2021 Youth Mobility Scheme for Japanese nationals

There is now a total of 1,500 places available to Japanese nationals for 2021. 800 places were allocated in the first ballot in January 2021, while an additional 700 places will be made available in the second ballot in July. If your application is successful you will be able to live, work and study in the UK for up to 2 years.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the scheme you should send one email per applicant to: Japan.YMS2021@fcdo.gov.uk between midday (12pm) on Monday 12 July 2021 to midday on Wednesday 14 July 2021 (Tokyo time).

The header or subject line of your email must contain your name, date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY) and passport number as shown in your passport.

This must be written in English only.

For example: SUZUKI Miyu – 31/03/2000 – Passport123456789

The main body of your email should include the following information, written in English:

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • Passport Number
  • Mobile phone number

The email account will only be open for 48 hours and all emails received within this timeframe will be sent an automated reply confirming receipt.

Once the ballot closes 700 applicants will be chosen at random by UKVI. If you have been successful a second email will be sent to you by 16 July to confirm acceptance and provide further instructions on how to make an appointment, along with documentary evidence required to apply for your entry clearance.

Please note successful applicants must prepare online applications and online credit card payments no later than 16 August 2021. Failure to submit your payment online by this date will automatically remove your name from the list and your allocation will be retracted. After you have paid online you have 90 days to book your appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and submit your paperwork for consideration.

If you are a Japanese national living overseas you can also apply following the instructions above, and if you are chosen to apply you will be able to do so in your country/territory of residence. Applications cannot be submitted for the Youth Mobility Scheme in the UK.

If you’re unsuccessful you will also receive an email by 16 July and no further action is required.

Further information about the scheme can be found on gov.uk and any enquiries relating to the application process, online application forms and questions in general should be directed to the UKVI International Enquiry Line.