If moving to London is on your 2024 bucket list, then now is the time. You – along with what feels like 90 per cent of Aussies in their mid-20s navigating the quarter-life crisis – can now apply to work and live in the UK for a fun-filled three years, rather than the previous two years. The age limit to apply has also been bumped from 30 to 35, granting you extra years to gallivant with the Brits.
The pilgrimage to London has become a right of passage for many young Australians. Despite being one of the world’s most expensive cities, Aussies can’t get enough of London's rocking live music scene, bustling pub and bar culture, cracking Sunday roasts, pulsating nightlife, and the unbeatable perk of jetting off to any corner of Europe for as little as five pounds.
Thanks to this refresh of the UK Youth Mobility Scheme Visa in January 2024, Australians aged 18 to 35 can now apply to extend their visa by one year after the initial two-year period ends. Here are the key changes:
- You must be living in the UK and have a valid Youth Mobility Scheme visa to apply
- You must apply online no more than 28 days before your current visa expires
- You’ll need to pay a £298 ($580AUD) application fee and a £470 ($913AUD) immigration health surcharge
- You’ll need to prove your identity and provide documents
You’ll get a decision on the result of your application within eight weeks. Just be sure to not travel outside of the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man during this time.
Find out more details on the official Youth Mobility Scheme website, and consider packing a few extra packets of Tim Tams before you leave for the UK – just in case your bonus year gets the green light.