applying online to receiving my passport with the vignette, it took a total of 15 days. I applied on a Tuesday, had my appointment the following Wednesday, and had my passports returned to me the week after that on Thursday. I thought this was a pretty fast turn-around, though once I got to the visa stage for my French work permits, it took about a week as well.
The visa processing office in New York sends you an e-mail when they receive your documents and then once the visa has been issued (and presumably if you are rejected).
I have moved the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS here.
Hi Alyssa,
Thanks for your hard work with setting up very informative pages regarding the Youth Mobility Visa to the UK.
I’ve done a lot of searching with the information you’ve provided, other sites, as well as going through others comments/questions and stories and I’m still stuck on a particular question I can’t get answers for,so I’m hoping you can help!
I’m obviously looking to get a Tier 2 Youth Mobility Visa. I’m quickly approaching my 31st birthday and trying to find a job in the UK from Canada. It might not be possible but before making a big move, I’d like to keep trying. With that being said, I thought I would be able to put my ‘Intended Date of Arrival’ 6 months from now, as I believe that’s now allowed vs 3 months? Either way, if I happen to find a job and they would like me to start within a months time or month and a half, but my Arrival date on application isn’t until 6 (or 3 depending) months from now, am I able to have it start earlier? From what I’m seeing, I don’t think so, but wanted to confirm.
Thank you. Looking forward to your response.
Hello ,
No, you will not be able to start a job earlier then when your visa is valid for.
You may enter the UK before your intended date of travel, however you will have to leave and re enter to activate it on the intended date of travel. It is best to be transparent with job employers of exactly when you are able to legally work in the UK. Hope that clarifies it for you.
Anyone here had experience or heard of anyone doing the BRP appointment outside of Canada? I’m a Canadian citizen but a US resident. Hoping I have an office in LA.
I did find A VFS Global LA office and hope that would be an option for me. Otherwise…it’s a trip to Vancouver for me!
While o do not have personal experience with this, I do believe you are able to apply from any country as long as you are permitted to be there longer than 6 months. There is a question on the application form that asks ” are you a national or the country for which you are applying” which in your case you will be saying “no” and probably from there it will ask you to provide further details.
If there is a VFS global in LA and that’s closest to you, I would think that is fine for you to attend. Again, not personal experience but this is the information I am aware of when applying from a country other than your national. Hope that helps a little bit and maybe research from there if your not 100% sure! But i think this is fine. 🙂
Hi Alyssa, I just completed the visa application yesterday and they have extended the time to pay for the IHS to 3 hours now rather than 30 minutes 🙂
6. The UKBA has introduced a new Immigration Health Surcharge. The cost is £150 per year of the visa which is £300 for the Youth Mobility Visa. You will pay the healthcare surcharge as part of the application process. You must complete the payment and return to the online immigration application in less than 30 minutes. This link has all of the documents you will need to hand to make the payment.
Hi Alyssa, I just want to thank you for posting your experience. It’s very thoughtful of you and it’s much appreciated by so many including myself. I submitted my application today :))
Thanks! Good luck 🙂
Im also submitting today!! Good luck to us both!
Thanks Alyssa for all your helpful tips !!
I am currently in the process of getting the Visa and have sent my documents off last weds. I still haven’t received an email that they have received my documents (which is think is a bit weird). Just curious to know what the email address they email from is so I can keep an eye out.
Also i would appreciate if anyone has any insight on how/who to contact anyone re: figuring out where my documents are. Feeling very helpless.
What is the status of This? Did you end up getting it? Or receiving any emails?
Hi Alyssa
Let’s say my intended travel date on the visa is July 1st, but I arrive in the UK on June 15th as a tourist, to get settled. I’ll be doing a bit of travelling for a couple of weeks in mainland Europe, then arrive back in the Uk on July 1st. Do you know if this would be acceptable? I can’t think of a reason why it wouldn’t be…
Thanks
Hey, I’m planning to do this too (twice actually). I wrote to the UK government but didn’t have much luck. I think it should be fine, you will just be on a tourist visa and just make sure you say you’re not going to start working earlier than your visa start date. Let me know how it goes! I’m curious. My intended date is Sept 1 but I will be in the UK June and August for a short period of time.
Hi Alyssa,
Thank you for this great guide and all of your other resources!
I was rather stressed as I was preparing to submit my application, but once I did everything went through without a hitch! Their new online system is also quite smooth.
My timeline:
January 14 – Submitted application
January 16 – VFS interview in Vancouver
January 17 – My package arrived in New York
January 19 – Visa approved and printed!
January 23 – Picked up package and passport from DHL warehouse (could have gotten it earlier had I been home for their delivery)
I was shocked at how quickly I got my visa approved and sent to me. A few, hopefully helpful, notes for other readers:
1. I can confirm that in Vancouver they take your picture at the VFS office.
2. They didn’t actually need or take the visa fee or VAC fee receipts since proof of these payments are already included in your application/file. But, better safe than sorry.
3. I was worried about the bank letter because my bank couldn’t provide me with one signed and stamped letter that had all the information I needed (i.e. account number was missing). So I just tried to include all the documents I thought would fill in the blanks. It evidently worked out fine.
4. I was also a bit worried because in the notes section at the end of the application I wrote that I’d be including my old, foreign passport with a slightly different spelling of my name and a Canadian landing card that showed my name with its real/current spelling. The people at the office said I don’t need to include this old passport or landing card (over 10 years old) so they gave it back to me. I was concerned that this would delay my visa, since I referred to a document in my application that I never ended up including. But it caused no problem.
Thanks again Alyssa. For everyone else stressing out about this…don’t worry too much, check all the boxes and you should be just fine 🙂
P.S. I didn’t pay for express processing or shipping.
P.P.S. I am still a bit hesitant and unsure about our coverage with NHS, but just because the Tier 5 guide seems to be outdated when it says we’ll only be covered in the first 12 months if we’re employed. The NHS website (and some university sites) says upon paying the IHS and being approved for a 6+ month visa, we’ll be covered just like ordinary residents. http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/uk-visitors/moving-to-england/Pages/moving-from-outside-the-eea.aspx
I just finished my application today, and I encountered the same thing with my bank. I am with TD, and they won’t not provide a letter on letterhead stating they can confirm funds, etc, instead they print off a form that says “customer account information” which doesn’t even list off your account number by the way and then provided me with a stamped bank statement. So here’s hoping that will suffice much like your situation.
I also did not fill out a points assessment form as I wasn’t directed to, and it appears after April 2016 you can not ( according to the website) so I guess that’s fine!
Here’s hoping!
Hi there!
I know this is a bit of an old comment, but I was just curious as to how this worked out for you? I am also with TD and have the same Customer Account Information. My VFS appointment this coming Monday and am stressing if it will be approved or not. Any info helps!!
Thanks
Hey! Same boat.. was yours approved after all?
Hey! I had a question regarding your process, when you received your IHS number, did you just write it down and bring it with you to your appointment? Or did you print off the email?
Hello, have you gone to your appointment yet? I wasn’t able to add the IHS number on the application either because it was already submitted by the time I paid for the IHS. I am planning on just bringing the confirmation print out with my IHS # to tomorrow’s appointment. Let me know how yours went 🙂
Hey!
I did go to my appointment on March 9th. I had printed off my confirmation for the IHS. So that was fine.
I am still waiting to hear back on a decision. So nervous!
Me too! The appointment was totally easy but nerve wracking! Good luck!
I know ! The lady had no shred of emotion haha I am a little concerned as I had a legal name change and had brought my original name change document and birth certificate to submit and Shen asked if I had photocopies-I said no as I was under the impression it was supposed to be Orignal documents. So she photocopied them and handed me back them and submitted the photocopies in my application. I’m assuming she knows what she’s doing. We will see ! Hope to find out soon. Good luck for you as welll!! Where are you applying from?
ohh interesting! I hope it works out ! It seems like she knows that is what she needed to do. I am applying from Toronto. I went on March 15th… got the text they received my documents. Hoping to hear back next week!
Hey,
How were you notified of all these steps? Do they email you?
Hi Ida! Congrats! That’s great. I am also struggling with the bank letter thing. I submitted my application yesterday and going to my appointment tomorrow. My bank was not able to put together a single letter with the account number and funds. I just have a letter confirming my funds but I printed out my online bank summary. I wasn’t able to print a recent statement because it was ending on Feb 28th and that statement does not show the money I’ve put into my chequing last week. I’m hoping they are not too much of a stickler about that. I have the bank letter confirming the $3k + funds and a recent print out of my online summary.
I applied for my Tier 5 Youth mobility visa in Canada on Jan 30, 2017. I flew from Canada on Jan 30, 2017 to UK and arrived in the UK on Jan 31, 2017 to spend a few weeks or maybe a month or two on vacation. I will return to Canada my country of birth to attend interview for visa.
I am just checking since I am not sure on the process and need to make sure that I don’t need to do anything else. The process seems so complexed. I need to know what is the right process.
Thanks for your assistance.
Not sure what you’re asking.
Hi all,
Does anyone know if we still need the self assessment points form? I just completed my application online and it didn’t prompt me towards it anywhere. Also the online points calculator isn’t on the site anymore.
Also, I booked my appointment in Toronto through the online application process, not the VSF website, and it didn’t prompt me to pay anything but the visa fee and the immigration health surcharge, do I still have to pay for the appointment? I looked around on the VSF website and found this in the FAQ:
“Do I have to apply in a Visa Application Centre (user-pay) and pay the extra fee?
No, you are free to travel to the nearest ‘Free-to-use’ Visa Application Centre, which is in Toronto. If you wish to apply at any of the other Visa Application Centres in Canada, you must be the user-pay fee.”
Does this mean the fee doesn’t apply at the Toronto office?
Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
Hi Alyssa,
Do I need to bring a statement of funds printed from the bank to my visa appointment? Or can I print one from my savings account online?
Thanks for your help!
Caitlin
Re-read post and FAQs.
Hello Alyssa,
I’m permanent resident of Canada and I have a plan to travel from Toronto to London. I received my UK visa couple hours ago, which is started from Feb 3th. But my ticket is from Feb second at 23:55 eastern time and I will arrive on London on Feb 3th. So, is there any trouble for me at the Pearson airport?
No.
Hello,
I have my visa appointment on Monday in Edmonton, I was wondering if anyone knows if I need a passport photo?
I wondered, since you’re required to have a bank statement showing funds available on the date of application ( not appointment date) and then go to your appointment, can the approx $900 you use to pay for your visa and and health surcharge be considered in your maintenance funds? Since the money is required in your bank on the date OF application or 30 days prior? For example, I have 3200 in my account the day I apply, but then i use 900 of that for my application fees online. Does that make sense? lol I think it would be a little risky, but the funds just need to be in there before or on the date you apply, not for the appointment?
Actually nevermind, I don’t think its wise. haha :D.
Hi Alyssa! Thank you ever so much for your detailed & helpful article. I will be submitting my application in January; I wondered about a couple things & would be so grateful for your advice.
PASSPORTS:
1) How many years’ worth (since birth)? Canadian Passports only? Or include previous foreign passports (I was born outside Canada/UK)?
2) For the Interview: Will I receive my passports back after NYC processing? Are color copies of current & previous passports acceptable?
DATES OF INT’L TRAVEL: How many years’ worth (since birth)?
Do you know how long it would take to appeal a denied visa application? My daughter’s application was not approved, we still do not know why. If it was because of bank funds…can this be easily remedied by me putting money in her account?
I have no idea, sorry!
Hi Alyssa,
I am wondering what advice you can give in terms of the order of which to do things, such as I know I must have the proper funds before application, but in which order should one find lodging, a job, book the flight there, apply, etc.. what order would make the most sense?
Thank you!
-Alex
Oh and also, because I need to pick up my BRP within 10 days of arrival will I need to have my flight booked prior to my application as I assume they will need to know the date to send it for me to arrange a time to pick it up?
Thanks!
Hey there, Not Alyssa, but you do not have to have a flight booked, you do however have to have an “intend to travel date”, and will need to pick up your biometrics within* 10 days of that date. So you should be going in with a solid idea of what date you want to leave.
Hey there,
I feel like the website is just taking me in circles. I am trying to apply for the Tier 5 visa and I have printed off the forms but do not see anywhere it asking me to fill out my previous travel history. It sounds like I can fill out the forms online and have an account but I have yet to come across this page. I really just want to pay for the visa and get the ball rolling but have just been super confused no matter how much I read up on it!
Thanks:)
Hi Andrea – not sure what you’re asking…
Hello all,
Just looking for a little bit of advice. The short of it is that I only noticed after my visa submission that the travel info I’d put into the “additional info” section of my application had been deleted. :/ Either there was a system error or it was a complete oversight on my part but is there anyway I can rectify this at my appointment? Am I able to hand write this missing information on the form itself or is that not acceptable?
Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
Hi there!
I’m currently filling out my application form and finding myself stumped. I entered Ireland in August 15, 2016 and visited Northern Ireland in my stay. Technically the stamp in my passport states I visited Ireland, but will I also need to state that I had visited Northern Ireland as well (Northern Ireland is a part of the UK)?
I’m also stumped on what to include in the Additional Information section of the application. Could I please get some advice? Should I mention I’ve already sought employment options and that I will be staying with my fiancée who resides in Northern Ireland?
Thank you so much! 🙂
Yes, no, no.
Hi Alyssa,
I have a Youth Mobility visa for the UK already that started in July, I entered the UK while on holiday in Europe to activate it.
I was wondering if you think its better to move to London to look for a job or apply for a job while I am still in Canada? Because I don’t know how long it will take me to get a job (i’m a new grad) and I would have to pay rent in apartment in London. Do you think it is necessary/ a lot easier being in the UK, or just a slight advantage?
Of course if I have interviews I could do it on Skype/ eventually fly down for the final round interview. Just wanted to know your opinion/ what you did in your situation?
Thanks.
Please refer to my Reader Questions posts: http://alyssawrites.com/category/living-abroad/moving-to-the-uk/
Hi,
I am a british citizen. I applied for youth mobility schme visa for canda, however I was rejected because there were no more apots available for this season so therfore they want to apply for the same visa next season. So I just wanted to know when does the new season starts in order to apply again as they have not mentioned it on their website thanks.
This is for Canadians going to the UK, sorry. Keep Googling.
Hey! Do you know if you have to use the “priority visa service” through VFS? There’s no regular service? OR is it possible to just send it off on your own? It seems a little ridiculous to pay USD $204 to have someone mail something to New York… I can’t tell if I’m just reading it wrong, it says to pay for a UPS but then when you go to it they all sound like upgrades, nothing looks like just a regular base service.
No you don’t.
Thank you so much for this blog, it’s been an absolute lifesaver for me! Went to the VFS Office in Vancouver today, they do not require a passport sized photo either. The instructions have been updated to state that only those who are exempt from giving biometrics need to bring a photo.
Thanks for sharing your experience, I’m currently on a working holiday visa in France and next week I will apply for Tier 5, since I’ve been living here since December that will not be an issue. However, I was wondering if Tier 5 allows you to live and work in Gibraltar. I mean would they accept a Gibraltar postcode as well for my application? I’ve read a lot but I can’t find this answer anywhere, I would appreciate if you have any idea on this. Thanks
On this question… I am not sure!
Hi Alyssa,
I’ve just gone through all of the appointment and processing things. I got my visa today!! Anyways, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve confirmed you don’t need passport photos for the Edmonton office either.
Thanks for all of your help, this blog was a life saver!
Kaitlyn
Thanks Kaitlyn!
Hi there,
I just completed by studies and thus the tier 4 visa has come to an end. I plan on getting this visa, however was wondering if the £1890 can be in my UK bank account when i show the proof of funds? or does it have to be in a Canadian account?
Yes it can be in your UK account.
I need some clarification..
My IHS number wasn’t included on my application because the online application never asked to include my IHS number when completing the application form.
Was I supposed to write my IHS number on the actual application paper itself after I printed it out or was I supposed to print out the IHS confirmation email and include it as a supporting document. I read and re-read all of the documents and supporting documents requirements to include and it didn’t state anywhere that I had to include my IHS number or IHS confirmation email with my application. I just assumed it would automatically be attached to my application profile since I was forced to pay the IHS fee anyways in order to complete my application.
I’m so confused now. Could anyone help. Thanks.
Heya! My understanding is that you have to enter it somewhere on the application. Hopefully someone can help you out because I’m not sure!
Hi, I went through the same thing. Did you end up getting your visa?
my application was made april 20, my biometric test august 30 and my date of entry was sept.1. i will realistically enter mid september. will the application be rejected because the entry is 4 months after the application date?
I can answer this one for you,
it has to be within 3 months of your application date.
Alyssa,
Thank you for your blog. It is very helpful. I applied for and received my Youth Mobility Visa, however, due to illness in my immediate family, I decided it was not wise to leave right away. It sort of happened between my VISA appointment and my getting the passport back to me in the mail. I ended up missing the deadline on the visa that I needed to be in the UK and activate the it by. I kind of messed up because now the sticker in my passport is no longer valid and I don’t know who to contact or how in order to change that, or if my entire application and payment of the fee has gone to waste. I would like to still use the visa if I can, but I am worried that my fee has gone to waste because I did not activate it in time. Are you able to advise me on any steps that I can take to accomplish this? Thank you for your time!
Hi Cathie,
I’m very sorry to hear that. The details have been linked to in either the FAQ or one of the comments. Good luck!
Hi Alyssa,
I was wondering if you know anything about the rules on relocating, while you’re on a tier 5 visa. If I moved to London, could I relocate to Amsterdam, since both are in Europe or do I have to stay in the UK?
Sure you could go live in Amsterdam, but you won’t be allowed to work.
Just had my visa appointment today. Brought in a passport picture at the halifax location…. turns out you dont need one there as well as they take your picture there so save yourself the 12 bucks people!
Also I noticed I had forgotten to mention a place I had travelled on my application but the girl said it was too late to add or change anything on my application… ahh Alyssa how screwed am I? Will they call me to ask about it or will they just automatically be like nope this girl ain’t getting no visa from me.
Alyssa please answer I’m freaking out about this!!!
Thanks,
Justine
Hi Justine,
Thanks for the update on the Halifax location! I’m sure it’ll be fine. Good luck!
Hi Alyssa! Thanks so much for this, it was super helpful. Here is my timeline:
Finished application: July 20th
Appointment date (Toronto): July 26th
Emailing saying my application had been received: July 27th
Visa printed: August 2nd
Visa available for pick up: August 4th
Overall very fast! My expected arrival date isn’t until Sept 4th, and I haven’t picked up my passport yet so I’m not sure if that’s the date they used or not.
A couple of notes: at the VFS in Toronto they no longer require that you bring in a passport photo, they take it there. Not a huge deal but good to know you don’t need to spend the $15 getting them taken! Also, I was worried about my bank letter because it was just a ‘profile’ showing all of my accounts and balances, and did not have my bank’s logo on it anywhere. It was completely fine. I also did not include my old passport (don’t have it anymore), and definitely left out several trips to the US that I don’t have records of, but I made a note of this in my final comments. None of this ended up being an issue!
Thanks again for this post Alyssa!
Thanks, that’s really great to know!
Hi Alyssa,
Thank you for this great information! I was not aware that you have to show up in person at one of the VFS Global offices for processing. Are those cities really the only available offices? That would mean my girlfriend in Winnipeg will have bear the costs of a flight to Toronto just to attend the appointment?
I find it rather surprising there are so few offices covering so little of the world’s second largest country. Has this not been a problem for anyone else?
I was wondering the exact same thing! Did you find answers? Did she have to fly to TO?
Hi Alyssa,
Great blog it’s helped me so much in my visa application! Just a quick Q for you – when do I find out if my visa has been accepted? I had to make my visa appointment like a month away since the halifax offices are only available 2 times a month. Do I find out right after that appointment or do I still need to wait a bit after that?
Thanks
🙂
Hey Alyssa, thanks for this post this is a total lifesaver. Do you know if a Canadian citizen can apply for a UK YMS and a France YMS at the same time? Or can they only hold one? Thanks so much!
Well, you probably can’t apply at the same time as they need your passport for each. But I don’t see why you couldn’t hold both simultaneously.
Alyssa:
I’m sorry for the double post —
I just wanted to let you know that now, it seems as though there’s a subsection in the application which says “Pay for IHS” even though you are seemingly able to pay for it separately (i.e. outside of the application prior to submitting it like your post suggests).. I’m assuming I’d have to pay for it in the online application process then?
Also — for the YMS visa, it’s only 150 pounds per year (300 pounds overall) not 200 pounds per year (400 pounds overall).
Thanks again!!
Hi again,
Thanks for the update. Yes, pay for it in the application. This is a new thing, will update the post accordingly.
Hi Alyssa,
Thanks for your post!
I’m filling out my application and I have a few questions for you:
“Place of Birth” — would I write “City, Country” (more specifically Vienna, Austria for me)?
“Place of Issue” — would I write the city in Canada where I got my Canadian passport?
“Issuing Authority” — would this be Canada (as I am a Canadian citizen applying in Canada with a Canadian passport)?
“Nationality of Parents” — I’ve seen some instructions say that I should put their current nationality (Canadian for both my mother and father) and others saying that I should put their nationality at the time of my birth (Polish for my mother, Romanian for my father).. any thoughts on this?
Thank you for your time!
Hi Mona,
Put what’s in your passport – they are all headings in a Canadian passport. As for your parents, their current nationality.
Thanks for your replies!
“Place of Issue” is the only heading I don’t actually see in my Canadian passport. When I google “Place of Issue vs. Issuing Authority”, there seems to be some disagreement between what should be listed for each.
Hi Alyssa,
Love your updated blog!
I’m from vancouver and submitted my application last night and booked my appointment two weeks from now through VFS global user pay centre.
One the Visa4UK website portal the application asks if I have national Heath insurance number from UK which I responded no to.
After submitting the application by hitting confirm I was able to proceed to the next step of signing, then book appijntment and then the reference number for national health insurance reference number.
Now, what I’d like to clarify with you is if I’ve missed a step or done the application incorrectly. Because the health insurance site was down yesterday I was unable to pay my surcharge (Canadians have to pay right) and I’m not sure if I can “delete my application” or withdrew as no payment option has been prompted to me.
Thank you lots!
Hi Jas, thanks for noticing!
Okay, so I wrote a whole long answer, re-read your comment and realized I wasn’t sure about something…you didn’t pay for the visa application, as in the £230?? If so I don’t know what to suggest. As it says in the post, don’t submit an incomplete or untruthful application. If I’ve misunderstood, please clarify. Good luck!
Hi Alyssa,
I did not pay because the site was not allowing me to. Checked this morning and it says it’s down for a few days. And my appointment has not been confirmed as a result of that too.
But in order to get to the step of IHS reference number I had to hit confirm on my application as truthfully I would not have had a reference number at the time I did.
I haven’t made any payments for anything yet. The only completed step is application submission and signed .
Did I miss a step or is there something I can do to fix?
I don’t know…. I would have said to bring the reference number to the appointment, but I’m pretty sure you have to pay the fee to get the appointment. If you can’t get a hold of the VFS folks and you can’t go back into the application system to add an IHS number then I would submit a new application after paying the IHS. That’s just what I would do, not professional advice. Hope that helps!
Hi Alyssa,
There’s no contact number for the VFS office but yes that might be the only way to bypass the system. However, because I’ve digitally signed do you think the system would prevent me from successfully creating submitting and confirm a second application?
Or would it almost be better to pay my feed for IHS and appointment fees, go into the office and explain the situation with the Is this a step they are absolutely strict about.
I just don’t want the opportunity of getting tier 5 revoked from me or being banned from moving there or something else horrible if I “duplicate” my application so I can get the IHS number.
Here’s what I found:
You’ll be contacted by UK Visas and Immigration if you didn’t pay the surcharge (or didn’t pay enough) as part of your visa or immigration application.
Your visa or immigration application will be turned down if you don’t pay the full amount:
within 10 working days if you’re inside the UK
within 7 working days if you’re outside the UK
Hello! I am applying for a Youth Mobility Visa and I’m in the middle of filling out the form. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed it’s asking me for information on my father. He’s kind of a dead beat and I haven’t seen or spoke to him in over ten years. Can I still get my visa without this information? It’s kind of unfair of me to be disqualified just because I was abandoned as a kid.
That sucks about your dad. Yes, I’m sure you can leave it blank… If not you may have to put in approximate info and explain in comments.
Hello Alyssa!
Just to clarify a few things. I was advised a normal birth certificate is not acceptable and you need to apply for the longer version one? can you confirm? Also with the health care immigration fee does this mean I am covered or should I purchase other health care? is it better to go through an agency? lastly I am thinking of going in September but I am waiting for my friend who currently resides there to move houses so I can use her address… am I waiting too long?
Any insight would be very much appreciated!
Sorry for all the questions my anxiety is having too much fun with all of this 😛
thanks again
Hi Alyssa,
You mention that if you apply, get your Visa and then don’t actually set foot in the UK, you could reapply for the T5 Visa.
Just to confirm, could you only reapply two years after the date you indicated you would enter? Or could you cancel the Visa and then reapply?
I looked for more info on this on the UK GOV site but didn’t see anything related to this. If you could link me to any info, I would be most appreciative.
PS: Love your blog!
Not sure how it works, sorry!
Hello Alyssa,
I have received my vignette to UK but because of the medical condition I am unable to fly to UK to pick up my BRP for 6 months. As written on the UK gov.uk website, I can nominate a 3rd party person who has a British passport, EU passport or Brp and who can pick up my Brp on my behalf. I did send a request to Nominate somebody else to pick up my BRP, in my case it is someone who has a EU passport and received a refusal. In the refusal it was said that in order for the 3rd party to be able to pick my BRP, I have to be physically located in the UK. The government website does Not mention this information, I states the contrary data; that I can nominate a person who can pick up my BRP. https://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/collect
I also sent a medical note from my doctor stating that I cannot fly for the next 6 months. If I have a medical condition that means I cannot be physically in UK. How can you ask me the contrary.
My vignette has already expired, I am 31 years old now, due to my medical condition I cannot fly to Uk for 6 months to pick up my BRP and they still want me to be physically present in order for the 3rd party person to collect my BRP. It just doesn’t make any sense.
Any suggestions? Maybe I can contact someone to get some assistance or guidance? I really have a feeling the person I am dealing with is not very informed and doesn’t really know his/her job.
Thank you
Hi Alyssa!
Great post. I am a Canadian living in the maritimes and thinking of moving to London in the fall. My concerns for applying for the tier 5 youth mobility visa is that I’ve been told I need to secure a job before coming over but I’ve looked on the app and everywhere else and saw no mention of this? Can you clarify? Also do I make my visa appointment in Halifax before I submit my visa or after once I’ve been accepted (well hopefully accepted!)
Thanks so much!
Re-read: Eligibility section and Steps
Hi Alyssa! This helped me with my visa application so much! I received the decision on my visa about 8 days after my biometric appointment and my passport came in two days later! for anyone else applying, the process is confusing and stressful but if you submit exactly what they ask for you should be okay. Also make sure you have the right size passport photo, a regular one from a drugstore like Shoppers Drugmart is not good.
Thanks again Alyssa!!
Hi Alyssa, great posts.
Biometric appointment: 24 of may 2016
Email confirming Reception of my file @ New York: 26 of may 2016
I also paid for the priority service to have it rushed.
My questions:
1- If accepted, do they provide me with the Visa number and details by Email? I have secured a job in London already and they are asking for that information and I am scared of losing the opportunity!!
2- Do you think I will get the Visa this week?
3- I put bank statement printed from my Online Banking that clearly shows the available funds, Unfortunately my bank took 1 month to provide me with the official letter, which I got today. Do you think they might refuse it because of that or contact me so I can send them a new one? If I am asked to send a new letter, does it Delay the application by a lot?
Thank you a lot, I really appreciate it.
Hi alyssa, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS BLOG POST! My question is: when it asks if you have dua nationalities— I was born and raised in Canada but parents are from Jordan- got the Jordanian passport from dad— i can live in Jordan if i wanted to because of him— does that count as dual nationalities??? and if i have an expired passport do i include that as well? also, in Toronto where is the best plae to get the visa phtos taken at not such a high price?
You’re welcome! Umm…sounds like it to me?; Not sure what you mean; I’m sure Google can sort you out.
Alyssa when it asked for photocopies of our supporting documents does it mean we need photocopies of our passports ect?… And how is the parking in the vfs place in toronto?
Hi Alyssa,
Thank you for such an informative website!
I had previously applied for the YMV in 2011 with my Canadian passport for a 5 month internship (foolish 19 year old decision) and left the internship in June 2011 and returned back to school. (never been back to UK to work ever since)
Is there any way I can reapply with my BNO passport? or speak to someone at the Home Office to explain my situation? It’s such a long shot, I know. Already feeling like I’m fighting a losing battle.
Thank you for your response in advance!
No.
Hi,
Just wondering if you could probably shed some light into the eligibility requirements regarding the following situation:
I have a Canadian citizenship, however my wife & my 2 kids have British citizenship. Would I still have to satisfy the requirement for ‘No Kids’, provided I satisfy the other requirements for age and savings? I believe the requirement for No Kids is to discourage people getting child benefits from the British Government, however if the the children themselves are citizens, that might not be applicable in this scenario. What do you think ?
Reallyyyy this is outside the realm of my expertise, but I’m going to say: No dependents means no dependents.
Hey I’m in the same situation, my partner and child is British citizens, was just wondering if you applied for the visa? If so did the decline or accept you because of it?
Hey alyssa. My girlfriend just applied for her youth mobility scheme visa the other day. A few days later she went to the bank to get her documents and proof of funds needed for her appointment. They’re dated after the day of application. Is this going to be a hindrance? Thanks for your help!
Re-read docs, thanks!
Hi! I’m in the same situation.. bank documents are dated a few days after the application, but the money was in the account on the date of application (there’s a line on the bank statement with that date). Was your application successful? I’ve re-read the documents page 10000 times but still makes me feel a bit nervous that I don’t have a statement printed on the actual date of my application…
Hey Rachel, if it makes you feel any better my application was done on April 22nd and my bank statement was dated April 29th. My appointment at the VAC was May 3rd and I got my visa without problem about a week later (DHL tried to deliver it Friday May 12th but I wasn’t there so it had to wait til the next Monday hehe). I’m sure you’ll be fine!
Not to sound harsh but why wouldn’t you have just followed the proper protocol. Your application will likely be rejected. It clearly states on the requirements that the documents be dated the day your application is lodged. Funds must show in your account the day you pay for your visa.
It doesn’t matter if you had the funds when you applied. If you can’t prove that, they don’t care.
You do sound a bit harsh Amanda. I don’t think Rachel’s application will “likely be rejected”. If you read my reply to her you’ll see my bank statement was dated a whole week after my date of application. No one asked me about it at my VFS appointment and I got my visa without issue. Of course it’s better to follow the exact protocol they provide but if you don’t, your application can still be successful.
I applied May 31 – my documents (online bank statements) are printed and stamped June 4, but there’s a line on the printed bank statement showing funds for May 31. I can technically prove that I had the funds on the application date, I was just worried that it mattered what day the bank stamped the documents. Thanks for both of your input… really hoping it’s not going to affect my application!
You only need to show that the money was in your account on the date of your application or 30 days before. Worry not, folks – I am updating these posts for clarity and will soon have the ultimate resource for you all! <3
LOL my bank statement was more than a month later (applied end of march and statement was dated April 28th). I got my visa this week without a problem 🙂
Thanks for all the advice everyone! Just wanted to let you all know that I got the email today saying my visa was approved!! Not sure when my passport will be sent back to my house, but at least I can stop stressing myself out now!
My timeline:
May 31 – applied online
June 4 – went to bank to get financial documents
June 7 – appointment in Toronto
June 8 – email confirming my passport/docs received in New York
June 14 – email confirming I was approved!
All together, only 5 business days from the date my passport got to New York! I did not use the premium service either.
Hopefully my passport with vignette comes before the weekend!
This timeline is so helpful, thank you! Will come in handy in a couple months for me. 🙂
Hello Alyssa,
I’m a dual citizen (Canadian and American) and live in New York.
I’m preparing to do my application and am hoping I can do my biometric appointment in New York.
As you state above, and as I’ve read elsewhere, “You can apply for this visa if you are not in Canada, as long as you have been in that country for at least six months with a long-term visa…” and you can do your biometric appointment outside Canada if you’re there “on a long-term visa.”
I’m a US citizen and live here permanently. I’m not technically here on a visa. I’m ASSUMING that this isn’t a problem, but haven’t seen it laid out anywhere.
Also, the fact that I’m a dual citizen and have never actually lived in Canada shouldn’t be a problem should it? (Canadian through my mother and have a Canadian passport.)
Any thoughts are appreciated! Thanks!
-Luke
All sounds fine to me… but I’m no expert. Good luck!
Hey Luke,
Im Canadian and applying for the Youth visa aswell. However, Im applying from Prague and am wondering about the 6 month long term residence deal. Did you get the visa and were there any questions or concerns regarding the 6 month residence?
Cheers thanks,
Jon
Hey Jon,
My visa was approved. I’m in the UK now!
However, the 6 month residency requirement referenced above wasn’t relavent to me because I had been in the US for longer than 6 months when I applied and did my BRP appointment there. But if you’ve been in the Czech Republic for less than 6 months, it sounds like applying from there may be problematic if we have to go by the letter of the rules. Good luck though.
-Luke
Hi Luke,
I saw your post and am in a similar situation. Were you able to get a YMS visa with dual citizenship?
Hi Luke!
Happy to hear another dual citizen was successful with this visa! I’ve been stewing around this for a while and am now looking deeper and more seriously into it. I’m American-born, Canadian citizen via my mother.
It’s intimidating but seems doable. I have a question for you. I read you were able to do the BRP appointment in New York since you live there. Do you have any thoughts on how to do this in California? Do I need to go to New York or Vancouver in order to complete the BRP appointment? I think this is the biggest question mark for me right now!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi Luke,
I’m in that same situation. What was the process for you for the biometric appointment? Also, did you have to fly to Toronto from New York for the interview or did you do the whole application process from New York?
Please help!
Thanks!