United Kingdom Opens Youth Mobility Visa Ballot for July 2026

Key Point 

• The United Kingdom will open the second 2026 ballot for the Youth Mobility Scheme visa in July, with limited places available for certain nationalities. 

Youth Mobility Visa Ballot for July 2026 

The United Kingdom (U.K.) government confirmed the opening of the second ballot for the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa, scheduled to run from July 14 to July 16, 2026. 

Who Must Enter the Ballot 

The ballot system applies to applicants from: 

• Hong Kong (SAR passport holders) 
• Taiwan 

Nationals of Japan and South Korea are no longer required to enter the ballot and may apply directly at any time.  

Ballot Process and Allocation 

• The ballot is open for 48 hours 
• Entry is free, but applicants must intend to apply for the visa 
• Only one entry per applicant is permitted 

For 2026, there are: 

• 1,000 places for Hong Kong nationals 
• 1,000 places for Taiwanese nationals 

The government allocates most places in the February round, with remaining spots assigned in the July ballot.  

Next Steps for Successful Applicants 

Candidates selected in the ballot will: 

• Receive notification by July 30, 2026 
• Have 90 days to submit a visa application and provide biometrics 
• Typically receive a decision within three weeks after their appointment 

Successful applicants will use an eVisa system rather than a physical visa vignette. 

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